How to reconfigure a time capsule for additional computers

I have searched extensively, including this forum, for instructions on making space on my (1 TB) Time Capsule so I can backup a couple more computers.  Usually, the answer to how to free up space is "Why do you want to do that?  It deletes the old files automatically", my response is "So I can free up space to backup more computers."
The relevant responses to other askers of similar questions is to manually delete manuals, which can be dangerous as is noted, and wipe the disk and start again.  I did try the "delete all backups" of space-hog folders providing those folders are intact on the computer, which should then free some space, however, that did not work for me, no space was apparently freed even though the folders contained hundreds of gigabytes.
To actually ask a question:
Is there some way to configure the Time Capsule to do any of the following?
1) Use no more than XXX M/G-bytes of storage for backups.
2) Delete backups older than XXX months/years.
Both of the above would be possible during a back-up and "immediately".  If I could do that, then I could easily make room on the device for the other computers.
If the answer is "Not possible", then I'd ask Apple if they have plans to add some management capability to address the needs of apparently quite a few owners.

imabaltimoron wrote:
I have searched extensively, including this forum, for instructions on making space on my (1 TB) Time Capsule so I can backup a couple more computers. 
1TB is not much if you have several computers.. each needs at least twice the currently used or potentially used GB plus about 20% free space to work in.
I am not sure but did you consider..
1. Using USB drive.. plugged into the TC as new space for more computers.
2. A disk transplant to something larger. It is fairly easy now to slip in a 2TB or even 3TB Green Drive. Depending on the age of the TC that can be a big boon.
When you delete files out of the sparsebundle.. the sparsebundle itself doesn't change size.. but will have free space inside it.. this is hard to see.
Look at the posts by Pondini about setting fixed size sparsebundle or recovering the space.
Start from here. http://pondini.org/TM/Time_Capsule.html
Q3 and 4.
Then http://pondini.org/TM/A8.html
On reducing the size of the sparsebundle.
To actually ask a question:
Is there some way to configure the Time Capsule to do any of the following?
1) Use no more than XXX M/G-bytes of storage for backups.
2) Delete backups older than XXX months/years.
Both of the above would be possible during a back-up and "immediately".  If I could do that, then I could easily make room on the device for the other computers.
If the answer is "Not possible", then I'd ask Apple if they have plans to add some management capability to address the needs of apparently quite a few owners.
TM works more on the space available.. it will work until it fills it.. By being tricky and using the fixed size sparsebundle I think you can get around 1.
I doubt that TM will offer any more controls than it does.. they are already complex enough.
And it is not the date but the size that is key for your situation.

Similar Messages

  • Can i buy a smaller macbook air (64gb) but use the time capsule for additional data ?

    can i buy a smaller macbook air (64gb) but use the time capsule for additional data ?

    If you plan to store important "original" or "master" files and documents on the Time Capsule, then you might want to think about a way to back up those files to another hard drive.
    Why? If the Time Capsule has a problem...and you have no backups....you lose everything.

  • Can I use a Time Capsule for ADDITIONAL storage for a Mac Air which has run limited storage space

    Hi
    I am looking at purchasing the current MacBook Air but am aware of its limited storage space in terms of files, photos etc.
    Was wondering if I could use a time Capsule for both back-up and as an additional storage device.  Ie: would I be able to store photos and files on the Time Capsule that I do not wish to store on a MacBook Air and be able to retrieve them as and when - or would these be deleted after a period of time?  Is there any way of protecting certain files on the Time capsule to prevent them from being deleted?
    Many thanks in advance

    Welcome to Apple Support Communities
    You can but it's not recommended, because you can damage the Time Machine structure.
    Toffey wrote:
    would I be able to store photos and files on the Time Capsule that I do not wish to store on a MacBook Air and be able to retrieve them as and when - or would these be deleted after a period of time?  Is there any way of protecting certain files on the Time capsule to prevent them from being deleted?
    Only files backed up with Time Machine are deleted from your Time Capsule when there's no enough storage. If you store other files, they are not deleted. However, for what you want to do, I recommend you to buy a big external drive and make two partitions, one for Time Machine and another one to store files, or get two external drives

  • Im using dlink DSL-G624T. HOW CAN I CONFIGURATE  TIME CAPSULE FOR IT?

    im using DLINK DSL-G624T. how can i configurate it for a time capsule ?

    You can't back up to a router.
    Your hardware shows a Time Capsule.  If that's what you want to back up to, see #Q1 in Using Time Machine with a Time Capsule.
    If you have another Mac running Leopard or above on the same local network, you can back up to a shared drive on it over your network.  See #22 in Time Machine - Frequently Asked Questions for setup instructions.
    If that's not what you're trying to do, see #2 in that article for supported destinations.

  • How can I use Time Capsule for backups and an external hard drive?

    I have a large file/program on my iMacs hard drive that is 62GB and I would like to keep only things I need on my iMac. I have a 2tb time capsule currently used for backing up. It has roughly 1.66 TB free. How can I move the 62GB program onto my Time Capsule and still use it for backups? Also, is this stable? And don't worry about backing the program up because it came on 8DVD discs.
    Thanks.

    1. Mount the Time Capsule as a drive and drag the application over to it. If the application requires system components, those won't be transferred; if those are only data files, you may be able to drag them over as well and then create a symlink or alias to a folder enclosing their current location.
    2. The application may work slowly if this is done. Note that Time Machine will eventually use up all the free space on the Time Capsule that isn't reserved by being allocated to a disk image.
    (66649)

  • How do I use Time Capsule for backup only over an existing network (or ethernet)

    Ok, first, I have been using Mac now for about 2 years and every little thing I do is much harder than advertised. I have yet to experience the mythical ease of Apple products.
    With that said, I was talked into buying this 2TB Time Capsule. Which right now seems to serve nicely as a very expensive paper weight.
    Here's what I am trying to do. I was told I could use this as a wireless backup. I have a cable modem and router in my house. I do not want to insert Time Capsule as the router. I would like to either hook it up to the existing network or have it just wireless. Whatever works best for backup use.
    I set the time capsule up to connect to an existing network. Which it did. Green light is on.
    When I select it as a backup drive in Time Machine, it works. However it does not back up. It will say Waiting to Backup and do nothing. If I select Back Up Now on Time Machine, it says it cannot find the disk.
    Is it possibly because I had used another backup disk prior and kept it? When I set the Time Capsule I selected to use both.
    I am at a loss. I am not a techie. And there are more options of use than the instructions cover.

    The problem is your method of connection I suspect.
    The TC was always designed to plug into the main router. It does not have to be in the same room but it has to be ethernet connected.
    Please post a few screenshots of the setup.. that makes it so much easier for me to work through it with you.
    Posting screenshots here is easy.. press the little camera and select the shot from finder.
    What I need is the summary page from your airport utility.. ie this one.
    Then click on edit button which I have highlighted and show me the tabs for Internet, Network and wireless. eg this is the internet. (show me the whole thing.. I have cut it off to keep it small).
    We can then work through the issues.

  • How to use airport time capsule with multiple computers?

    I'm sure there are some thread about this but i couldn't find it... so sorry for that but hear me out! =)
    I bought the AirPort Time Capsule to back up my MBP
    And so i did.
    then i thought "let give this one a fresh start" so i erased all of it with the disk utility and re-installed the MBP from the recovery disk.
    I dont want all of the stuff i backed up just a few files and some pictures so i brought that back.. so far so good.
    Now i want to do a new back up of my MBP so i open time machine settings, pick the drive on the time capsule and then "Choose" i wait for the beck up to begin, and then it fails.  It says (sorry for my bad english, im swedish haha) "the mount /Volume/Data-1/StiflersMBP.sparsebundle is already in use for back up.
    this is what i want:
    i want the "StiflersMBP.sparsebundle" to just be so i can get some stuf when i need them. it's never to be erased.
    i want to make a new back up of my MBP as if it's a second computer...
    so guys and girls, what is the easiest and best solution?
    Best regards!

    TM does not work like that.
    If you want files to use later.. do not use TM.
    Or do not use TM to the same location. Plug a USB drive into the computer and use that as the target for the permanent backup.
    Read some details of how TM works so you understand what it will do.
    http://pondini.org/TM/Works.html
    Use a clone or different software for a permanent backup.
    http://pondini.org/TM/Clones.html
    How to use TC
    http://pondini.org/TM/Time_Capsule.html
    This is helpful.. particularly Q3.
    Why you don't want to use TM.
    Q20 here. http://pondini.org/TM/FAQ.html

  • How to set up Time machine for multiple computers

    How to name and select for backup

    A Time Capsule does not require you to do anything.. each computer will establish its own backup in a sparsebundle.. and keep it different from the other computers. It all just works. Mostly..!!
    http://pondini.org/TM/33.html

  • Can I use a Time Capsule for multiple computers?

    Hello,
    after reading various posts on this forum I am now more more confused than ever : bear in mind that my understanding of computing stuff is quite ... limited, so I apologize if this question seems senseless.
    I have several small capacity external hard drives which I uses for back ups and moving files between my computers (1 desktop (2.16 GHw Intel Core 2 Duo: Mac OSX 10.6.5), 2 laptops) but the result is a ton of confusion and multiple files everywhere. I was therefore thinking of getting a Time Capsule 2T which I would use as :
    - a unique external back up machine for all my computers (without adding any other external drives)
    - a wifi modem-router
    Before investing that much money, can anyone tell me if the Time Capsule is indeed appropriate for the above uses, particularly being able to program all 3 machines to wirelessly back themselves up on the scheduled basis.
    When I started seeing questions about adding USB driven external hardrives It made me wonder if i had gotten the purpose of the TC all wrong.
    Thank you for your patience!:=)

    nicaru wrote:
    - a unique external back up machine for all my computers (without adding any other external drives)
    - a wifi modem-router
    Yes, that's exactly what it was designed for.
    You can put other data on a Time Capsule, besides backups, but that will cause some conflicts, sooner or later. See #Q3 in [Using Time Machine with a Time Capsule|http://web.me.com/pondini/TimeMachine/TimeCapsule.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of this forum).
    When I started seeing questions about adding USB driven external hardrives It made me wonder if i had gotten the purpose of the TC all wrong.
    You can do that as well.
    One purpose is, if the TC isn't large enough to back up all your Macs, you can back some up to the TC's internal HD, others to the USB drive. It varies widely depending on how you use your Mac, but a "rule of thumb" is, TM needs 2-3 times the space of the data it's backing-up, to be able to keep a reasonable "depth" of old backups for you.
    Another is, if you want other data available over the network, you can put it on the USB drive to avoid the hassles in #Q3. And, since you can partition the USB drive (unlike the internal), you could use one partition for backups, another for other data.
    |
    There is an alternative, however, that you might find more attractive (and less expensive), since you do have a desktop Mac, and I assume you already have a wireless router.
    That's to connect one or more external HDs directly to the desktop Mac, and back it up directly to that drive (or a dedicated partition on it).
    Then back up the laptops over your network to a different partition on the same drive, or a different drive, via sharing. See #22 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 the +Time Machine+ forum).
    For moving files around, you could continue to use a small external HD, or use sharing over your network.

  • Backing up macbook pro to time capsule for first time via ethernet

    I set up a new 2T Time Capsule / Airport, let it run overnight, only about half way backed up.  I deleted first backup file, and want to do the backup via ethernet.  How do I do this?

    ....and want to do the backup via ethernet.  How do I do this?
    This will depend on how you have the Time Capsule connected to your network.
    If you have it connected from your modem or modem/router using an Ethernet cable at the present time, you are already set. Just connect another spare Ethernet cable from one of the LAN <-> ports on the Time Capsule to your Mac....and be sure to turn off the wireless on the Mac before you start the backup.
    Normally, about 25-30 GB of data will transfer per hour this way, so if your Mac has say, 60 GB of data loaded, the backup should take approximately 2-3 hours. Once the backup is complete, disconnect the Ethernet cable and turn the wireless back on at the Mac.
    However, if you have the TIme Capsule configured to connect to your network using wireless only, then the Ethernet ports are not enabled on the Time Capsule in this type of setup.  It is not possible to backup using an Ethernet connection unless you are willing to reconfigure the Time Capsule for the backup...and then reconfigure it again to get it back to its current setup.

  • Use time capsule for backup for HP Windows computer?

    How can I use Time Capsule for backup on a HP Windwos computer?

    Apple does not offer Windows backup software.
    A popular PC application used to backup a PC on the Time Capsule is Genie Timeline Pro. You might want to take a look:
    Genie Timeline Pro | Overview | Time Machine Backup Software for ...

  • How to use time capsule for wireless back-up but not internet?

    Hello,
    I have a tower and recently a laptop at work. The tower is connected to our local network with an ethernet cable and the laptop with wireless. So, the internet connection is fine for both.
    I was hoping to use my time capsule to do time machine backups on my laptop. Do you have any advice on how to configure this? I do not want to use the time capsule to extend my Internet, as I believe my work I.T. would prefer to handle all access to their  network.
    Perhaps there is some documentation about doing this that you could point me to? I have not been able to find it.
    Thank you for your help.

    Your original question was How to use Time Capsule for wireless back-up but not Internet?
    There is no reason for you to connect the tower....or anything else...using Ethernet if your goal remains that same as you stated.
    If you are asking if you can backup the Tower using Ethernet, and not wireless, then you can connect the tower to one of the LAN <-> ports on the Time Capsule....not the WAN port.
    Yes, it appears to work without plugging into my tower.
    Correct, it will work.
    I just have to select the network that it created. Of course, I have no access to the Internet while this is happening and it can not auto backup, unless I am on that wireless signal.
    As I stated, that is the downside to trying to back up without an Internet connection.  You have to establish another network...and backup over that network.
    If you are asking if you can stay connected to the work network while also backing up to your non-Internet "private" network, that is not possible.

  • I want to install a new Time Capsule for backups. I also have a B box2 from Belgacom for the digital TV, so how do I install?

    Hi,
    I want to install a new Time Capsule for backups. I also have a B box2 from Belgacom for the digital TV, so how do I install?

    Just setup the TC in bridge.
    Assuming you are using Lion.. download the airport utility that has some utility.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1482
    Then manual setup, internet tab, connection sharing.. off bridge mode.
    Then plug the TC into the Bbox and just use it as wireless target for your air.
    You can use wireless on Bbox if that works as well, and you might need to juggle wireless channels to get everything working. Having both set to auto is not a good idea.. set and lock channels on one or the other but best is both.. On the TC go to the airport wireless page. change it to manual.. lock the channel. You can use 1, 6, 11 or 13 in ETSI..

  • I want to replace a four year old Time Capsule for a new Airport Extreme, how difficult is it?

    I want to replace a four year old Time Capsule for a new Airport Extreme, how difficult is it? The ADSL connection come from a Modern Router provide by the local Telephone company.

    Reply back when you get the new device, but in short, you'll have to put your extreme in bridge mode and just connect the same wires as your current TC.
    See here http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/answers/how-to-add-a-time-capsule-or-airport-extr eme-to-an-existing-network-with-br

  • How to divide time capsule for Mac and PC back up

    Want to know if a cant use my time capsule to do back up for my MacBook and do manual back up for the PC of my wife

    How to divide time capsule for Mac and PC back up
    It is not possible to divide or "partition" the Time Capsule disk......unless you pull the hard drive from the Time Capsule (which voids the warranty), place it in a separate enclosure or caddy, connect the enclosure directly to your Mac, and use Disk Utility to partition the disk. Then, you must reinstall the disk back in the Time Capsule.
    This is a lot of work....best done by an experienced technician. The operation will likely cost more than the cost of the Time Capsule.
    Life would be tons easier if you used the Time Capsule with your MacBook and added a separate USB drive to the PC.
    If you do not need to divide or partition the Time Capsule storage space, and you are willing to have the Mac and PC share the same space, take a look at an application like Macrium Reflect to backup the PC to the Time Capsule disk.
    Still, having done this in the past, things would be much faster and easier for you if you use a separate USB drive for the PC.

Maybe you are looking for