Time Capsule - Backing up external hard drive connected to MacBoookPro

I've just bought a time capsule, but have not yet opened it, because I wanted to make sure what I want to do is possible (so I don't have to exchange it). So here's what I want to do:
In the past I have tried to connect an external hard drive to my airport extreme, and then download videos, pictures, music directly to the hard drive. The problem was that the wireless ability of the airport extreme and MacBookPro just wasn't up to it - took forever to work on videos, download pictures, music jumps fairly regularly etc. So I've kept everything on my MacBookPro which has now filled the hard disk completely. My plan is therefore to have all the video/music/pictures on an external hard drive connected directly (with FireWire) to my MacBookPro and then have the time capsule back up the MacBookPro as well as the hard disk connected to it on a regular basis. Will my Time Capsule be able to back up both the MacBookPro and its connected hard drive without having to rebuild my entire MacBookPro?

Unfortunately, Time Machine will not back up a non-HFS+ formatted drive. If it's important to have TM back them up, you need to format it to HFS+. You will then need to pick up a third party app such as MacDrive for the PCs to read the HFS+ drive. If this is the route you want to go, you will have to move the data off, re-partition to GUID and format the partitions to HFS+. Or go with a different backup program to back up these partitions.

Similar Messages

  • Does Time Capsule Back up External Hard drives?

    Hi I have 2 external hard drives hooked up to my mac.  One is for Time Machine Back Up and the other was for my pictures in Aperture.
    The Aperture Hard drive is not working and I am wondering if there is a way to find the pictures in Time Machine.  I went back to the date when it was working but the external hard drive did not come up on the devices list.
    Any thoughts would be appreciated.  I really dont want to lose all my pictures.

    Do you know how I can tell if the external hard drive was backed up?
    Open up Time Machine and go back a few days using the scale at the far right of the screen.
    Click on your Mac under DEVICES on the left side of the Finder window
    The window to the right will display Macintosh HD.....and.....the name of the hard drive, if it was backed up
    If you do not see the name of the hard drive here. it was not backed up
    If you see the name of the hard drive there, Right-Click on the drive and select the option to Restore To....and another window will open to allow to specify where you want the drive restored....like the Desktop, for example.

  • Can I increase the capacity of Time Machine with an external hard drive connected to Time Capsule?

    Can I increase the capacity of Time Machine with an external hard drive connected to Time Capsule via the USB port?  My current Time Machine has a total capacity of 1TB.  I'd like to double or triple its memory.  I don't want to use the external hard drive in lieu of the Time Capsule hard drive.  I'd like to use it in addition to.  Just don't know if/how it's possible.
    This is another one of those questions that I've searched the web for answers, and have gotten tricky answers back.  So now I'm trying to introduce a clean slate to the mix.
    Thank you for your time!

    Well, what you mentioning is possible.  However, I don't know whether it's supported (as in, "easy to set up.").  Time Machine officially supports backing up to a locally attached drive, to a machine running a Time Machine server (i.e. running OS X Server software), and to a Time Capsule.  I don't know that it officially supports a drive attached to an AirPort or to a Time Capsule.  Though I know some people have gotten it to work.
    Best I can say is to try it.  Plug the drive into the Time Capsule, ensure it's shared on the network, and then try and set it as a backup target from a machine in the Time Machine backup panel (you'll need to ensure it's mounted first).  If it works, you're all set.

  • 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.

  • 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.)

  • Time Machine stalls when trying to back up to Time Capsule or an external hard drive.

    TIme Machine stalls when trying to back up to Time Capsule or an external hard drive.  Time Machine shows a message such as "Backing up 4MB of 9.00GB" but nothing happens for hours.

    Are you really running 10.6.4 OS?
    What model TC and what firmware?
    Wireless or wired?
    How is the TC setup?
    If TM can work to neither a TC or external hard disk it is more likely the computer is faulty hard disk..
    Do a verify of the disk.
    See A5 here.
    http://pondini.org/TM/Troubleshooting.html

  • 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

  • Time Machine Backup of external hard drive connected to IMAC

    I have an external hard drive connected to my IMAC. I also have a 2TB Time Capsule connected to my network. I store all of my video (both events and projects from imovie) to the external hard drive to save space on the IMAC. Does the Time Capsule backup this external hard drive? When I open Time Machine I don't see where the external hard drive is backed up? The drive is formatted MAC OS extended (journaled).

    nujac,
    Time Machine backs up all locally attached drives unless you specifically exclude them in System Prefenences > Time Machine > Options.. icon.
    You should be able to see this in Finder, enter TM and highlight the external drive. Click back to a prior date. Sometimes it takes a little while to fully populate the display since it's reading across the network, give it a few minutes.
    Regards,
    Captfred

  • 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 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)

  • 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

  • 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)

  • 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

  • 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).

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