How do I setup my time capsule to be a hard drive for two macs?

I basically want to be able to use my time capsule as a hard drive for both my imac and macbook pro to save storage on both but obviously to have access to everything on both machines. How do I set this up?
Thanks.

I would recommend you use an excellent backup App that is capable of doing what you want, such as "Carbon Copy Cloner" or "Superduper".
http://www.bombich.com/download.html
http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/13803/superduper!
Hope this helps

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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).

Using Time Capsule as a common hard drive for 8 macs.

Can anyone help? We are currently using Dropbox's expensive 1,000 GB annual service at our English school, in order to maintain common materials, development, etc folders that remain in sync.
Too expen but not bad. We really just need to maintain one key folder(with multiple sub-folders) that is available to all macs that access our wi-fi network.
Our existing set up is the old airport extreme, no central physical HD. Folder kept in syn via Dropbox. Works well apart from when a full folder gets shifted, then all macs can be set a spinning.
We don't need a backup facility. Will do nightly file backups to portable HD from one of the synced machines.
Were thinking of using a mac mini as a server, but set up looks beyond our capabilities. OTT for a simple shared folder. No shared applications.
Thanks

The Time Capsule (TC) has the option to "join an existing wireless network." Configured this way, the TC will perform as a wireless client that you will be able to access for backups when connected to your wireless network.
To set up the TC as a "Wireless Client," using the AirPort Utility, either connect to the TC's wireless network or temporarily connect your computer directly (using an Ethernet cable) to an available LAN port of the TC, and then, try these settings:
o AirPort Utility > Manual Setup > AirPort > Wireless tab
o Wireless Mode: Join a wireless network
o Network Name: <type in the network name/SSID of the wireless network that you want to join or select it from the pop-up menu>
o Wireless Security: <Select the appropriate level of security for the existing wireless network>
o Password: <enter your wireless network security password>
o Verify Password: <re-enter the same security password>
o Click Update to write the new settings to the TC.

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.

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)

How do I use my time capsule as an external hard drive?

I am trying to use my time capsule as an external hard drive but can't figure it out... can anyone help me out?

1. Run AirPort Utility
2. Click on your Time Capsule
3. Click Edit
4. Click on the Disks Tab
5. Click on Enable file sharing
6. Choose the way you want to control file sharing access, whether it is by the Time Capsule password, an independent disk password, or accounts for different users.
7. You should then be able to access your Time Capusle drive from Finder.

Is it possible to setup the time capsule as an external hard drive (wireless)

Hi, I have purchased a time capsule and looking to use it to automatically backup my data but also would like to see it on my mac book pro as an external hard drive (wireless); is that possible????????????? if yes how???

OK.. the TC is really designed for wired connection.
There is a hidden option.. hold the option key, when you select wireless mode, to join a wireless network. This is hidden because it is poor.. you join the TC to the mifi myfy and then yes, you can access it over wireless network.. but it is now half the speed of direct access due to double hop wireless. The TC is also going to not allow access directly by wireless or ethernet. So the option is there .. it is hidden due to being bad.
You will particularly notice what happens now is during backups your internet will crawl.. because you are saturating the local connection.
If I was in your situation.. I would buy thunderbolt to ethernet adapter and plug directly into the TC.. or scrap the TC and plug directly into a hard disk. The TC now gains you nothing.. it is unsuited to this sort of network.
But another solution is to buy USB wireless stick.. these are tiny things.. and cheap and plenty are Mac OS compatible. Plug it in and use it as a secondary wireless client.. with fixed IP you can now connect directly to the TC .. single hop wireless.. much faster and no interference on the myfi link.
You also don't have another wire plugged into your laptop which is messy.
OR
Scrap the myfy for a proper 3G router with ethernet.. you can usually just swap the sim over.. this is a much better solution as you put the TC back to its native correct operating mode..
Well there are some possible solutions.

Is it possible to use Time Machine with an external hard drive for two separate computers?

I'm looking to purchase an external hard drive to use as with time machine as a backup for two separate computers. I'm not sure if I should buy 2 EHDs and dedicate one to each computer, or if Time Machine has the capacity to back up both computers separately. Anyone have any experience with this?
Thanks!

You can make two partitions on a single drive and dedicate one to each computer.
The pic is of a single external usb drive with three partitions( a Time Machine and two image backups) for two computers

How do I setup my Time Capsule (3rd Generation) to be accessed from the internet while I'm traveling?

How do I setup my Time Capsule (3rd Generation) to be accessed from the internet while I'm traveling? It is installed on my home network behind my TWC broadband router.

Ok.. since the TWC modem is also a router.. all configuration takes place on this box.. NONE whatsoever takes place on the TC.
There is no airport utility 7.7.3 but there is a firmware of that number for the latest AC model TC..
Is it tall like this.
Then it is Gen5.
otherwise it will have a firmware.. 7.6.4 or earlier and the airport utility must be 6.3 or earlier.
Open the Airport utility and give us a screenshot of the summary page.
That will also help us determine that you have the TC, which version and how it is setup.
You might want to press the edit and also give us the Internet and Network tab as they should be set correctly as well.
I have created a DDNS through DYN.com although I am not sure how to implement this into the TC.
You do not do anything in the TC.. set it up in the Ubee router.
Port forward 548 to the TC in the Ubee router.
And make sure the TC has a static IP in the Ubee router.
Overall if you find this too hard I strongly recommend you buy a product designed for remote access .. eg WD MyCloud.. they are cheap and easy peasy to setup for remote access.. by PC or Mac and since it is built outside of Apple you not bound up in Apple limitations built into all their equipment to prevent you using it the way you want.. rather than apple want you too.. eg BTMM and iCloud being the only way apple provide for access to the TC and only when it is the main router of the network.
You are fighting hard because Apple made this hard.. not easy.

How can i use the airport time capsule as a external hard drive?

how can i use the airport time capsule as a external hard drive?

Why do you recommend not place things like iTunes libraries or photo libraries on the drive? It was what I am looking for...
I suggest that you ask the experts over in the iPhoto Support Community about their opinions on placing an iPhoto or Aperture library on the Time Capsule....even if you plan to use a wired connection for your Mac and the Time Capsule.
But, if Terrence Devlin answers, be prepared for a lecture about why you should not ever do this.
If you place the iTunes library on the Time Capsule, be prepared for iTunes to give you messages about not being able to find the library.
In addtion, LaPastenague has the answer for you in a nutshell......corruption problems.
Bottom line....the Time Capsule is for your backups.....not "everyday" files and especially not libraries.

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

How to restore data from my Time Capsule onto my new hard drive

My Macbook's hard drive had to be changed, and I'm trying to restore files from my Time Capsule onto my new hard drive, but all I see are three sparsebundle files (one for each Mac we have at home, including my computer/old hard drive). From that point I don't know what else to do. If I click on it, it opens a dialogue that says "opening volumes" and it stays on that for a while.
Does anyone know how to restore data backed up in my Time Machine from previous backups onto a new hard drive? Does it have to do with these sparsebundle files? Or, is there another way?

Hello Alexevich. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
Does anyone know how to restore data backed up in my Time Machine from previous backups onto a new hard drive?
Check out the following Apple article: Restoring files from a Time Capsule backup

How do I transfer time capsul data to external hard drive to free up space?

How do I transfer time capsule data to external hard drive to free up space?

The fastest method is straight copy and paste..
Plug a suitable hard disk into your computer.. format it Mac OS extended journaled (if not already).
Select the folders/files you want to move.. copy and paste them to the external drive..
Double check that the files are copied because the next step will delete the files forever.. there is no trash on the TC.
Delete the files on the TC.
You can also do a full archive of the TC disk to a USB plugged into it by USB.. it must be formatted Mac OS Extended Journaled. It must be big enough to hold all data on the TC disk.. best idea is to buy the same size or bigger.. so if you use 2TB TC buy a 2TB or bigger external drive.
In airport utility select archive.
That will copy everything on the TC disk to the USB drive.. you could then Erase the disk of the TC.. this is super fast if you choose quick erase.. just a few minutes. But the archive will take many hours.. say for 2TB about 12-24hours.. and you cannot use the disk in the TC during that time.

How To Use Time Capsule As An External Hard Drive?

I backup my computer onto the time capsule using time machine.
After that I want to have more space on my computer (becasue my hard drive is almost full) (I still want to have my local snapshots and daily backups) so I want to delete some of my files but I still want them on my time capsule and I know after I back my computer the files will be deleted so I go to finder/my time capsule (under shared)/data/my macbook pro/ then I go to my destop and see; 1: time machine backups 2: data... I go to data and create a new file that will contain everything that I wanted deleted off my macbook so the when the next backup comes, I will still have (in data on time capsule) my time machine backups and my deleted things... will this work? why or why not? I heard people saying that you have to choose the time capsule between a external hard drive or with time machine... but will this attempt work with both>???

It will work but shouldn't be done, as the Time Capsule's internal drive may fail at any time. Anything you want to keep shouldn't be on only one drive.
(80321)

How do I setup my time capsule to be a hard drive for two macs?

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