Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: OSStatus-Error when trying to tell Time Machine to use external server as backup drive

Learn how to fix: OSStatus-Error when trying to tell Time Machine to use external server as backup drive.

Quick Answer: Try checking your system settings or restarting.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 💡 Why You Are Getting This Error
  2. 🚀 How to Resolve This Issue
  3. 🎯 Final Words

The error 'OSStatus-Error when trying to tell Time Machine to use external server as backup drive' occurs when attempting to connect a Mac to a Raspberry Pi 3-based Samba share for time machine backups. This issue affects users who have set up their Raspberry Pi 3 as an external backup drive using Samba and are experiencing difficulties with the connection.

The frustration of this error is that it prevents users from utilizing the full potential of their Raspberry Pi 3, which has been installed with the necessary software to function as a Time Machine backup server. In this guide, we will explore the possible causes of this error and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve the issue.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

  • The primary cause of this error is that the OSStatus error code (-1073741275) may not be recognized by Time Machine's error handling mechanism. This can result in the program unable to properly interpret the error and complete the backup process. Additionally, the Samba service may not be configured correctly, leading to issues with time machine connection.
  • An alternative reason for this error could be that there are other network-related issues at play, such as incorrect DNS settings or interference from other devices on the same network.

🚀 How to Resolve This Issue

Configuring Samba to use a different protocol

  1. Step 1: Open the Terminal app and run the command `sudo smbd --test` to check if the Samba service is functioning correctly.
  2. Step 2: If the test command runs without errors, proceed to edit the `/etc/samba/smb.conf` file using the command `sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf`.
  3. Step 3: Add the following lines at the end of the file: `[Time Machine] comment = Time Machine backup server path = /mnt/backup browseable = yes writable = no valid users = your_username guest ok = no force user = your_username socket options = TCP `], where 'your_username' should be replaced with your actual username.
  4. Step 4: Save the changes and exit the editor. Then, restart the Samba service using the command `sudo systemctl restart smbd`.
  5. Step 5: Test again by running `sudo smbd --test` to ensure that the configuration change was successful.

Using a different method to configure Time Machine

  1. Step 1: Run the command `defaults write com.apple.timeMachine TM_SMBClient -bool true` in the Terminal app.
  2. Step 2: Then, restart your Mac and attempt to connect to the Raspberry Pi 3-based Samba share using Time Machine. If this solution works, it may be due to an issue with the original configuration method.

🎯 Final Words

To resolve the 'OSStatus-Error when trying to tell Time Machine to use external server as backup drive' error, try configuring Samba to use a different protocol or utilize an alternative method to configure Time Machine. If you are still experiencing issues after attempting these solutions, consider seeking further assistance from online forums or technical support.

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