How to use Airport Time Capsule as a wireless hard drive?

I have purchased the Airport Time Capsule 3TB but I really don't need a backup disk, so I want to use it as a wireless hard disk to be used in my network, how can I do this?  Can someone give me a clear step by step guide of how I can do this?
I appreciate your help and support.

There is no difference between using the TC as a backup or as a network disk.
Mount the disk in finder.
Copy files to it and from it.. in exactly the same way you copy files between disks in a Mac.
As a file store the TC is not good.
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

Similar Messages

  • How to use airport time capsule on a dell portable pc with windows 7 taking in consideration that Time machine doesn't run with Windows ?

    how to use airport time capsule on a dell portable pc with windows 7 taking in consideration that time machine doesn't run with Windows ?

    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 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 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.

  • 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 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.

  • Is there a way to use the time capsule as an external hard drive only and disable the wi-fi function ?

    Is there a way to use the time capsule as an external hard drive only and disable the wi-fi function ?

    Yes.
    1) Connect an Ethernet cable from one of the LAN <--> ports on your existing wireless router to the WAN "O" port on the Time Capsule
    2) Go through the standard configuration suggested by the setup "wizard"
    3) Then manually turn off the wireless function using AirPort Utility

  • Just want to use Time Capsule as a wireless hard drive?

    I thought I was computer savvy until now.
    I just want to use Time Capsule as a wireless hard drive. I do not want to connect my Internet to it whatsoever. I realize this would involve disconnecting from Time Capsule and reconnecting to my Internet every time.
    The settings for Time Capsule are just mind-boggling.
    Is there any easy way to set it up as a password-protected wireless hard drive?
    I am so lost with all the settings.
    Please help! I will provide points!

    First, you don't need to use Time Capsule with Time Machine. It can be used as a manual file storage or file exchange drive.
    Where do you have the Ethernet cable placed on the Time Capsule. Is it the WAN port or one of the network ports?
    If you are attempting to set-up the Time Capsule as your wireless router, it will need to be connected to the wired modem from your service provider through the WAN port for configuration. The Time capsule should then appear as a configurable Airport device.
    To start, turn off your cable or DSL modem and the Time Capsule. Turn them both back on with the Time capsule connected to the wired modem via of the WAN port so the modem can grab the TC's MAC address.

  • I use My Time Capsule as a external hard drive, can I transfer files other than wirelessly?

    I use My Time Capsule as a external hard drive, can I transfer files other than wirelessly?

    will TC appear on My desk top?
    It will, if you do the following:
    Open Macintosh HD and locate the Time Capsule icon under the SHARED heading on the left side of he window.
    Click on the Time Capsule icon and a folder representing the drive will appear to the right
    Double click the folder and the drive icon will appear on the desktop

  • 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 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 use AirPort Time Capsule 2TB as an external storage hard drive only?

    I have a new AirPort Time Capsule 3TB, now I want to use my AirPort Time Capsule 2TB as an external storage hard drive only, how do I it? 
    I would like to  connect the AirPort Time Capsule 2TB directly to my Mac Pro. using OS X 10.7.5.
    I have erase disk and reset the 2TB to factory default, after that, I cannot make it to connect to my Mac.  Please help.

    The 2TB Time Capsule needs to connect to your 3TB Time Capsule using a wired Ethernet connection.
    Connect from a LAN <--> port on the 3 TB Time Capsule to the WAN "O" port on the 2 TB Time Capsule and configure the 2TB Time Capsule in Bridge Mode and turn off the wireless function on the device as well.
    Once that is done, you can connect your Mac directly to the 2TB Time Capsule using another Ethernet cable, or your Mac can connect to the network using the normal wireless network, if you prefer.

  • Is there a way to use spare space on Airport Time Capsule as normal external hard drive?

    A friend uses a hard drive with Time Machine for backup, but also has need for an external hard drive to hold a large number of photos that are filling up her computer's hard drive.  Hers isn't an Airport Time Capsule but I have one that is.  So that raised a two part question:
    1. Can her external drive used with Time Machine somehow also be used to store many of her photos (sort of a second iPhoto library) to let her to offload them?
    2. Can an Airport Time Capsule be used that way? (Mine is 2 TB but my hard drive is 500 GB.)
    Just curious.  Thanks.

    Can her external drive used with Time Machine somehow also be used to store many of her photos (sort of a second iPhoto library) to let her to offload them?
    Not sure if I understand.
    To keep things simple, let's just say she has an image library on her Mac it might be iPhoto or another library.
    Time Machine is backing up the image library to the external hard drive. So, the "original" version of the image library is on her Mac, and Time Machine is making a backup copy on the external hard drive.
    If you move the image library to the external drive....Time Machine has nothing to back up....and the only copy of the image library will be on the external hard drive.
    If the external drive has a problem.....she has lost all of her images since there are no other copies of the image library on another drive.
    Is this what you are asking about?  Do you see the danger here?
    Can an Airport Time Capsule be used that way? (Mine is 2 TB but my hard drive is 500 GB.)
    Yes it could, but the same dangers would apply.
    Or, maybe I am not understanding what you are asking?

  • 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).

  • Can I use my Time Capsule as a External Hard Drive (through Ethernet) ONLY?

    Here is my situation:
    I am a college student and have been using my Time Capsule to create a wireless network (or extend a previous one) and also to store my iTunes library content (kind of like a wireless hard drive).  I just moved into a new apartment and they already have a wireless network and it works just fine how it is.  I know that I can extend the network through my Time Capsule (wirelessly because I don't have a long enough ethernet cord to connect into the existing modem), but I don't need/want to because it would just add another path of access for data to go through.  I don't mind just having my computer connect wirelessly to the existing wireless router rather than sending it wirelessly through the Time Capsule which would then just need to send the data to the existing router.  It just seems like it would make things slower and I don't want to even deal with it.  I hope that makes sense.
    This is what I want to do and I'm wondering if it is possible and if so how to do it.  First, I want my computer to be connected to the current wireless network (as if I didn't even have a TIme Capsule extending the network) so I can access the internet BUT SECOND, I want to access the iTunes library content I have saved on the Time Capsule through a direct ethernet connection.  I have too much content (i.e. movies, music...etc) to be able to save it all on my laptop and so that is why it is on the Time Capsule.  So simply, if the Time Capsule is plugged into my laptop, can I have it so it ONLY acts like a normal ethernet connected external hard drive?

    TC can be set a number of different ways.. Just run it as a router for now.. ie exactly at default.. The fact that you don't have WAN address or connection is irrelevant.. we can tell the TC to ignore the problem. At default the TC is 10.0.1.1
    The only issue you can have is if the wireless network is also 10.0.x.x. if it is change the IP of the TC to 192.168.10.1 (or whatever you like.. as long as it isn't the same).
    Use static IP settings for the network in the Mac.. you can use exactly the same IP and subnet the TC passed by dhcp. Just no router (gateway) or dns.. so as to not confuse the main network.
    You seem to be worrying to much about getting everything right..
    Start.. learn.. it is faster to do it and see what happens.. than keep asking questions.
    If you run into a snag disconnect the TC.. or reset to default and ask the specific question.

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