INPROGRESS File – What is .inprogress file and how to open it?
INPROGRESS File Extension
Time Machine Backup Progress File – file format by Apple
INPROGRESS is a file extension associated with Time Machine, Apple’s backup software. It represents a file that is in progress of being backed up and should not be deleted until the backup is complete.
Definition and Purpose of INPROGRESS Files
An INPROGRESS file, with the extension .INPROGRESS, is a type of file utilized by Apple’s Time Machine application during the process of backing up data. It is a temporary file that serves to record the progress of a backup operation. This file is created upon initiation of the backup and is continuously updated as the backup progresses. Its primary function is to provide a means of resuming incomplete backups if interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances.
Significance and Operations
The contents of an INPROGRESS file consist of metadata that documents the status of the backup operation. This includes information such as the total number of files to be backed up, the number of files successfully backed up, and any encountered errors. Time Machine utilizes this file to determine the point at which a backup was paused or interrupted, allowing it to resume the backup from the exact point of interruption when restarted. Additionally, the file helps prevent the duplication of already backed-up files, ensuring efficient backup operations. Once the backup is complete, the INPROGRESS file is automatically removed, indicating a successful backup operation.
Understanding INPROGRESS Files
INPROGRESS files are created by Apple’s Time Machine backup utility and indicate that a backup is currently in progress. They contain temporary information and settings related to the backup process, such as the files that have been backed up so far and the remaining files to be processed. INPROGRESS files are typically not intended to be opened or manipulated by users. They are automatically generated and deleted by Time Machine once the backup is complete.
Opening INPROGRESS Files
Opening an INPROGRESS file is not recommended, as it can potentially interfere with the ongoing backup process. However, if you need to examine the contents of an INPROGRESS file for troubleshooting purposes, you can use a utility such as a hex editor. This will allow you to view the raw data contained in the file, but it is important to exercise caution when doing so. Modifying or deleting the contents of an INPROGRESS file can corrupt the backup and cause unexpected issues.
Developer and Purpose
The .INPROGRESS file extension is associated with Apple’s Time Machine, a backup utility included in macOS. Time Machine automatically backs up files from the user’s computer to an external storage device. The .INPROGRESS file is a temporary file that appears during the backup process and indicates that a backup is in progress.
Characteristics and Location
The .INPROGRESS file is created in the root directory of the external storage device that is being used for the backup. Its name format is “In Progress XXX,” where XXX represents a unique identifier for the backup session. The file contains information about the backup progress, such as the number of files backed up, the estimated time remaining, and any errors encountered. Once the backup is complete, the .INPROGRESS file is automatically deleted.
Significance and Troubleshooting
The .INPROGRESS file is essential for monitoring the progress of a Time Machine backup. It allows users to track the backup’s status and ensures that the backup is running smoothly. If the backup process is interrupted or if errors occur, the .INPROGRESS file may provide valuable information for troubleshooting. Additionally, the presence of an .INPROGRESS file in the root directory of an external storage device indicates that a Time Machine backup is in progress, preventing users from accidentally copying or deleting files that are currently being backed up.