Copy time capsule to local external for rotating backups

Hello all,
I have time machine working perfectly with a time capsule. It has well over two year's worth of backups on it. So far, so good.
I also have a locally attached usb drive that I would like to add so I'll have a second backup. I want this to be a "rotating" time machine backup. I want this drive to also have all of my existing backup data on it. Furthermore, I want this to be an encrypted backup just like the time capsule is.
So, how do I copy my time capsule data over to the local usb drive?
Is it as simple as copying the .sparsebundle file from the time capsule over to the local drive and then pointing time machine to it?
PS - I've read Pondini's pages, but none of his scenarios match what I'm trying to do.
PPS - I would normally just go ahead and try it, but we're talking about nearly 1Tb of data so it will take days to copy.
PPPS - I am not at all averse to a little time capsule surgery if it would be better to do the copy with the TC drive attached directly via an enclosure.
Cheers, and thanks for any pointers.

I wanted the local sparsebundle because I can specify the encryption level on it.
However, now that ML supports encrypted local TM backups, a variation on the referenced method may work. I think I could reformat the local drive using an encrypted file system (but I don't think there is an option for encryption level when doing that) and then copy the Backups.backupdb file over.
That should work, I just won't get the higher AES256 option that would be available with a .sparsebundle.
Sparsebundle will not work on local drive.. TM is designed to use sparsebundle only on network drives.. it cannot even see a sparsebundle on a local drive.
On the other hand CCC has a lot more power and flexibility and creates (IMHO better backups).. at least from the restore point of view.. I have used CCC to create a sparsebundle backup on a local drive.. but I have not checked out its encyption ability.

Similar Messages

My time capsule just keeps looking for a backup disk

I am having problems with my Time Capsule. I try to back up my mac book pro onto my time capsule and it just states "looking for back up disk" and wont go past that. It still works as a shared folder to store files, however it never comepltes a back up. It had been working fine then all of a sudden stopped. I have tried everything. I reformated it back to the factory settings and set it up again. I didn't lose any of the files I had on it using it as a external hard drive. However it still wont back up. Any help would be great as I have tried multiple things. I am currently using moutain lion.
Thanks

Do a full reset of TM..
See A4 here. http://pondini.org/TM/Troubleshooting.html
Your reset did nothing to the TC drive.
Try a verify of the backup.. A5 in above reference.. And load the widget, A1 so you know what TM is doing.
If you continue to have issues.. ensure the TC has a short name, no spaces and pure alphanumeric.. See C9.. same reference again. Many people use names which are far too long.. it causes issues.
Sometimes mixing data and backups as you are doing has bad effects.. it is certainly not without issues.
Look at Q3 here.
http://pondini.org/TM/Time_Capsule.html
Sometimes it does just bomb.. you do have to wipe the drive.. ie erase and start over. Clearly if you are loading data as well onto the TC.. wiping will require you first off load those files. Consider using a USB drive to keep data and backups separate.

Hello, how would I go about using my time capsule as an external hard drive for my Mac book pro?

Anybody know if I can use my time capsule as an external hard drive for Mac book pro?

Just recognise the following.
Store files on the TC.
https://discussions.apple.com/message/24380694#24380694
This is asked several times a day.. obviously people are struggling with their latest SSD being too small.
The TC is not suitable for network file server.. but many people having no choice press it into service as such.
It cannot be partitioned. It was and is and ever shall be a backup device for Time Machine.
Major issues.
1. No backup.. no way Time Machine can backup a network drive. No place to backup to.. So all your files will be at risk. And you will need to buy a third party like CCC to do backup.
2. The TC cannot be partitioned and mixing TM backups and data is not great.
3. The drive is slow to spin up and quick to spin down.. there is no controls.
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!!
5. iTunes will constantly lose connection to the library. The disk is too slow to respond.. itunes on the computer will constantly spit out errors. Even in the midst of streaming the TC can spin down the disk due to caching.
6. Do not use any live files on the TC no matter what else you do.. if you edit files in whatever program the file must be on the local hard disk.
7. The only suitable location for most libraries is a computer. You can plug in an external hard disk.
Read pondini for some work arounds.
Q3 here. http://pondini.org/TM/Time_Capsule.html

How can I use my Time Capsule as an external Hard Drive for my PC? My PC can't find it.

Hi, I just bought this Time Capsule for my home. I've got the internet access for all my devices (Mac, iPad, PC, iPhone) and I've got the Mac backup working through Time Machine. I'm supposed to be able to use the Time Capsule as an external drive for my PC, but I can't figure it out. My PC doesn't recognize the Time Capsule as a Network Place. I called AppleCare, but they don't have all the answers for "PC issues." They tried to get me to Map a Network Drive, but my PC popped up a window asking for a Username and Password. It looks like something similar to when I VPN into my company network from home.
I'm using Windows XP Professional, Version 2002, Service Pack 3.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Download and install the airport utility for windows.. it isn't strictly necessary but the bonjour service makes life easier.
The request for username and password is correct. Username is whatever you like.. but windows needs it.. so admin.. being the common router one.. password by default is public unless you changed it.
Now to get the TC to work properly..
1. The names should be SMB compliant.. by default they are wrong.. use short names, no spaces no special characters.. pure alphanumeric. That is for TC name and wireless names.
2. Wireless passwords should also be same use WPA2 private.
3. In the disk sharing page.. manual setup.. put in the windows workgroup name.. ie WORKGROUP.. this helps the discovery process.
4. In the same area, turn on the guest account to read and write.. not necessary but helps with later versions of windows particularly.
5. Access the drive by using the direct IP address. ie in Windows Explorer address bar, \\10.0.1.1 (or whatever IP the TC is at).

Time capsule vs. External hard drive for periodic back-ups

Hope this is the right forum. At home I have the old "Back-Up" program that I use for quarterly back ups of certain files as scheduled. Love it. Was gonna set that up on our new(er) Macs here at work only to discover that program was replaced by Time Machine. Time Machine won't let me even in to see how it works without a Time Capsule or other External Hard Drive to connect to...
What I'm trying to do: Schedule monthly (or quarterly) back-ups for settings, certain important files and possibly certain programs from 4 office computers (3 iMacs and 1 Powerbook). Would love to back up to Mobile Me but can't seem to figure out how (Time Machine certainly won't let me). But then want to store the backups either online (like Mobile Me) or in a fire safe...
What I'm looking at: Possible options I've thought of include DVDs (which is really impractical), a 32 GB flash drive (but only would know how to get certain files on there), an external hard drive or a time capsule. But if I get either of those we'd only want to use it once a month and then keep it in the fire safe. Now I know Time Capsule is designed to do regular (daily, weekly, etc) backups... but can I use it to select what is backed up only at certain times and how hard/easy is it to plug in and out if I'm doing it that way. Or would it simply be better for what I'm looking for to get some other external hard drive?
I'm not very good at backing up info - but have to be responsible to at work (plus my brother just had a fire and he lost all his computers and info)... so simply not sure what is best suited for my needs?

Mongul Sec wrote:
At home I have the old "Back-Up" program that I use for quarterly back ups of certain files as scheduled.
Where has your "Back-Up" program been writing those backups?
What I'm trying to do: Schedule monthly (or quarterly) back-ups for settings, certain important files and possibly certain programs from 4 office computers (3 iMacs and 1 Powerbook).
Can you really afford to lose a month's worth of work on those computers?
What I'm looking at: Possible options I've thought of include DVDs (which is really impractical), a 32 GB flash drive (but only would know how to get certain files on there), an external hard drive or a time capsule. But if I get either of those we'd only want to use it once a month and then keep it in the fire safe.
In that case I'd use an external disk drive. Time Machine isn't really intended for what you want to do.

I have an Apple Time Capsule which I use for back up. Is there a way I can send my photos to it each time I add new photos? I guess I am asking if there is a way I can use it as an external hard drive?

I take A LOT of pictures as I am an amerature photographer. I have used up almost all of the space on my internal hard drive with photos and music. Is there a way I can use my time capsul as an external hard drive? If so, can anyone direct me where I can go to figure out HOW to do it? I appreciate your help!!!!

Buy a large enough external hard drive you can use to store your pictures permanently. Time Capsule is not a good choice for this. Keep your backups separate from your storage needs.

Is possible to use Time Capsule as a external hard drive for my MA ?

Hi,
I wondering to know if i can use the time capsule as a external hard drive for my MACBOOK AIR i mean i dont want a backup i just want to be connected when i'm at home and transfer the data to the time capsule or simply uses data from there.
Thanks!

Yes, you can.
(60321)

Accessing Time Capsule and linked external hard drive from other devices and copying to these drives

Hi
Please be gentle. I am not that technically able :-)
I have managed to set up my time capsule. Router working, external hard drive linked, time machine back ups working...
The last thing I am looking to do is to access files on my time capsule and also external hard drive (linked to it), from Mac, Iphones, Ipads, Apple TV, Windows laptops X2. Am I able to do that? Have read so many discussions but dont get the answer. Please be gentle :-)
Regards
Tommy

The last thing I am looking to do is to access files on my time capsule and also external hard drive (linked to it), from Mac
This should be automatic.. find the TC disk under shared in finder.. double click it and see under the data folder.. you can create new folders in there.
Note using the TC for data and TM backups is not the greatest of ideas.. please read pondini.
Q3 here. http://pondini.org/TM/Time_Capsule.html
The external drive is fine though..
Now it can have loads of issues if you run Mavericks.. so if you have trouble.. do not be surprised.. if you run Mavericks.. be surprised if it works without trouble.
Iphones, Ipads
iOS devices are not file based.. they are not intended to be used with a file device like TC and will neither backup to it nor open files from it.. of course what apple wants and what users want are different things so there are plenty of file apps to help you read and write files.
Filebrowser is the major one.
http://www.stratospherix.com/products/filebrowser/
You still cannot backup though.. iOS uses itunes to backup or icloud.
Apple TV
There is nothing you can do with AppleTV.. it is not a file device at all.. it is not even a media player.. it is a streamer. (Early model Gen1 and Gen2 can be jailbreak.. so they do actually have media player ability) Gen3 is tied to its mother's (iTunes) skirts with steel cables.. no JB.. no use really. If you want to play movies from a TC buy a WD Live TV.. it is a player.. !!
Windows laptops X2
You can access the TC from windows..
1. Make sure the TC naming complies with windows networking.. to put that simply.. all names should be short, no spaces and pure alphanumeric. Apple wizard will recommend a name for the TC, like
Fred Blog's Airport Time Capsule.. this is wrong on so many levels.
It will be a total pain on windows.. use FBATC or TC or anything you like.. as long as it follows the rules..
Short 2-20 characters.. less than 10 is better.
No spaces.
Pure alphanumeric.
All names must comply.. TC name and wireless name/s
2. Load the airport utility for windows into the computer.. you can download for up to win7.. apple haven't bothered with windows since then and are pretty out of date. The win7 utility will load on win8 with the usual voodoo and astrological help.
3. Windows must be set to home for location.. if you cannot open a command window and ping the TC by ip and name, then pull down the firewalls.
4. In windows explorer type into the address bar directly.
\\TCname or \\TCIPaddress (using, of course, the real name or real IP).

How I can set up the DynDns inside the Time capsule, or only with the Time capsule I have external access from a PC for ex.?

How I can set up the DynDns inside the Time capsule, or only with the Time capsule I have external access from a PC for ex.?

MobileMe service is finished.. to get remote access to the Mac or TC you use iCloud account.. but that is for files.. not to access web cams.
Without dyndns client in the TC, you can perhaps run dyndns on the computer or video recorder..many of these will have clients built into them.
Even better get a static Public IP from your ISP.. that is the correct professional way to do it.
Or you can use whatever broadband modem you have and remove the TC as the main router.. simply bridge it. Use your adsl router for connection. Almost all adsl have built in dyndns.
Sorry your language is very hard to follow.. and I am sure you are finding my answers similarly difficult.
Basically the TC is about the hardest device to setup because it is lacking important networking functions.
Get a vpn router and use vpn connection is far superior to any other method. But you cannot do it with TC.

Backing up Mac HD with Time Capsule AND an external hard drive

I am sure that this question has been asked one way or another but I can't seem to find the exact answer.
I would like to back up my Mac HD with the Time Capsule AND another hard drive essentially to create two backups. Should one fail, I still have another copy as a precaution. The Time Capsule will be my primary back up because my external hard drive is usually switched off and will only be turned on from time to time to perform "less frequent" backups.
With Time Capsule AND the external hard drive on, will Time Machine just update the backup on the external hard drive without becoming confused with the other copy on Time Capsule? In other words, can Time Machine distinguish between two different Time Machine Backup files and bring them up to date accordingly?
I understand there is an archive function on the Time Capsule, which would also serve the purpose. However, I am wondering if there is another way.
Thanks.

Rheopaipo wrote:
I am sure that this question has been asked one way or another but I can't seem to find the exact answer.
I would like to back up my Mac HD with the Time Capsule AND another hard drive essentially to create two backups. Should one fail, I still have another copy as a precaution. The Time Capsule will be my primary back up because my external hard drive is usually switched off and will only be turned on from time to time to perform "less frequent" backups.
With Time Capsule AND the external hard drive on, will Time Machine just update the backup on the external hard drive without becoming confused with the other copy on Time Capsule? In other words, can Time Machine distinguish between two different Time Machine Backup files and bring them up to date accordingly?
I understand there is an archive function on the Time Capsule, which would also serve the purpose. However, I am wondering if there is another way.
I don't think it's possible to configure Time Machine to back up to two locations without modifying its settings frequently.
You might consider using that external drive to hold a bootable backup. You can create such a thing with either of the utilities SuperDuper! or Carbon Copy Cloner. If you pay the registration fee for SuperDuper! (~US$28), there's a mode where it will back up only what has changed, which makes the backup operation run quicker. (Carbon Copy Cloner may offer a similar feature.)

Can I use my time capsule as a external hard drive as well

I want to use my time capsule as a external hard drive as well as a back up disk. Is that possible?

You Can!! But Should you??
Can and Should are different.
Here are the issues.
Store files on the TC.
https://discussions.apple.com/message/24380694#24380694
This is asked several times a day.. obviously people are struggling with their latest SSD being too small.
The TC is not suitable for network file server.. but many people having no choice press it into service as such.
It cannot be partitioned. It was and is and ever shall be a backup device for Time Machine.
Major issues.
1. No backup.. no way Time Machine can backup a network drive. No place to backup to.. So all your files will be at risk. And you will need to buy a third party like CCC to do backup.
2. The TC cannot be partitioned and mixing TM backups and data is not great.
3. The drive is slow to spin up and quick to spin down.. there is no controls.
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!!
5. iTunes will constantly lose connection to the library. The disk is too slow to respond.. itunes on the computer will constantly spit out errors. Even in the midst of streaming the TC can spin down the disk due to caching.
6. Do not use any live files on the TC no matter what else you do.. if you edit files in whatever program the file must be on the local hard disk.
7. The only suitable location for most libraries is a computer. You can plug in an external hard disk.
Read pondini for some work arounds.
Q3 here. http://pondini.org/TM/Time_Capsule.html

How do I use Time Capsule as an external hard drive?

How do I use Time Capsule as an external hard drive? I want to remove photos & music from my laptop and store them in Time Capsule only.

lyperez wrote:
How do I use Time Capsule as an external hard drive? I want to remove photos & music from my laptop and store them in Time Capsule only.
Apple has specific instructions on moving libraries.
eg itunes.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527
You simply follow those instructions..
TC is a network drive.. nothing more.
To move individual files, just copy and paste to a new directory.. not inside a TM sparsebundle please.
BUT.. TC only worries me.. deeply.
It is relatively easy to corrupt a library when you copy to it.. library as a whole is then corrupted and will need to be restored from backup.. wops.. no backup. You are putting at risk all your files.. don't do it.. make sure you backup..
And here is the rub.. TC cannot back itself up.. TM cannot backup network drives.
And where are you going to backup.. to... an external drive on the computer.. in that case, that is where the library should be and the TC used as normal.. ie backup target for TM.
Please read Pondini on how to do it properly though.
Q3 http://pondini.org/TM/Time_Capsule.html

Using AirPort Time Capsule as an external drive with access to files by guest account

Is it possible to use my AirPort Time Capsule as an external drive with access to files by a guest account?
I would like to store a large number of folders containg photographs on my AirPort Time Capsule and allow anyone with a password to access the photographs - at the time of viewing the Time Capsule would be connected to the internet but I wouldn't want users to actually access anything other than the files on the Time Capsule - is this possible? if so any help in configuring it would be really helpful.

No it is not possible.. Guest is just that.. a guest that is allowed permission to access the internet but none of the local files.
To give a person access to the TC they must have password to access your normal network..
From there it is up to you how you do this.. people cannot actually access files on your computers unless you give them share and password permissions for that.. you can even setup accounts on the TC although I recommend against it.. if you want shared photos anyway. All security on a TC is illusion.. merely pressing the reset and it is all blown away.. so if you are concerned about security don't put stuff on the TC people should not access.. or like your TM backups ensure they are encrypted.
A person can then access you TC and the photos.. but what else on the network??

Can i use time capsule as a external hard drive

can i use time capsule as a external hard drive

Not plugged in by USB if that is what you were thinking.
You can store files on the TC but you should NOT.
Store files on the TC.
This is asked several times a day.. obviously people are struggling with their latest SSD being too small.
The TC is not suitable for network file server.. but many people having no choice press it into service as such.
Major issues.
1. No backup.. no way Time Machine can backup a network drive. No place to backup to.. So all your files will be at risk. And you will need to buy a third party like CCC to do backup.
2. The TC cannot be partitioned and mixing TM backups and data is not great. It was and is and ever shall be a backup device for Time Machine.
3. The drive is slow to spin up and quick to spin down.. there is no control. In fact the TC is so lacking in controls for even the router side.. that you cannot do more than the most basic of setups.
The following are controls on the hard disk side.
Reformat it. You can name the share. You can do a full archive of the whole disk. This will go at a speed of aprox. 30-50GB/Hr so calculate how long an archive of a full 2TB will take.
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!!
Even apple btw say don’t do it.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS5168 Although mostly about FAT32 it adds network drives.
5. iTunes can constantly lose connection to the library. The disk is slow to respond.. itunes on the computer will constantly spit out errors. Even in the midst of streaming the TC can spin down the disk due to caching.
6. Do not use any live files on the TC no matter what else you do.. if you edit files in whatever program the file must be on the local hard disk.
7. The only suitable location for most libraries is a computer. You can plug in an external hard disk.
Read pondini for some work arounds.
Q3 here. http://pondini.org/TM/Time_Capsule.html

Time Capsule connected to External Hard Drive

I haven't seen a definitive answer to this question.
I want to plug an external hard drive directly into the Time Capsule so that the Time Capsule backs the external drive up. Is that possible?
Thanks!

I wonder if the question was in relation to backing up the Time Capsule back up?
If not, that's still a good question. Any idea if an external drive plugged into the TC would be able to back up either the Time Machine copy/ies and/or the network hard disk?
The idea here is to create a redundant copy of my back ups for that added layer of protection.
Thanks!

Copy time capsule to local external for rotating backups

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