How to Use Explainfile to Diagnose Backup Issues (Mac)

Backblaze provides a diagnostic tool called "Explainfile" that can help you troubleshoot files that were not accurately backed up.

Download and Use Explainfile

1. Download Explainfile.
2. Locate the DMG file typically found in your Downloads folder.
3. Double-click the DMG file to open it.
4. Open the application inside the DMG file.
   1. If an error message is displayed, control-click the application and select Open. If prompted, click Open again.
      If the application opens, continue to step 5. If it does not open, continue to step 4b.
   2. If the application still does not open, open the Apple menu, and select System Settings.
   3. Select Privacy & Security in the sidebar.
   4. Scroll to the Security section.
   5. Locate the message about the Explainfile application, and click Open Anyway.
   6. Enter the password for your Mac, and click Open in the confirmation dialog.
5. Select the file (not the folder) that is improperly backing up, and click Choose.

A script runs that locates all of the instances of the file in your Backblaze logs and inputs them into two files. When complete, a dialog is displayed. It may take a few minutes for the script to complete. The following files are displayed on your desktop: bzexplainfile.txt and bzexcluderules_editable.xml.