I can't connect with the Time Capsule.

Question

Hello everyone,
Some years ago, I bought a Time Capsule. Until now, I didn't want to use it as an extern HD.
So I tried today.
I am using it for a year now, as main router. Several computers and iDevices are using it.
Because I had forgotten some things - and I hadn't wrote it down - I decided  to reset it and configure it again.
Since then, the internet has become slower - and I my Macbook pro can't connect to the Time Capsule's disk.
In Finder's everything fine. Left, under 'Shared', I can see the Time Capsule as a HD.
When I click on it, I see: "No Connection". Then I select "Connect As", and I fill in the Time Capsule password.
It tries to connect a few minutes, but then I get the message:
"The backup disk could not be found. Make sure the backup disk is connected or open Time Machine preferences to select a different backup disk."
In the Airport Utility, there's a green light.
*My firmware has the newest updates
*I am using Snow Leopard
*I am using newest update of the Airport Utility
*Since reset, internet's fine but a bit slower.
Other Questions:
*Can I use my Time Capsule for other things than only Time Machine (backup)?
*Can I divide it in parts? (Backup, User)
*Can I backup multiple devices on it? (Macbook Pro, iMac, Macbook Air etc.)
Hope you can help me!
iFallrise

Answer 1

What actual model is the TC.. the A1xxx number from the rubber base mat???
As they age they become unreliable. Some earlier and some at 3year mark.
It greatly depends on the setup of the existing network.
I would recommend a downgrade in the TC firmware.. as with Snow Leopard there is no advantage to you in the later firmware.
Go to the airport utility and select firmware update.. hold down the option key when you make the selection and all the previous versions available for your model will come up. I recommend using 7.5.2
Do another reset of the device. This time a full factory reset.. and start the configuration again.
Ignore update to firmware requests.. turn off the reminder.
Set all names to SMB standard. short, no spaces, pure alphanumeric. TC name, wireless names, hard disk name.
For wireless I recommend you use wpa2 security with 8-12 character passkey.. pure alphanumeric.
Set to manual for radio channels and test 1, 6, 11 in turn for the best.
Depending on the broadband you use, the TC must be in router or bridge mode.. tell us more if you need help for this.
If you think the TC is slowing you down, do a test with direct connection to the broadband modem and give us the speed comparison.. direct and via the TC ethernet or wireless.. tell us which though.. wireless will always be slower than ethernet.
If you have issues still with the hard disk it might need some work.. older models the disk might need to be erased .. please open any time machine backup and run a verify.
A5
http://pondini.org/TM/Troubleshooting.html
Other Questions:
*Can I use my Time Capsule for other things than only Time Machine (backup)?
Yes, but the TC is designed primarily for Time Machine.. if you store files, there is no method in the TC to back up those files.. do not make them the only store.
*Can I divide it in parts? (Backup, User)
You cannot partition a TC .. not without removing the disk. You can create a disk image.
Q3 http://pondini.org/TM/Time_Capsule.html
*Can I backup multiple devices on it? (Macbook Pro, iMac, Macbook Air etc.)
You can use multiple devices with TM. Be aware you need lots of free space for this to be successful. So you need to add up the total you want to backup on each computer.. and at least double it.