2026-09-30T17:10:47+01:00 Zend_Feed_Writer https://www.augwessex.org.uk/discussions/view/2244 AUGW info@augwessex.org.uk https://www.augwessex.org.uk/ 2026-09-28T16:52:03+01:00 https://www.augwessex.org.uk/discussions/view/2244#11019 Richard I info@augwessex.org.uk https://www.augwessex.org.uk/ I have a 4TB external HD which I use for timemachine backups. At the end of a backup I eject the disk by "right clicking" its icon and selecting eject. The icon disappears -which I have always assumed means that it is safe to disconnect it. However, I have found that it continues to "chunter" (disk head movement) for over a minute. What is it doing? When is it OK to disconnect? Thanks Richard 2026-09-30T17:10:47+01:00 https://www.augwessex.org.uk/discussions/view/2244#11020 Mick Burrell info@augwessex.org.uk https://www.augwessex.org.uk/ A year after your last backup ;-) Time Machine is a very complex database keeping track of old files and their recent revisions. To maintain space when necessary, it will delete old files providing there is a newer version. The disc is probably tidying up after it has copied all that's necessary so is best left attached until you're sure it's no longer working - hence my initial flippant comment. With a desktop machine, I'd advise leaving it permanently connected unless you have a specific reason for not doing so. I appreciate that with a laptop this is not practical.