Time Capsule vs. Other Backups

Am I better off going with Airport Extreme, Time Capsule, or other backup device as a replacement for an older backup for my relatively new (about a year old) Macbook Pro. I will be getting a new Air for use at work and a second ipad.

Not an Airport Extreme; Time Machine backups to USB drives connected to them are unreliable and not supported.  See AirPort base stations: Time Machine hard drive compatibility  just revised the other day.
If you also have a desktop Mac, you can back up to a shared drive on it via your network.
And think long and hard before getting a 3rd-party NAS or network drive.  See the pink box in Time Machine - Frequently Asked Question #2 for details.
TC's generally work well, but nothing's perfect.  It's always prudent to keep "secondary" backups, but even more so when your main ones are on a network.  See #27 in the FAQ link for more explanation and some suggestions.

Similar Messages

  • Time Capsule Disconnects OTHER devices on wireless network during backup?

    Hi everyone,
    I need help here. I have a 500gb TC as my wireless base station as well as my backup for a new-ish 2.8 iMac. I have 2 laptops on the network as well as 2 airport express stations that just serve speakers. The house is a small 1-floor 3-bedroom.
    Every time my iMac does a time machine backup (which is often), the airport express bricks lose their music streams, and the laptops (a original Macbook Pro and a previous gen. MacBook) lose their internet and network connection - BUT they still show full signal strength and show that they are connected to the network.
    The only thing that seems to "solve" it is for me to turn my computer airport off then back on and wait for it to re-join the network.
    I have tried resetting my Time capsule - which only resulted in a VERY slow initial backup which took over 2 days to back up 200gb worth of data and then back to the same problem.
    I have the TC set up as a mixed n/b/g network, and I have one express brick extending the network ('cause I thought a weak signal might be the problem but it appears not), and the other brick joining the network. All firmware/ software is up to date. Any help is appreciated!
    Many thanks,
    jb

    jwbeaton,
    While it doesn't directly relate to your connectivity issue, might I suggest not storing other files on the TC. Use and external disk attached to the TC via USB.
    *Using a Time Machine Hard Disk (or Time Capsule) for Other Files*
    Here is Apples’ line on this: “Time Machine works best if you use your backup disk only for Time Machine backups. If you keep files on your backup disk, Time Machine won’t back up those files, and the space available for Time Machine backups will be reduced.” [http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.5/en/11430.html]
    This hasn't stopped some from successfully partitioning Time Machine hard disks and storing data on the other partition. As long as the Time Machine backup has its' own partition, you avoid any potential opportunities for conflict.
    However, this is not an option for Time Capsule users as there is no easy way of partitioning the Time Capsules’ internal hard disk without elaborate effort. Granted, the Time Capsule is advertised as being able to perform both as a Time Machine backup destination and as a shared network drive [Apple Store (U.S.) - Time Capsule - 500 GB]
    Nevertheless, some have experienced problems with maintaining files/folders occupying the same disk as Time Machine backups. In this case, they use the Time Capsule hard disk solely for Time Machine backups. Then attach an external hard disk to the Time Capsules USB port and store additional files there. This added disk will still be available to all Macs that can access the Time Capsule. (Note though, that any USB disks attached to the USB port of the Time Capsule can not then be backed up to the Time Capsule via Time Machine. Time Machine will only backup your Macs internal hard disk or any external hard disks physically attached to the Mac. Time Machine can not backup one remote device to another remote device.)
    Hope this is helpful.
    Cheers!

  • How do I set up time capsule to just backup multiple macs on a wireless network without using the TC in the bridge mode?

    I have an AT&T modem that serves as our home wireless network.  I wanted to backup up our computer data so I got a time capsule to back up our three household MACs.  After purchase, I found how that I needed to put the exising modem in "bridge mode" so the Time capsule would establish the network. Four frustrating hours later talking to 3 different people at Yahoo, I got the **** thing established.  It worked fine for 4 months - then a power failure forced me to repeat the process again.  I had to reestablish everything and it took another 4 hours.  After 6 months, another power failure forced me to go through the entire process again.  Now, of course, Yahoo is charging a fee to help you establish the TC as the network if you have one of their modems - and to make things interesting, they really don't understand MACs.  After 5 hours, in frustration, I gave up and asked the Yahoo folks to just put their modem back in as the network hub and I unplugged the Time Capsule.  Now after 3 months of looking at an expensive Time Capsule and searching the internet for help, I figured I try the Apple help network,
    I just want to backup the data on my MACS.  I have a network in the house that works just fine.  How do I configure the TC to work as a backup on a wireless network?  It seems like it should be simple, but it isn't.  Can anybody help?

    I have no idea about the modem and bridge mode (I don't do networking -- hopefully Bob Timmons, Tesserax, or one of the other networking gurus will drop in and address that).
    But . . . you should be able to back up to the TC as long as it's on your network and recognized by your Macs.  I think being in bridge mode means it will be rather slow, but it should work.  Until/unless we hear otherwise, you might want to see #Q1 in Using Time Machine with a Time Capsule.

  • Can i use my time capsule to wirelessly backup my macbook and its external hard drive, which up until now was it's time machine and storage? How?

    Can i use my time capsule to wirelessly backup my macbook and its external hard drive, which up until now was it's time machine and storage? How?

    The external drive must be connected to the Mac using either USB or FireWire
    You must remove the external hard drive from the list of items that are "excluded" from backups in Time Machine Preferences.
    Here's how:
    Open System Preferences (gear icon on the dock)
    Open Time Machine
    Click Options
    Look for the name of the hard drive in the list of "excluded" items and click on it to highlight it
    Click the -- (minus) button at the bottom of the list to remove the hard drive from the list of "excluded" items....so it will now be backed up
    Strongly recommend that you do the first backup using Ethenret from your computer to the Time Capsule since the entire contents of the external drive will be copied on the first pass. Ethernet will be 3-5 faster than wireless.
    Once you have the first backup done, you can use wireless for subsequent backups since they will nornally be much smaller....unless you add large files to the external drive.

  • Can I use my Time Capsule as a backup disk and storage?

    Can I use my Time Capsule as a backup disk and put files from my other USB external hard drive on it, using the TC as an external as well?

    Actually, there is a way to limit the amount of space Time Machine uses for backup so that it won't eat up all your disk space...for example, I have mine set to only use 65GB, and then it starts to overwrite older backups...Google it for more info. To begin with, I deleted my Sparse Disk Image Bundle from Time Capsule, and used Disk Utility to create a Sparse Disk Image Bundle (turn off backups first!!!) with a capacity of 65GB in HFS Journaled, Case Sensitive...The Image must be named as follows "Full Computer Name_Ethernet MAC Address" (The ethernet MAC address is used even if you plan to solely use wifi for backups). for example, my Sparse Disk Image Bundle name is "Ahmad Atiya's MacBook Pro_00254b9d8f72.sparsebundle" Move this image to your time capsule's main directory (if you didn't create it there to begin with). Go to your Time Machine preferences, turn it on, and set it to use your Time Capsule. It should start using the image you created. If you click "get info" on the disk image, it'll show a capacity of whatever you created.

  • Time Capsule just for backups, not for wifi.

    I used to use my Time Capsule for both backups and wifi but constantly had issues, so I just disconnected it in favor of a simple Airport Express. No issues since switching, but now I have this Time Capsule just sitting here and don't do automatic backups any longer...I would like to use solely for back ups, I don't need these backups to be wireless, just for use with Time Machine. I can't find the answer by google, any suggestions?

    I am trying to do the same thing but I am having an issue.
    I, too, was having issues with using the Time Capsule (new one-2T) as a router and for backup (the Internet was dropping all the time). So I bought a separate router (ASUS RT-N56U) and have that plugged into my Motorola modem. The Time Capsule I have plugged into the router.
    Airport Utility and I have become best friends as of late with all the problems I am having and my TC keeps getting lost-AU says that it was part of my network and now can't be found. Strangely, if I go to Open Network Settings from the menu bar and select Assist Me--->Diagnostics--->Select my network--->Continue and when the window pops up about Always Allow Keychain, I click on Always Allow. And that seems to correct the problem with my TC not being found/part of the network. This happens all the time lately.... Ever since I got the new router.
    So if you or anyone have any insight into what is going on.... I will try it! Thanks for the help, Judy

  • HT3275 My Time Capsule keeps saying "backup failed" due to the network password not being correct. I have not changed my password and every day I have to type the same one in and then it works. But then the same thing happens the next day. Can anyone help

    My Time Capsule keeps saying "backup failed" due to the network password not being correct. I have not changed my password and every day I have to type the same one in and then it works. But then the same thing happens the next day. Can anyone help? This only started doing this about 2 weeks ago.

    Hello,
    Mac OS X 10.4 Help, I forgot a password in my Keychain
    http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.4/en/mh1960.html
    Resetting your keychain in Mac OS X...
    If Keychain First Aid finds an issue that it cannot repair, or if you do not know your keychain password, you may need to reset your keychain.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1544
    Open Keychain Access in Utilities, use Keychain First Aid under the Menu item, then either check the Password under that item, change it, or delete it and start over.

  • Time Capsule by default backup only data files and excludes program files like Photoshop, Lightroom, and MS Office, etc... right? or do I have to exclude manually?

    Time Capsule by default backup only data files and excludes program files like Photoshop, Lightroom, and MS Office, etc... right since if crash I can reinstall and not want to take up disk space for applications that I have CD to reinstall?  Or do I have to manually exclude these?

    Time Machine will back all files except files like caches, trash or temp files, you can select with file you would like to exclude by going into the Time Machine preferences.http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1427

  • I am getting this error when time machine tries to back up to a time capsule.  "The backup disk image "/Volumes/JUDY ARCENEAUX's Time Capsu-1/JUDY ARCENEAUX's MacBook Air.sparsebundle" is already in use."  Same time capsule has worked in the past.

    I am getting this error when time machine tries to back up to a time capsule.  "The backup disk image “/Volumes/JUDY ARCENEAUX's Time Capsu-1/JUDY ARCENEAUX’s MacBook Air.sparsebundle” is already in use."  Same time capsule has worked in the past.

    First, restart the computer and the Time Capsule. In most of the cases, this should solve the problem.
    If it doesn't work, see > http://pondini.org/TM/C12.html

  • HT3275 How do I correct this problem: "Time Machine couldn't complete the backup to "Robert's Airport Time Capsule."  The backup disk image "/Volumes/Data/Robert's iMac.sparsebundle" is already in use.

    How do I correct the following problem?
    "Time Machine couldn't complete the backup to "Robert's Airport Time Capsule".
    The backup disk image "/Volumes/Data/Robert's iMac.sparsebundle" is already in use.

    xor. wrote:
    I switched off the TM  for 10 seconds and my laptop still complains about the backup image ...  is in use.
    Some ideas?
    There is some more details here.
    C12 http://pondini.org/TM/Troubleshooting.html
    Tell us more if you cannot get it working.

  • I have two Macs that won't back up to time capsule, says The backup disk image "/Volumes/Data/Douglas Chalmers's iMac.sparsebundle" is already in use.

    I have two Macs that won't back up to time capsule, says The backup disk image “/Volumes/Data/Douglas Chalmers’s iMac.sparsebundle” is already in use.

    Please look over to the right of this page for the heading of More Like This.
    There are multiple answers and solutions there.

  • HT4437 how may I add files to time capsule apart from backup files?

    how may I add files to time capsule apart from backup files?
    I'm able to perform backup (time machine). May I add pictures, texts, movies...?
    Thanks

    not sure if this is a spc. appletv question or if you posted it in the wrong forum but there is no way
    for an appletv to access files directly from an time capsule it can only! access a shared lib from itunes from a computer running and running itunes

  • Auto pause time machine while other backups run

    I backup every hour with time machine
    Also every night while in bed backup does multiple backups to other locations
    Is there a way to automatically turn off or pause time machine while these other backups take place and then start it when they finish??
    I'm using the apple backup application v3.12
    I've tried the automator but when I play back the recorded 'watch me do' it never seems to play back quite the same or I get 'the action "watch me do" encountered an error'
    Many thanks for your help on this

    Basically I am using time machine straight to a 500 gig Time Capsule via Gigabit Ethernet most of the time, sometimes through airport although it is slower, even using 5Ghz on draft n!
    Also at night from 2am the following backups run using the backup app
    Backup my accounting files to idisk every night only about 100Mb,
    Backup my User folder to partition 2 of a 1Tb WD drive connected via USB to my Time Capsule and also to my time capsule every night
    Backup my whole hard drive excluding user folder to partition 2 of the 1Tb WD drive on monday early am and to my timecapsule friday am.
    Partition 1 is a backup of the time capsule done manually through airport utility
    All this means that if a backup drive fails (tc or 1TB wd I've still got all my backup data on the other drive.
    Worst case senario I lost both drives and my laptop I would at least have my account's on my I disk.
    I think I may get another 1Tb and rotate them taking 1 off site
    This may seem ott but I lost my last mac and lost some data due to and old backup drive that was failing. So I don't take chances now!
    Thanks for your help on this.
    Thanks for you help on this much appriciated

  • I can't connect to Time Capsule- error message: Backup disk is not available. Was working fine before.

    I can't connect to Time Capsule- error message: Backup disk is not available. Was working fine before.

    Restart it.. Does this all the time with Lion and even worse ML.
    Restart the whole network if that doesn't work.. do it in correct order.. from off.. modem.. TC.. clients 2min gap.

  • HT3728 My Time Machine tells me it cannot complete the backup to my Time Capsule because the backup disk image sparsebundle is already in use.

    The 2GB hard drive on my iMac failed and has just been replaced under warranty.
    When I got it back I restored my Time Capsule and started back ups of the iMac and the MacBook Pro.
    Now 2 days later it is telling me that  Time Machine couldnt complete the back up to my Time Capsule as the backup disc image sparsebundle is already in use. It is saying this for both machines which presumably means a problem within the Time Capsule.
    What does this mean and what should I do about it?

    See # C12 in Time Machine --- Troubleshooting
    http://pondini.org/TM/Troubleshooting.html

  • Cannot select Time Capsule as my backup drive

    I just purchased Time Capsule 802.11N Wi-Fi Hard Drive 1TB, and I want to use it exclusively as a wireless backup drive and not as a Router. I connected the time capsule power cord and have a yellow light on the time capsule. I then went to system preferences and selected Time machine. Once in time machine I slid the button from off to on and the only option that I have is Bootcamp and underneat it says "reformat required(incompatible filesystem). Can someone tell me why time capsule is not indicated as a possible selection?

    rider93 wrote:
    I just purchased Time Capsule 802.11N Wi-Fi Hard Drive 1TB, and I want to use it exclusively as a wireless backup drive and not as a Router. I connected the time capsule power cord and have a yellow light on the time capsule. I then went to system preferences and selected Time machine.
    You can't use the Time Capsule for wireless backups unless you can integrate it into your LAN, which will require configuring it.  Depending on what brand/model of router you're using, that may or may not be easy.  Start by setting "Wireless Mode" (in AirPort Utility's AirPort panel, Wireless tab) to "Join a wireless network".  If you can't get AIrPort Utility to see the Time Capsule, try connecting to it with an Ethernet cable.

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