Copy Time machine backup using a different Mac

A friend has a Time Machine backup from an iMac that he sold some time ago. He's concerned that the drive might fail so wants to make a copy of the backup, but doesn't have a Mac at the moment. So he'd like to use my MacBook to copy his backup drive. The backup is about 400GB, my HD is 256GB and he'd like to copy it to a new 1TB drive.
All the answers that I can find to similar questions assume that the Time Machine backup belongs to the Mac making the copy, in this case it doesn't. So is there a way to copy a Time Machine backup using a Mac that wasn't used to create the backup?

Hi ozRob,
If you would like to copy an existing Time Machine backup from one drive to another, you may find the following article helpful:
Time Machine: How to transfer backups from the current backup drive to a new backup drive
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5096
Regards,
- Brenden

Similar Messages

  • Backup management: how to update a Time Machine backup on a different Mac?

    Hello everyone,
    I need some advice. I have a question, which I think is simple, but my situation is a bit complicated, so I am not sure about what to do.
    I will try to describe it as simply as possible.
    There are 3 macs:
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    C: another modern macbook pro (TBD)
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    When you get MBP C and start it up for the first time you will be given the option to transfer data or not. You can transfer data from another Mac or from a backup such as Time Machine. The former requires that you be able to connect the two computers directly together either by Ethernet cable or by having both connected to a local Ethernet network. You can use wireless, but it's very slow compared to Ethernet, so I don't recommend wireless.
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    Also, see Pondini's Time Machine FAQ for help with all things Time Machine.

  • I used migration assn't to load a Time Machine backup onto a new mac.  The first TM backup after that took some time, perhaps not surprising.  But the backups thereafter have all taken hours, with huge amounts of "indexing" time.  Time to reload TM?

    I used migration assn't to load a Time Machine backup onto a new mac.  The first TM backup after that took some time, perhaps not surprising.  But the backups thereafter have all taken hours, with huge amounts of "indexing" time.  Time to reload TM?

    Does every backup require lots of indexing?  If so, the index may be damaged.
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  • Access Time Machine Backup from a different computer

    Hi everyone,
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    The Northern Contingent wrote:
    Hi everyone,
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    But note (in regard to the Jeremy's post) that if you do get a new logic board - yes, he's right, you'll have a different MAC address, which means you can't continue on with your TM backups. But you can't change the MAC address on the logic board; instead, there's a nice, geeky way to change the Time Machine backups record of what MAC address they were married to. You'll find the info here:
    http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20080128003716101

  • Can Time Machine Backup to Two Different Drives?

    I have many Apple Computers, and I was wondering if it were possible to have time machine backup to two different drives.
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    Let me add some more observations. I use two disks, one at home (its a mounted volume on another Mac at home) and the other is a portable disk that I attach to my MBP at work. This works fine.
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  • Copying Time Machine Backup

    hi
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    Although the documentation says you can copy Time Machine backups in the Finder, it's very slow and sometimes doesn't work at all.
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    Delete the volume you're going to copy from the list of backup destinations. Then turn Time Machine OFF.
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    In the TM preference pane, select the new volume as a backup destination.

  • Can't copy Time Machine backups to new hard drive

    The external HD with the Time Machine files is unusable (it can't be written to). Disk Utilities reports missing/damaged nodes and recommends copying all files to a new volume and erasing the HD. I got a brand new HD and began copying the contents. I was able to transfer all the regular files but when I tried to copy the Time Machine files, I got this message: "The backup can't be copied because the backiup volume doesn't have ownership enabled."
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    Thanks

    Michael Brady wrote:
    I want to use the new HD as the TM volume and continue with the same sequence of backups.
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    And it's not a good idea to mix other data with your backups. See #3 in [Time Machine - Frequently Asked Questions|http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/FAQ.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of this forum).

  • I cannot able able to start my macbook and then i started my mac in a recovery mode now mac os X utility window opens with 4 options 1. Restore From Time Machine Backup 2. Reinstall Mac OSX 3. Get Help Online 4. Disk Utility if i try to restore my mac wit

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    Guitar21,
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  • Problems when Copying Time Machine Backups to another Drive

    MacBook Pro Retina 250 GB SSD (mid 2013) and Mavericks:
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    The Backup directory on the new disk is some 40 GB smaller than on the original disk – and grayed out, i.e. unable to open. 
    Again I followed strictly the instructions for formatting the new drive, as I did earlier. The only difference in between the two actions:
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    a pages, numbers and keynote update, which I deleted after a few tries and I reinstalled Pages9 etc. again The simplified apps were useless for me, as too many of the standard features of iWork 9 - an ergonomic, simplier but almost full alternative to MS Office – are missing.
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    Another message, the one about "unable to convert", I missed the screenshot...

    Although the documentation says you can copy Time Machine backups in the Finder, it's very slow and sometimes doesn't work at all.
    First, open the Time Machine preference pane and click the Options button. You may have to unlock the settings first by clicking the padlock icon in the lower left corner of the window. Authenticate as an administrator.
    Delete the volume you're going to copy from the list of backup destinations. Then turn Time Machine OFF.
    Launch Disk Utility, open the built-in help, and search for the term "Duplicate." Follow the instructions. All existing data on the destination volume will be erased. That shouldn't be a problem, because you don't want to mix backup and non-backup data on the same drive anyway.
    In the TM preference pane, select the new volume as a backup destination.

  • HT201250 existing Time Machine backups to a new Mac

    how do i migrate existing time machine backups to a new mac from my time capsule?

    It took a little more research, but that link in the end solved my problem.  After mounting the Time Capsule and the previous backup sparsebundle, I ran these commands to inherit the old backup (with <capsule> and <machine> representing the names of the Time Capsule and machine/hard drive respectively:
              sudo tmutil inheritbackup /Volumes/<capsule>/<machine>.sparsebundle
              sudo tmutil associatedisk -a / /Volumes/Time\ Machine\ Backups/Backups.backupdb/<machine>/2012-12-09-114511/<machine>
              sudo tmutil setdestination /Volumes/<capsule>/
    "2012-12-09-114511" was the latest snapshot that was there.  According to the documentation, you can pick any snapshot, since the "-a" in that command will update all of the associated snapshots.

  • Using Time machine backup drive on new mac

    Hi
    I have an external hard drive that has a time machine backup on it. I want to use it on a re-installed mac, the re-installed mac has quite a few new files on it.
    Can you just plug it in and copy all the files across to the newly installed Mac and carry on - or is there a danger of anything going missing?
    Thanks for your advice.

    Turn off TM or set the backup drive to null. Rename your computer in Sharing preferences to the same computer name of your old computer. Turn TM back on and reselect the backup drive. TM will behave as you expect. Of course if the file dates on the new machine are all changed since the migration, then TM will correctly assume that they require backing up. You will then find that there will not be sufficient space on the drive for the new backups. If this occurs then you should simply erase the backup drive and start your TM backup anew.

  • Cannot use Migration Assistant to migrate from a Time Machine backup to a new Mac.

    I have a supposedly valid Time Machine backup for both of the MacBook Pro's we have (had).  My wifes is Pro is working but mine died.  I am replacing it with a MacBook Air.  Following the steps, I tried to Migrate all my Pro files and apps from a TM backup using the Migration Assistant but it stops at 'Looking for source' and never gets past this.
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    We called this into MyApple and after elevating this to the next level, they still cannot explain it.
    I have used this feature in the past prior to upgrading to Mavericks so I am wondering if the fault is there?
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    Thanks,
    Dave

    I may have solved this (partly). A search reveal A LOT of peoplel having the same issue.  One solution put forward was that the Time Machine backups were not complete.  I noticed in mine, non of the backups for a quite a while have no Applications or System files backup.  The solution was to do a TM reset.  I did that and ran a new backup of the one MacBook Pro that is still working.  After it was complete, the backup had the Applications and System data in it.  I was able to open the Migration ssistant and it found the drive.
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    Dave

  • Can I still use my "old" Mac after restoring Time Machine backup to a new Mac?

    Hi guys.
    Will I still be able to use my old Macbook Pro 2008 (Leopard) after restoring his latest Time Machine backup on a new Macbook Pro 2012 (Lion)?
    Using Setup Assistant and transfering data using Time Machine creats the same Account on the new machine that was on the old one. I just don't know how the old machine will react towards his clone. I don't want to make a mess...
    Please let me know.
    Thanks

    It should work if the drive is connected directly to your Mac. That is not the same as saying that it will work.
    Since Mountain Lion was just released, it might make sense to hold on a few weeks and watch the forums for new and unforeseen issues before you dive in.

  • Copying Time Machine backups

    If you find you need more space for Time Machine backups, or want to change locations (local to network, or vice-versa), your best bet is to simply start a new set of backups in the new location. Keep the old ones "on the shelf" until you're sure you don't need them. (If you're backing-up to a locally-connected disk, it's best to give it a different name.)
    You can always browse and restore from the old backups, via the +*Browse Other Time Machine Disks+* option (hold down the Option key while selecting the TM icon in your menubar, or right-click the TM icon in your Dock).
    |
    But if you want, in many cases you can copy your Time Machine backups to a new location. It's not quick, and sometimes not easy. And there are some restrictions:
    |
    If your backups were made to an internal or directly-connected USB or FireWire disk or partition, you must copy all the backups for all the Macs that were backed-up to the same disk/partition that way.
    You can only copy a complete set of backups, not just some individual backups.
    You cannot merge two or more sets of backups, even for the same Mac.
    On Leopard, you cannot change from local to network, or vice-versa.
    You cannot convert case-sensitive backups to case-ignorant, or vice-versa.
    You cannot copy anything from corrupted backups.
    |
    Because of the last two items, be sure your backups are ok by Repairing them, per #A5 in the Time Machine - Troubleshooting *User Tip.*
    While you're using Disk Utility, determine whether the backups are case-sensitive; you'll need to know that below.
    When you select a volume in Disk Utility's sidebar, the Format is shown towards the lower left. If your backups are in a +sparse bundle,+ double-click the sparse bundle to mount it, then select the +Time Machine Backups+ (or +Backup of <computer name>)+ partition that will appear, indented, below the sparse bundle.
    The Format is either +Mac OS Extended (Journaled),+ meaning case-ignorant, or +Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, journaled).+
    |
    The method of copying is different depending on how the backups were made; whether you're changing from local to network, or vice-versa; and, in some cases, for Leopard vs. Snow Leopard
    Part of the complexity below is because Time Machine stores it's backups differently depending on how they were made:
    +*Local backups+* (made to an internal disk or a USB or FireWire disk connected directly to a Mac) are stored in a folder named "Backups.backupdb", at the top level of the drive/partition.
    +*Network backups+* (made over a network, whether via WIFI or Ethernet) are also stored in a folder named "Backups.backupdb," but it's on a partition inside a special container called a +sparse bundle+ at the top level of the drive/partition.
    You cannot just switch from one method to the other.
    |
    Note that below, a "volume" is either an entire disk drive or a partition on a disk drive.
    Before starting to copy, turn Time Machine off, via TM Preferences. When done, select the new destination.
    Copying backups will take a long time under the best of circumstances; even a small set of backups will contain +several hundred thousand+ files; a large one may number in the millions.
    |
    *_C O N T E N T S_*
    *1. To copy LOCAL backups from one volume to another LOCAL VOLUME*
    *2. To copy NETWORK backups to another NETWORK location*
    *3. To copy LOCAL BACKUPS to be used on a NETWORK*
    *4. To copy NETWORK backups to be used LOCALLY*
    |
    _*1. To copy LOCAL BACKUPS from one volume to another LOCAL VOLUME_*
    *_Using SNOW LEOPARD:*_
    a. Format the new drive/partition, with either the GUID or APM *Partition Map Scheme,* and the exact same Format as the old backups. See item #5 in the Frequently Asked Questions *User Tip* if you need detailed instructions.
    b. Connect both drives to your Mac, via separate ports if possible.
    c. Right-click the new volume on your desktop or Finder sidebar and select +Get Info.+ If the +Ignore ownership on this volume+ box is checked, click the padlock at the lower right and enter your Admin password at the prompt. Then remove the check mark from the box and close the window.
    d. Drag the Backups.backupdb folder from the old volume to the top level of the new one. Enter your Admin password when prompted.
    |
    *_Using LEOPARD:_*
    You cannot copy local backups properly from one volume to another via the Leopard Finder. But you can duplicate the backups to a different volume via the +Disk Utility+ app (in your Applications/Utilities folder).
    Note that you must duplicate an *entire volume* to another *entire volume* -- if you have other items on the old volume, they will be copied, too (this is a bad idea: see item #3 in the Frequently Asked Questions *User Tip).* Also, any data already on the new volume will be erased.
    |
    a. Format the new drive/partition, with either the GUID or APM *Partition Map Scheme,* and the exact same Format as the old backups. See item #5 in the Frequently Asked Questions *User Tip* if you need detailed instructions.
    b. Connect both drives to your Mac, via separate ports if possible, then open a Finder window. Make sure both volumes are shown in the sidebar (if not, from the Menubar select +Preferences > Sidebar,+ and check the box to show +External disks+ in the sidebar). Leave the Finder window open.
    c. Start Disk Utility, select either volume (indented under the main drive line), and click the Restore tab.
    d. Drag the old volume to the Source box, and the new volume to the Destination box.
    e. Check the +Erase destination+ box, then the Restore button. This will take a long time.
    f. When the duplication is complete, note that Disk Utility has *+changed the name+* of the destination volume to be the same as the source. You do not want to leave it that way, so immediately rename one of them. In the sidebar of the Finder window opened above, right-click the one you want to rename. When done, look back at the Disk Utility display to be sure you renamed the right one, then quit Disk Utility.
    +Go to Top+
    |
    _*2. To copy NETWORK BACKUPS to another NETWORK location_*
    *SNOW LEOPARD or LEOPARD*
    |
    If you're copying to a Time Capsule, configure your Time Capsule for your network. (See the documentation that came with your Time Capsule for information about setting it up on your network.)
    If you're copying from one Time Capsule to another Time Capsule, give the new one a different name. Then use one Ethernet cable to connect your Mac to the Ethernet port on the existing Time Capsule, and use another Ethernet cable to connect from the existing Time Capsule to the new one if at all possible. If not, leave your Mac in the same room as the Time Capsules.
    If you're copying to a USB drive to be connected to a Time Capsule, Airport Extreme, or another Mac on your network, connect it directly to your Mac and format it with either the GUID or APM *Partition Map Scheme,* and either +Mac OS Extended (Journaled)+ or +Mac OS Extended Case-sensitive, journaled)+ Format. See item #5 in the Frequently Asked Questions *User Tip* if you need detailed instructions.
    |
    a. Configure Time Machine to back up to the new network location, but don't start a backup.
    b. If possible, connect the old and/or new drive(s) directly to your Mac (or a Time Capsule via Ethernet).
    c. Open a Finder window for each network location by double-clicking on each. Note the amount of free space on the new one.
    d. Drag the +sparse bundle+ from the old network location to the new one.
    Note that the copied sparse bundle will have the same +*maximum size*+ as the old one. (Just to be contrary, though, +Time Machine Preferences+ will incorrectly show the new volume size.)
    |
    *SNOW LEOPARD: 10.6.3 and above:*
    |
    That's not a problem; Time Machine will increase it automatically on the next backup. You're done!
    |
    *SNOW LEOPARD: 10.6.0 through 10.6.2:*
    |
    1. Drag the sparse bundle to Disk Utility's sidebar and select it, but don't mount the +Time Machine Backups+ or +Backup of <computer name>+ partition.
    2. Click +Resize Image+ in the toolbar (or +Images > Resize+ from the menubar).
    3. Enter the size desired (that you noted in step c above) and click Resize.
    4. Double-click the sparse bundle to mount the +Time Machine Backups+ or +Backup of <computer name>+ partition.
    5. With the sparse bundle still selected, click the Partition tab towards the top of the window.
    6. In the diagram that appears, drag the lower right corner of the partition all the way to the bottom, and click Apply.
    |
    LEOPARD:
    |
    1. Drag the sparse bundle to Disk Utility's sidebar and select it, but don't mount the +Backup of <computer name>+ partition.
    2. Click +Resize Image+ in the toolbar (or +Images > Resize+ from the menubar).
    3. Click the disclosure triangle below the slider, and select +Resize Partition and Image.+
    4. Move the slider to the desired size and click Resize.
    5. Double-click the sparse bundle to mount the +Backup of <computer name>+ partition.
    6. With the sparse bundle still selected, click the Partition tab towards the top of the window.
    7. In the diagram that appears, drag the lower right corner of the partition all the way to the bottom, and click Apply.
    +Go to Top+
    |
    _*3. To copy LOCAL BACKUPS to be used on a NETWORK_*
    *SNOW LEOPARD only; you cannot convert Local Backups to Network on Leopard.*
    |
    If you're copying to a Time Capsule, configure your Time Capsule for your network. (See the documentation that came with your Time Capsule for information about setting it up on your network.)
    If you're copying to a USB drive to be connected to a Time Capsule, Airport Extreme, or other Mac, connect it directly to your Mac and format it with either the GUID or APM *Partition Map Scheme,* and either +Mac OS Extended (Journaled)+ or +Mac OS Extended Case-sensitive, journaled)+ Format. See item #5 in the Frequently Asked Questions *User Tip* if you need detailed instructions.
    a. Configure Time Machine to back up to the network location, and start a backup.
    b. As soon as the +sparse bundle+ is created, cancel the backup (that may take a few moments).
    c. If possible, connect the new drive directly to your Mac (or a Time Capsule via Ethernet).
    d. Use the Finder to mount the new sparse bundle.
    e. Double-click it to mount the +Time Machine Backups+ partition inside it.
    f. Click the +Time Machine Backups+ partition to open it, and delete the Backups.backupdb folder inside it.
    g. If the old backups are case-ignorant (per the yellow box above), you must change the new sparse bundle to be case-ignorant, too:
    |
    1. Select the +Time Machine Backups+ partition in Disk Utility's sidebar and click Erase.
    2. Select the +Mac OS Extended (Journaled)+ Format, and click the Erase button. That may take a few moments (to unmount, erase, and mount the partition again).
    3. Via the Finder, do a +Get Info+ on the +Time Machine Backups+ partition.
    4. Click the padlock at the lower right and enter your Admin password at the prompt.
    5. Remove the check from the +Ignore ownership on this volume+ box and close the window.
    |
    h. Via the Finder, drag the Backups.backupdb folder from the old volume to the new +Time Machine Backups+ partition. Enter your Admin password when prompted. After a few moments, you may also get a prompt saying that you'll need to enter it again later: click Continue.
    +Go to Top+
    |
    _*4. To copy NETWORK BACKUPS to be used LOCALLY_*
    *SNOW LEOPARD only; you cannot convert Network Backups to Local on Leopard.*
    |
    a. Format the new drive/partition, with either the GUID or APM *Partition Map Scheme,* and the exact same Format as the old backups. See item #5 in the Frequently Asked Questions *User Tip* if you need detailed instructions.
    b. Right-click the new volume on your desktop or Finder sidebar and select +Get Info.+ If the +Ignore ownership on this volume+ box is checked, click the padlock at the lower right and enter your Admin password at the prompt. Then remove the check mark from the box and close the window.
    c. Connect the old drive directly to your Mac if possible.
    d. Use the Finder to mount the old sparse bundle.
    e. Double-click it to mount the +Time Machine Backups+ or +Backup of <computer name>+ partition inside it.
    f. Click the partition to open it, and drag the Backups.backupdb folder from the disk image to the top level of the new volume. Enter your Admin password when prompted. After a few moments, you may also get a prompt saying that you'll need to enter it again later: click Continue.
    +Go to Top+

    Bob Timmons wrote:
    Ton of work...great job!
    +You can always browse and restore from the old backups, via the Browse Other Time Machine Disks option (hold down the Option key while selecting the TM icon in your menubar, or right-click the TM icon in your Dock).+
    Odd that on my MacBook Pro and iMac (both 2008, both running Snow Leopard 10.6.3), that I need to hold down the Control key to do this.
    What do you show in +System Preferences > Keyboard > Modifier Keys+ for the Control and Option keys? I think I saw something in another forum about some keyboards having them reversed, perhaps some European versions?
    I hate to put even more alternatives in these things, but perhaps I should add that one?
    Great stuff and should be very useful as a number of users are buying new Time Capsules to replace their earlier generation models. Most seem to want to try to hold onto their old backups and transfer to a new TC when they get one.
    Yeah, I really don't understand why some folks get so nutzo about keeping backups for years, but I guess it beats the opposite.
    Was curious if you found a way to compact the sparsebundle after users delete a number of backups, but the sparsebundle file still indicates the same amount of data is being used. I know you can compact using Terminal commands, but Terminal scares me. I understand the basic nuts and bolts, but programming is a language that I don't speak.
    Yes, in #12 of the FAQ tip I show how to do it via Terminal, but I hate sending a novice to Terminal. (I avoid it myself as much as possible.)
    Now that you mention it, I'm going to use the Feedback site to request adding "Compact" to Disk Utility's options for sparse bundles. Maybe if a few of us chime in, they'll do it?
    I still have my "first generation 1TB TC, now about 22 months old (holding my breath on the power supply capacitors),but the device has been flawless otherwise. Not too worried, as I also keep bootable SuperDuper clones of both computers on an attached drive on both computers along with another set of Time Machine backups that I manually handle about once a week. Redundant, but I would rather be safe than sorry.
    I couldn't agree more! I backup via TM to an AEBS, so am even more paranoid! But I have a CCC clone updated daily; other things to CDs/DVDs in my safe deposit box; and some small stuff goes to iDisk via Backup daily.
    Thanks very much for your help.

  • Linking previous Time Machine Backup to a new Mac OS X Reinstall

    Hi guys,
    Several recurring problems prompted me to reinstall Mac OS X Leopard 10.5. Beforehand, I had made a copy/clone of my entire Macintosh HD onto an external hard drive. After the reinstallation, I selectively copied specific folders back to my fresh installation.
    On my previous installation, I have had Time Machine running for several months. Trouble is, when I connect the external hard drive which holds the Time Machine backups, the Mac does not recognize it.
    I wish to have my new reinstalled Mac back up to this same Time Machine backup. I have copied all of my documents and applications back onto my new installation. I wish to browse previous backups of the files I had made.
    Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe if I choose my old Time Machine hard drive as my Time Machine backup disk in my new installation, Time Machine simply starts an entirely new backup and ignores the old Time Machine backups made from my previous installation.
    I would appreciate any help you guys could provide.
    Many thanks.

    I had that problem and a more challenging one as well - don't feel bad, mine was caused by the Apple geniuses at my local Apple store doing the same backup and reinstall OS thing.
    One thing to be sure of - go to the "SHARING" pane in System Preferences, and be sure that there is a name for your computer in the appropriate box - AND that the name is the same one you were using before your re-install. Mine had been changed, and when I fixed that, TM recognized the TimeCapsule drive. However - another more difficult problem persists. Here's a message I posted on another thread dealing with the "other" problem: TM won't show the backups made prior to my reinstall (except under special circumstances, noted in the message).
    have an almost identical problem. yesterday I picked up my MacBookPro from the Geniuses at my local Apple retail store. In order to fix a problem with QuickTime, they ported all my files to a backup disk, reformatted my HD, installed a clean copy of OS X 10.5, upgraded it to the current version, then copied my files back to my computer's HD. They messed up my password; somehow made many of my applications vanish (I've mostly fixed those problems now) AND I can no longer access the backup files saved prior to their "help".
    One wrinkle - I can see all of the backups in the TimeMachine window if I am at the level of my hard drive, OR clicked on the applications folder. If I select any other subfolders, the pre-"help" backup files gray out and cannot be used. If I move to a pre-"help" backup file while at the HD level, all but the applications folder are grayed out and non-responsive to clicks
    I ran DiskUtility - repair permissions - and while it found a huge number of things to fix, this did nothing for my Time Machine problem.

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