external HD problem

[TarsierSpectral]

Hi,

I am on Tiger.
Every time I try to backup my files to an external HD I end up with a folder called the same name as my external drive in /volumes. For example if my external drive is called MyExternalDrive I end up with folder called MyExternalDrive in /volumes (/volumes/MyExternalDrive). It's not an alias it's a regular folder.
I tried different backup programs and this happens no matter what I use. It has to be something in the OS that is doing that. Anyone has any ideas?

Thanks

 

[TarsierSpectral]

Just to add to this. The problem is that once the external drive is ejected the folder remains in /volumes and all the contents of the external drive are there. It takes all the space left on the internal drive and complains that the internal drive is full.

 

[spamjim]

In regard to "/volumes", BSD/*nix systems mount drives this way.

By default, an OS X user does not see this folder (but it can be made visible:

http://www.milkcarton.com/blog/CommentView,guid,11135e07-6332-4c64-a883-61810d48b80c.aspx

).

What backup software is being used? Did you do an unusual action to reveal the /volumes that might be preventing it from refreshing when the drive is ejected?

You might google for a tweak to force refresh Finder and possible clear out that /volume directory when the volume is ejected.

http://www.google.com/search?q=os+x+finder+refresh

If you want an exact replica of the primary drive, look to CarbonCopyCloner (freeware) or a similar app to do this.

 

[JimHilton]

Thats actually correct. In the /volumes folder (consider it the "root" of the tree), it will show all "volumes" connected to the machine.

So if you want to do a backup and your machines HD name is say myhd you could simply drag/drop /volumes/myhd to /volumes/mybackupdrive.

CCC (Carbon copy cloner) is a great utility and that will make an exact image of your main HD. Could really be handy if your main HD dies.

Jim