Using Time Capsule as Drive Back-Up Only (Not as Router)?

Since I already have a router I'm fine with, is it possible to use the Time Capsule ONLY as an external drive back-up (with Time Machine)?
If so, any special set-up tips I should know, or will it be amazingly smoothly easy as all things Apple have been for me thus far?

The TC can be attached in bridged mode to your router and will then act as a NAS drive for time machine backups also it provides additional wireless access points . Set up is fairly straightforward.

Similar Messages

  • How to use time capsule for wireless back-up but not internet?

    Hello,
    I have a tower and recently a laptop at work. The tower is connected to our local network with an ethernet cable and the laptop with wireless. So, the internet connection is fine for both.
    I was hoping to use my time capsule to do time machine backups on my laptop. Do you have any advice on how to configure this? I do not want to use the time capsule to extend my Internet, as I believe my work I.T. would prefer to handle all access to their  network.
    Perhaps there is some documentation about doing this that you could point me to? I have not been able to find it.
    Thank you for your help.

    Your original question was How to use Time Capsule for wireless back-up but not Internet?
    There is no reason for you to connect the tower....or anything else...using Ethernet if your goal remains that same as you stated.
    If you are asking if you can backup the Tower using Ethernet, and not wireless, then you can connect the tower to one of the LAN <-> ports on the Time Capsule....not the WAN port.
    Yes, it appears to work without plugging into my tower.
    Correct, it will work.
    I just have to select the network that it created. Of course, I have no access to the Internet while this is happening and it can not auto backup, unless I am on that wireless signal.
    As I stated, that is the downside to trying to back up without an Internet connection.  You have to establish another network...and backup over that network.
    If you are asking if you can stay connected to the work network while also backing up to your non-Internet "private" network, that is not possible.

  • Can I use time capsule as an external disk only (not as a wireless router)

    how can I use my time capsule as an external disk only. I have had problems with time capsule as a wifi router.

    Sure.. but it is still a network drive and must use wireless or ethernet.. the best way is plugged into the main router in bridge mode.. but you can use it in secondary network.. although the setup is more complicated.
    It is also less good than a simple external drive.. which is cheaper, faster and more reliable. Consider if the TC doesn't suit your needs get rid of it and opt for simple external drive.

  • Can I use Time Capsule to just back up my iTunes catalogue?

    Can I use Time Capsule to just back up my iTunes catalogue? or will it back up everything on my Mac?

    Set Time Machine to exclude everything else, or keep Time Machine turned off and drag the catalogue to the Time Capsule manually.
    (63467)

  • Want to use Time Capsule as a back up AND external storage device-help!

    I know there's been a few variations on this question but I can't seem to find the answer that relates to me so probably being dumb but help would be greatly appreciated.
    I bought a 500gb Time Capsule yesterday and finally got it set up through AirPort Utility. I think I've done it right-there's a green light and it's going through the motions of backing up although VERY slowly. It's taken 10 hours to back up 20GB. I've used Time Machine before with an external Seagate drive so I know how to access/check those back ups.
    I have a dish on the side of my house (on side of a mountain!) that brings the internet signal into a wireless router and then my MacBook accesses through that WIFI network. I plugged the ethernet cable from one of the standard ports out the back of the router into the WAN port on the Time Capsule as part of the setup and that seems to be right in that I can see the TC and surf the net.
    So, now I just want to see the Time capsule as a normal external drive on my desktop and move other files to it so they can come off my Macbook completely but the only way icon I can see if the white one that says 'Backup of...' I've copied stuff onto this but I suspect that was the wrong thing to do.
    Finally, I only want to TM to use the TC up to a certain max storage so I always have space free on it but can't find settings to allow me to do that.
    I'd be really grateful if someone could tell me how to set this up properly!

    Paretola wrote:
    So, now I just want to see the Time capsule as a normal external drive on my desktop and move other files to it so they can come off my Macbook completely but the only way icon I can see if the white one that says 'Backup of...' I've copied stuff onto this but I suspect that was the wrong thing to do.
    No. Don't transfer anything into the Back of... sparsebundle. That is your Time Machine backup.
    Under Finder -> Shared -> Time Capsule -> Time Capsule Disk. This is where you can create a new folder to store your files. If you want to see this on your Desktop, via Finder, click Preferences. Under General, make sure +Connected servers+ is ticked.
    Finally, I only want to TM to use the TC up to a certain max storage so I always have space free on it but can't find settings to allow me to do that.
    Since the TC HDD isn't partitionable, you can't really do that. Best thing is to get another HDD for storage as TM works best if you give it enough room to grow.
    I'd be really grateful if someone could tell me how to set this up properly!

  • How to use Time capsule/machine to back up external HD

    Hey, I cannot find an answer to this. My problem is simple. I just started using time machine with my new capsule. I have successfully used TM to back up my internal macbook hard drive, however all my music is on my external hard drive. I want time machine to back up my music from my current external HD to my Time Capsule. I've gone into Time machine preferences in order to remove my external HD from the "do not back up" list (which it is currently in), however, i am not allowed the option to remove it. Any thoughts.

    First your external HDD with all your music needs to be directly connected to your Mac. Second, it needs to be formatted HFS+ (Mac OS Extended - Journal). Time Machine will not backup a FAT32 or NTFS formatted HDD. Check under Disk Utility to confirm. If you need to re-format, you will need to transfer all you data to another HDD and reformat with Disk Utility. After moving your files back, try Time Machine again. Go to Options and try to exclude.

  • Want to use Time Machine as wireless back up only - no internet

    Im searching everywhere and unable to locate how to set up my TM as a wireless back up only. Im already hooked up to the internet and only want to use the backup feature in TM. Can someone give me directions or point me to the thread? thanks

    Welcome to the discussion area!
    By TM, I take it that you mean Time Capsule, correct?
    If you want to backup using wireless only to the Time Capsule, you have two basic configuration choices to consider:
    1) Connect the Time Capsule to your existing wireless router using an ethernet connection, and turn off the wireless on the Time Capsule. Backups will occur over your current wireless network. For most users, this is the easiest and most reliable way to configure a Time Capsule for back ups.
    2) Configure the Time Capsule to "join a wireless network". In this configuration, the Time Capsule can be located virtually anywhere that it can receive a good wireless signal because it becomes in effect, only a wireless backup device.
    Configuring the Time Capsule to "join" a wireless network can be quite tricky, even for experienced users because you must know the exact type of security the wireless network is using. It sounds simple, but different manufacturers use different names for the same thing, and it can be a challenge to get the device configured correctly without multiple tries. If you already have an Apple main router, this will be much easier to configure.
    Post back for more details.
    Message was edited by: Bob Timmons

  • Use Time Capsule Hard Drive as USB

    I have a 4th generation Time Capsule that died. I can get a new one through AppleCare, but I first need to get my data off my old one. No problem I figured, I would just open the old Time Capsule, remove the hard drive and plug it into my Mac via a USB SATA dock that I have. I did that, but it's now showing up anywhere. Finder, Disk Utility, Time Machine. Nothing. Any ideas?
    Thanks!

    What size drive was in the TC?? How old is the USB dock? Most older USB have a 2TB size limit.. if your TC had a 3TB drive it won't work. You need a much more recent and likely USB3 type dock.
    The disk could be dead.. perhaps that is what the TC died over.. it can kill the drive in the process.
    Normally however the drive should at least show up.. are you using Yosemite.. what shows up in Yosemite is often a combo of gremlins voodoo and snake oil coatings.
    Does the drive spin up when connected?
    Or does it make ticking sounds..??
    If you have data you need and you did not back it up.. very naughty btw..
    Stick another disk into the TC and seal it up, return to apple.. and send the disk to the recovery centre.. and get your bank account ready for the $1000 deduction soon to be made.

  • Use TIme Capsule as an ethernet connection Only

    I have had a problem that seems to occur often in this forum. I had TC working with time machine. Away for a few weeks and now every time it tries to back up after hours some times 24 or so having backed up 3.5gb of 195gb I get the backup failed message. I have reset the TC and deleted the old file. Live in a condo and have networking supplied so I have set my time capsule to extend the network. I am not running any antivirus software.
    I think the solution maybe to just use an ethernet connection. Presently I have the time capsule connect to the net and an ethernet connection from my imac to TC. The TC wireless mode is set to join a wireless net work.
    I would like to just use the ethernet connection is that possible. I do not want to turn the TC off as if I can get it all working again I would like to use the TC to back up a macbook as well.
    Can anyone help please.
    Mitch

    Sure.. but it is still a network drive and must use wireless or ethernet.. the best way is plugged into the main router in bridge mode.. but you can use it in secondary network.. although the setup is more complicated.
    It is also less good than a simple external drive.. which is cheaper, faster and more reliable. Consider if the TC doesn't suit your needs get rid of it and opt for simple external drive.

  • Can I use Time Capsule shared drive with Windows 7?

    I have a MacBook Pro and want to buy/set up Time Capsule and use it as a shared hard drive in my small home office. We have PC's as well with Win7.  WIll this work?

    First find the spec for your AEBS. TC is Gigabit ethernet ie 10/100/1000. The older AEBS were Fast ethernet ie 10/100.
    What would I do? TC set as base and create its own wireless network.. Main computer and cable modem attach to it. AEBS set up as bridge and create its own wireless network.
    With this set up you can configure TC as N only at 5 GHZ if you have Extreme capable wireless Macs. The AEBS set N+(B/G) 2.4 GHZ for older G capable Macs. If you ever purchase Apple TV it can connect to the TC for speed of upload files to itself. The older Macs can still connect to AEBS and be used a Apple TV to stream.

  • Can I use time capsule as a back-up device and not use the wireless?

    Hello. I have recently had many issues with a new Time Capsule.
    My question is : Can I use my TC as a back-up device and not wireless while I am using my Lynksys router as my WiFi device? Thx.

    Can I use my TC as a back-up device and not wireless while I am using my Lynksys router as my WiFi device?
    Yes, turn off the wireless on the TC if you want to do this.
    Open AirPort Utility, click on the TC, and click Edit
    Click the Wireless tab at the top of the page
    Change Wireless Mode to Off
    Update to save the new settings

  • Time Capsule as a back up only

    Hello
    I have posted several times re my TIme Capsule and have been referred to Mr Pondini helpful solutions. Very informative but sorry to say no farther forward. I now  ask whether I can connect TC o my Imac by USB to use the TC just as an ordinary external hard disc for back up via Time Machine.
    I am not in a sutuation at the moment where I can connect to ethernet directly from my broadband router. I use Powerline plugs which work fine for everything I have except Time Capsule.
    Thanks

    Follow up
    I maaged to get the Time Capsule connected using the Powerline for ethernet to TC. There were 4 queries highlighted by a red 4 in Airport Utility but options to ignore where there and selected.
    Green light on TC and backup started, not for long as my earlier this year problem re Sparse Bundle Error 1 has delayed the backup. Referring back to Mr Pondini instructions I got as far as restarting my Mac after which the connection was broken although green light still showed on TC. My back up disc no longer shows in disc utility.
    Trying to reconnect has been unsiccessful so far.
    Wd appreciate help.

  • Can not connect to Time Capsule hard drive when I am not on its network.

    If you can help me, I will be forever grateful!
    I had a airport extreme with a hard drive that I used to back up my computer and to access my files when I am on the road. (Everything worked perfectly)
    I switched to the Time Capsule.
    I am now unable to connect to my Time Capsule drive when I am on the road.
    I get this message: The server "time capsule name"may not exist or it is unavailable at this time. Check the server name or IP address, check your network connection, and then try again.
    Some notes:
    -I am using the same exact modem at home I have been using this whole time
    -I am connecting using the same connection I did when I connected with my airport extreme
    -I can connect to mobileme
    -My mobileme name and password are in the advanced options in the Capsule
    -My firewall is OFF
    -My back to my Mac option is ON in Mobileme preferences
    -I have the most up to date OS package
    -I have the most up to date capsule version
    PLEASE HELP!

    Hey,
    I have excaly the same problem.
    In my case, i can connect remotely to my mac mini at home, but not the time capsule.
    Anybody have any suggestions ?

  • How do I use time capsule as a direct backup drive only connect to my macbook pro via ethernet cable

    I have recently abandoned my cable internet service provider and am using my iPad as a hotspot via verizon wireless service.  I am trying to reconfigure my time capsule as a back up drive only connected by an ethernet cable. 
    I was able to set it up on my new hotspot wireless net, but do not want to use it that way because of the data usage impact on my verizon wireless account.
    Hopefully there is an easy answer, but it is not intuitively obvious to me. 

    Well I have to say you can do it.. but if you are plugging and unplugging ethernet, you could just as easily plug and unplug an external USB drive.. and it will be faster and more reliable than the TC.
    I explained how to do the TC as a secondary network in the posts here. Look down the bottom of the discussion.
    https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4817218?tstart=30
    If any of that doesn't make sense just post again here..
    You can also do it with wireless if you accept using a USB wireless stick plugged into the Mac.. then you have two wireless clients and can connect simultaneously to two different networks.. using the same principles as above that you remove the gateway and dns problems that arise by manual settings.

  • Using time capsule model A1409 and trying to use it as only backup. Already have Verizon wireless router. Do not know which cable port to use in back of time capsule. And also it is asking for password. Have tried all of mine and it will not work.

    Want to us my time capsule model A1409  as only backup. 2 TB hard drive.
    Already have Verizon wireless router. Do not want to use Time capsule as router, only back up for iMac.
    Do not know which cable port to use in back of time capsule to Ethernet port back of my iMac.
    And also it is asking for password for the server John Garland's Time Capsule so Time machine can access it..
    Have tried all of passwords can think of and none work.
    Held the reset button for one second on back of capsule and do not see if anything happened.
    What a conundrum.
    Appreciate any help to get this working.
    Thanks,
    John R

    I have a 2TB Timecapsule and really only use it for Time Machine backups. But the Wi-Fi side is used to sync my iPad at times.
    Mine is wiredup thus;
    Eth cable from iMac to modem (not the WAN port should you have one),  then eth cable from modem to T/Cap in the WAN port (bottom port with an O sign above it)
    I believe when its connected up you may have to set up a wireless network. Follow the instructions to set up Wi-Fi and Network
    and then give it a password. The WiFi icon should appear in the menu bar where you can switch it on or off.
    Its been sometime since I set it with the help of Apple Techs so I might be a bit rusty.
    Alan

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