Can't access the Time Capsule Drive and attached USB drive

I bought the 3 TB Time capsule a couple of months ago.  I am using it as my wireless router for a cable modem and have attached a USB drive (seagate) to the TC.  I use the TC drive for time machine only.  It worked well at first, for about the first month.   Now I have trouble accessing the TC drive as well as the USB drive.  The router function works perfectly fine.  The drives show up in the Finder under Shared but  cannot connect.  Time machine does not back up because it says the back up drive is not available.  In disc utility, the base station shows with the correct name, but I can't access it. It asks for a pasword but does not respond, so I cannot reboot it from my computer.
If I restart the TC (power off and on), it works fine, I can access both drives.  However, this problem recurs, sometimes within a few days.  I have also noticed, which may be related, that when I enter time machine (when everything is working fine), some of the back-ups are blank.  There is a date and time but no actual back-up.  Not sure if this is related.
I'm runing Mavericks 10.9.2 on an older MacBook, 15" late 2008 with 2.4 ghz dual core.

Hi Bob,
I updated Mavericks but still had the same problem, so I did a hard reset on TC, although I held the button for over 5 seconds and the amber light was flashing rapidly, it acted like a soft reset.  Still no change so I rebooted my laptop.   Still had an excellent internet connection but in AirPort utility, the TC is grayed out and says device not found.  Light on TC was amber.  So, I tried a hard reset again, but the light wouldn't flash at all.  Unplugged it and after pluggin back in, acted like a hard reset.  I restored previous settings and it is fine for the moment.  Will keep you posted if it recurs.  Hopefully it will not with updated Mavericks, but I get the feeling the problem may be the TC.

Similar Messages

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    I recently bought a new laptop, as my old one was sadly stolen. I'm trying to connect to my backed up time capsule hard drive via ethernet to retrieve my files, but it doesn't seem to work. Oddly enough I have no issues over wifi. When I switch from wifi to ethernet, it gives me an error message stating that the disk was not found in the network. I have a MacBook Air with an ethernet adapter if that makes any difference. I'm also running the latest OS X and firmware. Wifi is simply too slow for this restoration process, so any suggestions?
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    Help greatly appreciated

    manzalawy7 wrote:
    I'm trying to connect to my backed up time capsule hard drive via ethernet to retrieve my files, but it doesn't seem to work.
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    How are you doing that switching? When you switch to Ethernet do you have connectivity to the Internet? If not, do you see a tiny green light on the Time Capsule next to the Ethernet socket you're using?
    Could I possibly connect via USB?
    No.

  • Can you access the Time Capsule just like a normal HD?

    I'm wondering if the Time Capsule can only be used for backup or can you partition it and use it like regular external hard drive?

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    I since removed the 500 gig hd and placed a 250 gig in the TC.
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  • HT1178 How can I access the Time Capsule HD from my PC?

    Hi,
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  • I have a Time Capsule with 2tb of storage, and an I-Mac with 500Gb. (which is at capacity) Can I use the Time Capsule to store data in addition to backing up the hard drive?

    I have a Time Capsule with 2tb of storage, and an I-Mac with 500Gb. (which is at capacity) Can I use the Time Capsule to store data from my hard drive that I want to access later in addition to backing up the hard drive?

    Can I use the Time Capsule to store data from my hard drive that I want to access later in addition to backing up the hard drive?
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    When...not if...the Time Capsule disk has a problem, you have no backups for this data.
    Perhaps a much safer plan might be to add an external hard drive attached directly to your iMac. Then, move the data to that drive from the iMac.
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  • Can i use the time capsule as just an external hard drive for music or does it have to be used soley as a backe up?? im thinking for music and photos

    Can I use the time capsule as just an external hard drive for music or does it have to be used soley as a back up?  I'm thinking for music and photos

    Nickles96 wrote:
    Hello friends.. I have a similar question, in that I would like to purchase the 2TB TC for use as a NAS device, in addition to taking advantage of the Air Port extreme.. Then I could dump my Linksys router.
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    Nickles96 wrote:
    In addition to the obvious feature of the backup, can I indeed also use the TC as a NAS drive to access from remote locations (example from the office)?
    I'm surprised more people aren't using the TC as a dedicated NAS deviced.. I've searched high and low on forums around the web, and don't seem to see many people trying to use it as I've outlined.
    I can't see why this wouldn't fufill my needs, and take the place of a separate NAS solution (like the Synology, or iOmega, Seagate, etc....)
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    Yes, you can do this and it's something I've been trying to do, but I'm currently having issues.  I have another thread stating I consistently get "connection failed" messages.  I'm basically storing my music/photo/video files on the TC and keeping my Mac hard drive fairly lean.  In terms of NAS functionality, the TC is very basic.  Synology/QNAP and others have a lot more features so don't rule them out.

  • Can i get the time capsule to automatically back up my file from my Mac Book Air but have certain files which are only stored on the time capsule and not the computer? Then can i access these files only on the time capsule without connecting it?

    Can i get the time capsule to automatically back up my file from my Mac Book Air but have certain files which are only stored on the time capsule and not the computer? Then can i access these files only on the time capsule without connecting it?

    igonneau wrote:
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    You can, but how are you going to back up those other files?  When (not if) your Time Capsule fails, you risk losing them.  See #Q3 in Using Time Machine with a Time Capsule for details.
    Then can i access these files only on the time capsule without connecting it?
    Not sure what you mean.  You have to connect a computer, either via Ethernet cable or wirelessly, to read or write to the disk. 

  • Can I use the time capsule internal hard drive for file storage?

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    This is asked several times a day.. obviously people are struggling with their latest SSD being too small.
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    4. iPhoto in particular can easily corrupt its entire library with wireless networking causing a disconnection to one photo. Even if you do this;;; do not move your photo library... you have been warned!!
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    Read pondini for some work arounds.
    Q3 here. http://pondini.org/TM/Time_Capsule.html

  • Can i use the time capsule 2tb as a internet provider without having internet access?

    Can i use the time capsule 2tb as a internet provider without having internet access?

    Nope, the time capsule is a router, but it will still need access to the outside world (Internet) by way of a modem.

  • Access the Time Capsule HDD from g and an n network?

    Hi there
    I reckon that this Time Capsule is great idea and I look forward to buying one.
    I have a MacBook Pro (802.11n) and a Windows laptop (with a 802.11g adapter). I will plug a USB printer into the Time Capsule.
    I want both my laptops to be able to access the Time Capsule HDD. I understand that if I want to maximise the connection speed for my MacBook I'll need to run seperate 802.11n network (for my MacBook) and a 802.11g network for my Windows laptop. Otherwise a shared b/g/n network will just run at g speed.
    My question: If I do run the two seperate networks, will both laptops be able to share the HDD and printer?
    Also, will the two laptops be able to see each other across the two networks?
    Thanks for your help.
    Cheers

    You're right about the 802.11n PC Card for the Windows laptop.
    Seeing as the 802.11n is still in draft, how will I know if the PC Card I purchase will work with the Time Capsule?
    If is merely a case of getting any Belkin, NetGear etc. 802.11n PC Card for the laptop and assuming it'll work?
    Is there a compatibility list somewhere?
    I really appreciate your help on this one.
    Cheers!

  • Can anyone recommend an external storage device to supplement my mac book air?  I already have a time capsule but want the new device to replicate the data on that so ideally would like a device that i can connect to the time capsule through a cable.

    Can anyone recommend an external storage device to supplement my mac book air?  I already have a time capsule but want the new device to replicate the data on that so ideally would like a device that i can connect to the time capsule through a cable. 

    Hi CJR
    I'm not sure how Time Capsule can be replicated onto your external drive but there is a USB port on the back of TC that can be hooked up to any recent external drive.
    Another thing to think about , besides a Time Capsule failure, is the theft of your Time Capsule, so it might be a good idea to consider separating any redundant back-up from your Time Capsule or both my be stolen.
    TC will back up until full and then begin deleting the oldest back-ups.  Mine is a 2TB Time capsule.
    My back-up plan is as follows:
    1.  Macbook Air back-up on Time Capsule though Time Machine backs up everything - I think it's about every 30 min or so.
    2.  Contacts, reminders, appointments, notes, email are backed up through iCloud.
    3.  iTunes and non-itunes purchased music is on iMatch (and no need to back-up) and any non-iTunes music is backed up on an HP external drive (in case Time Capsule dies)
    4.  Photos are on my MacBook Air and are backed up on my HP external drive.
    5.  Office documents (Excel, Powerpoint, Access etc) are stored in a Skydrive app (like iCloud) and Skydrive syncs these docuemnts with the MS  cloud and my old PC and does not alter their native format like storing in iCloud would do.
    Cheers

  • Can I access my Time Capsule from my iPad/iPad2 with iOS5 now?  EX:  Itunes from iPad to TC folders?

    Can I access my Time Capsule information unsing my Apple TV?  How about accessing TC info with iPad/iPad2/iPhone4?  All have iOS5.  Thanks

    Perhaps having iTunes on an External Hard Drive is what you are looking for...
    Full Details Here  >   http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1751
    To Operate iTunes from the External Drive...
    Start iTunes with the Option key held down and guide it to the new location of the library.
    Be Sure the drive is Formatted Mac OS Extended (journaled)
    Some useful Information in this Discussion...
    https://discussions.apple.com/message/19381146

  • Can I access my time capsule drirect from my ipad or iphone when laptop /desktop not switched on?

    can i access my time capsule direct from my ipad or even iphone when my laptop/desktop is switched off?  Thanks for any advice.

    Perhaps having iTunes on an External Hard Drive is what you are looking for...
    Full Details Here  >   http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1751
    To Operate iTunes from the External Drive...
    Start iTunes with the Option key held down and guide it to the new location of the library.
    Be Sure the drive is Formatted Mac OS Extended (journaled)
    Some useful Information in this Discussion...
    https://discussions.apple.com/message/19381146

  • How can I make the Time Capsule Icon stay on my desktop?

    I just replaced my old Airport Extreme and aging external drive with a new Airport TC.  The upgrade coulen't have been easier. Here's my question.  I occasionally want to access the TC as in external drive so I would like the TC icon to appear on my desktop all the time rather than appearing only when the Time machine is running.  Is there a way to do this?  I'm running all the latest software / firmware. Thanks and I know there have been some similar threads but they were pretty old.

    Open System Preferences (gear icon on the dock)
    Open Users & Groups
    Click the Login Items tab (next to the Password tab)
    Click the + buttton at the bottom of the list
    Use the Finder interface to locatet the Time Capsule drive and open it on the desktop
    Click Add
    Now the Time Capsule drive....named "Data", unless you have renamed it, will mounta and appear on the desktop when your Mac starts up.

  • Can I Partition a Time Capsule? and more...

    My existing setup consists of an Airport Extreme wirelessly supporting 2 MacBooks ("MBs") 5 iOS devices, 2 WiFi/Airprint printers and then by wire (Ethernet) a couple of other devices.  In addition, the Extreme has a USB external hard drive visible/accessible to both MBs. Both MBs have their own external hard drives configured as Time Machines. All devices have latest software upgrades/updates.
    I am thinking of replacing the Extreme with a 3TB Time Capsule ("TC") and I propose to Partition the TC's drive into 3 – with one partition supporting MB1's TM, the second supporting MB2's TM, and the third partition supporting/acting like a common hard drive (the same as exists external on the Extreme).  The existing external hard drives acting as TMs would be set aside and saved for TM recoveries; the TC situate TMs would simply commence as new TMs (I envision difficulties not worth the effort in moving the existing TM backups to the TC).
    Query 1:  Can the latest 3TB Time Capsule be partitioned as I have proposed? (The reason I pose the question is a series of discussions dating back to 2012 that indicate a TC cannot be partitioned but the current Apple Store page for the 3TB TC  indicates a TC can support multiple TMs:  "you can back up all the Mac computers in your home to a central location.") A review indicates the TC established at least two TMs automatically, but I'd like to also dedicate some space for a third partition non-TM drive….so, the Q – can I partition a TC?
    Query 2:  Would I just be better off not trying to partition the TC and just letting it support two TMs automatically and plugging in a separate hard drive, as I currently have?  (Why hasn't Apple upgraded the USB connection to 3.0? oh, well, they probably will a month after I buy mine, right?  )
    Query 3:  When moving the existing MBs from desk to couch it is necessary to first eject the existing TM external hard drives. If the TMs are moved to (or replaced by) a TC that would appear to no longer be necessary – because they aren't physically connected anyway. (Having typed this it seems so obvious, but….I'm asking because I just want to confirm.)
    Any other suggestions/observations/watch-its would be welcomed. Thanks.

    Query 1:  Can the latest 3TB Time Capsule be partitioned as I have proposed? (The reason I pose the question is a series of discussions dating back to 2012 that indicate a TC cannot be partitioned but the current Apple Store page for the 3TB TC  indicates a TC can support multiple TMs:  "you can back up all the Mac computers in your home to a central
    The Time Capsule drive cannot be partitioned in a traditional sense unless you pull the drive from the Time Capsule (which voids the warranty), place the drive in a SATA to USB caddy or enclosure, attach the caddy directly to a Mac, and then use Disk Utility for the formatting operation. Once that is done, then you have to reinstall the drive back in the Time Capsule.  Not a job for the faint of heart....and best left to a technician.
    The Time Capsule "as is", can support multiple Time Machine backups from different Macs, but is basically a free for all as far as space is concerned. Time Machine backs up to a special file called a sparsebundle on the Time Capsule, and while it is possible to modify or limit the size of the sparsebundle file for each Mac, it is a complex operation. This document will give you an idea of the process:
    http://pondini.org/TM/A8.html
    Query 2:  Would I just be better off not trying to partition the TC and just letting it support two TMs automatically and plugging in a separate hard drive, as I currently have?
    Much simpler, therefore much better to do it this way.
    Query 3:  When moving the existing MBs from desk to couch it is necessary to first eject the existing TM external hard drives. If the TMs are moved to (or replaced by) a TC that would appear to no longer be necessary – because they aren't physically connected anyway. (Having typed this it seems so obvious, but….I'm asking because I just want to confirm.)
    Time Machine will automatically back up to the Time Capsule once you have it set up. No need to mount, or eject the drive, etc.
    Any other suggestions/observations/watch-its would be welcomed.
    The current version of the Time Capsule will be two years old in June....and Apple traditionally introduces new products in June.

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