Time Capsule setting up and not showing up on utility

Question

Hi,
I'm just trying to set up a time capsule with two laptops. I've already got a wireless network and so wanted to add it on as a backup. The first time I plugged it in, my laptop (macbook pro) found it immediately on opening Airport utility and I went through the setup process. Then it said that it was having problems connecting to the network and to start again? So I went back, and it's not finding it, asking to rescan constantly. I've tried installing the software on another laptop (macbook) and it's doing the same, not showing up. I've tried restarting the computer, the time capsule, the router, tried doing the re-start to factory settings thing with the bit on the back... and it still won't show up. The capsule is connected by ethernet cable to the router. I'm still getting wireless from the router.
Thanks, J

Answer 1

What has happened likely is that I think the default configuration of the TC is to set itself up as a router. So it's done that and it's now running its own wireless network that is different from the one you normally use. If you look, you'll probably see both of them. In order to modify the TC settings you need to be on the same LAN subnet. What I would do is hook up the TC and a laptop just by themselves. Connect in to it that way. Configure it to put it in "Bridge Mode." Turn off the wireless unless you want to use it as another access point. Then give it an IP address that is an unused address on your local subnet (ie: 192.168.1.x or similar). You can find what your local subnet is by looking at your current wireless router and seeing what LAN address subnet it uses. Then once the TC is connected, hook it back up to your network and you should be good to go.