Comparison limits / suggestions

[Wgs47]

I’m a new (happy) user

I have recently had hard drive issues on my Mac mini M1
Leading to buying new external drive
Transferring all files from damaged master backup for restoring the compromised drive.

I just did one compare of a 76gb folder (succesful) took about 9 minutes (usb c)

Are their suggestions / experiences on how large compares should be performed
( I’m wondering if whole drives have been built ? )

Thanks, bill

[Plerry]

> Transferring all files from damaged master backup for restoring the compromised drive.

Restoring from a damaged backup ... Hmmm

Looking at the time it took to compare 76gb, you almost certainly compared by file size and time, not by file content. This will only tell you if (identically named) files are missing or have a different size and or date, not if the data in those files is identical.
Because of your damaged backup, you may want to run a Compare on file content. Then you will see any discrepancies.
But note that a compare by file content of 76gb will take much longer. So, don't be in a rush.

[Wgs47]

I responded yesterday .. somehow didn’t submit ??
Doing a content compare is important to me, I checked and setting was for that.
Did addional compares yesterday ans saw message “comparing content”
Folder sizes 20 to 40 gb and times were in under 10 mins.
These were done on Mac mini M1 chip using usb “c” ..a 4tb wd and 6tb seagate
My original drive problems may have been caused using the Mac’s usb A ports , … the “c” ports used for other devices.
Once I’ve done additional confirms my new backups are accurate, I will be rebuilding my “master” external backup, and hopefully not have the “copy failed” messages I was seeing using the “a” ports
Thanks for your “be careful “ message