Using Time Capsule for backup storage as well as Time Machine back-up

Just set up Time Capsule and used Time Machine to back up files. All working OK with new backups as well, but I need to transfer files from an external hard drive to Time Capsule.
Read on Apple site, "Note: Time Machine works best if you use your back-up disk only for Time Machine backups. If you keep files on your bckup disk, Time Machine won't backup those files and the space available for Time Machine backups will be reduced.
What I really need is to have Time Machine backup everything. I don't have enough internal hard drive space on my MacBook Pro to transfer files from the external hard drive to the computer so that Time Machine could read them and back them up. How can this be accomplished? Is there another way? Thank you.

1. "Use Disk Utility in your Applications > Utilities folder to check the format of the disk. Mac OS Extended (Journaled"
I did this and the external disk is formated corectly. Thank you!
I "Entered Time Machine" again and found the external drive listed (Yes!) I reviewed files including photos and some video files and all were accessable except my iPhoto files. Note: I have been using iPhoto Manager (3rd party software) to organize my iPhoto picutres for some time now on the external drive. My internal hard drive, 125 GB, filled up years ago, so I got this program and moved the iPhoto images off the internal drive. I can see the information for the files, i.e. size, created date, lst modified date, but cannot get acess to the picutres. When I try the same procedure with my external drive I can get into the files and get access to the photos.
Is there a way to gain access to these pictures?
2. I also saw that my Applications folder had been backed up as well, but none of the Apple software, Adobe CS programs, Flash, Final Cut Pro are there. I am wondering if it is because this is an institutional college set-up machine and they installed the original software. There is a "Tech" folder that I do not have access to on the machine. I can update the college installed software and add software myself. All of the software I have added over the years seems to be there in the backup.
So is this simply not accessable except via "Tech"?

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Have the following iMac at home and am contemplating adding a MacBook Air and a 2TB Airport Time Capsule for backup/storage and increased WiFi speeds. My question is this (1) a compatible setup, and (2) will my older iMac slow down the WiFi speeds? Man

Have an older iMac and am contemplating adding a new MacBook Air and a 2TB Airport Time Capsule to increase WiFi speeds. My question is (a) is this a compatable setup and (b) will the older iMac slow the WiFi speeds?
Thanks

Be careful about mixing Time Machine backups and other data on the TC's disk. That will cause conflicts, sooner or later. See #Q3 in Using Time Machine with a Time Capsule for an explanation and some possible workarounds.

Possible to simultaneously use time capsule for backup + another router for internet?

I will soon be moving into an apartment in which my landlord provides wireless internet through her own router.
I also have my own Time Capsule, which I'd like to continue to use to back up my Mac via Time Machine.
Is it possible to connect to both my Time Capsule (for backup only) and another router (for internet only) at the same time?
If not, can anyone suggest a good workaround?

moskovit wrote:
I've done a little research, and it looks like I might be able to wirelessly daisy chain the two routers, using WDS (wireless distribution system), assuming my landlord's router supports it, but that this would drop the speed of the internet significantly: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2623802?start=0&tstart=0
It works extremely poorly and the landlord would need to agree to it.. plus it would require use of WEP security which is hackable by children with internet hack kits in about 2min flat. Don't go there. Apple have made their products incompatible with most other routers. So any suggestion of a workaround will involve spending some money on your part.
You could buy a airport express and plug that into the main router by ethernet.. again if allowed. Your TC can do wireless bridge to another apple product very well. Messy but could work. It is not that expensive to get a second hand AEBS and use that. You don't need the latest products but wireless range would be better in the AEBS than AE.
So I'm still wondering: Is there another workaround? Is there a way to get my mac to connect to my time capsule (for backup) and another router (for internet) simultaneously, or is that just technologically impossible? If it's impossible, is there another solution?
You cannot wirelessly connect to two different wireless devices at once on one client. You need to either have a second wireless client in the laptop.. for instance a USB stick which can be fairly tiny nowadays. It is just you need to find one with Mac drivers. Or the TC must have internet connectivity. You could get that by buying a wireless bridge, and using that in your room, with the TC plugged into it. Universal wireless bridge devices are fairly cheap, but can be a pain to setup. Look for products that work with the main router and use as fast a speed as possible. It can be a tricky setup as you need the wireless bridge working on one channel and the TC working on another. What I am suggesting is the WDS solution you found but using two different boxes to do it. And not using WDS at all, unless the main router is suitable, but rather universal bridge.
The hassle of all that suggests to me,, I would go for the wireless stick, so your Mac laptop has two wireless clients.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/iMAC-MAC-Apple-Airport-G3-G4-G5-OS-X-USB-WIRELESS-CAR D-/290538112833?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a56bc741
I have no idea if this works just to show you what I mean. Please do research it yourself.
An ethernet connection to the TC is far superior solution albeit would require you to plug and unplug it.

Use time capsule for backup for HP Windows computer?

How can I use Time Capsule for backup on a HP Windwos computer?

Apple does not offer Windows backup software.
A popular PC application used to backup a PC on the Time Capsule is Genie Timeline Pro. You might want to take a look:
Genie Timeline Pro | Overview | Time Machine Backup Software for ...

I want to install a new Time Capsule for backups. I also have a B box2 from Belgacom for the digital TV, so how do I install?

Hi,
I want to install a new Time Capsule for backups. I also have a B box2 from Belgacom for the digital TV, so how do I install?

Just setup the TC in bridge.
Assuming you are using Lion.. download the airport utility that has some utility.
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1482
Then manual setup, internet tab, connection sharing.. off bridge mode.
Then plug the TC into the Bbox and just use it as wireless target for your air.
You can use wireless on Bbox if that works as well, and you might need to juggle wireless channels to get everything working. Having both set to auto is not a good idea.. set and lock channels on one or the other but best is both.. On the TC go to the airport wireless page. change it to manual.. lock the channel. You can use 1, 6, 11 or 13 in ETSI..

Using Time Capsule for Backup Drives, Storage, and an iTunes Server?

I have a 500 GB Time Capsule to accompany my Macbook. The Time Capsule connects to my household's existing wifi network and is not connected by a cord to my computer. I went through a great deal of difficulty setting it up, but now it's time to start using it. I just canceled my off-site backup service, so I really need and appreciate your help and advice.
I want my Time Capsule to perform a few different tasks:
1) Time Machine backups for TWO different user accounts on my Macbook
2) Additional file storage
3) iTunes server
Is this possible? If so, how would I accomplish it?

1) Time Machine backups for TWO different user accounts on my Macbook
Time Machine backs up the ENTIRE hard drive. It is not user dependent.
2) Additional file storage
Yes
3) iTunes server
You can use it to store your iTunes library. However iTunes will need to run on your MacBook to play the music.

Using Time Capsule for backup only (no Wifi)

I posted a problem in another thread ( https://discussions.apple.com/message/22500623#22500623 ) about conflicts with my Time Capsule and Comcast modem. Apple concluded that there was a hardware problem with the Time Capsule. I got a new Time Capsule yesterday since I couldn't get a refund on the old one. Because configuring the Time Capsule to work as a Wifi station requires such a hassle and I don't get any extra benefits in terms of speed compared to my Comcast modem, I now have a very expensive hard drive for backup. I have some questions about using the TC for backup only since I am running into some problems with the backup.
1. Does the TC have to be connected to my modem? It seems that when I do not connect the TC to the modem then I end up with the backup stalling after a few GB. Additionally, I end up with the flashing amber light.
2. If I do connect the TC to the modem it backs up but my WIFI grinds to a halt (likely a product of all the data pushing from the computer through the modem and to the TC). I should add that in Airport Utility I have turned off WIFI on the TC so it should not be interfering with the WIFI. If I do need to connect to the modem are there any tips for not messing up WIFI speeds beyond just backing up when everyone is asleep? I assume not, but it can't hurt to ask.
Thanks.

2. My initial setup showe various errors so I hooked the TC into the modem via the WAN port and then I was able to set up (WIFI off, Bridge Mode OFF) and those errors went away.
If I understand your last post correctly, you say that I should do a reset on the TC. Re-configure but leave the errors because backups will still work. Then I can leave the TC unplugged until I need to use it (which has the added bonus of limited flashing amber light). Is this correct?
You are setting up the TC in the wrong mode.. it has to be in Router mode.. Not Bridge..
You are worrying too much about the flashing amber.. it is irrelevant. You can select ignore and it will go green.
This setup is actually simple.
So here is what I suggest.
1. Factory reset the TC.
Just to get started from a clean setup. And that will put the TC in the correct mode.. ie dhcp and nat.
2. Plug it by ethernet LAN TC to computer. On the computer no other connection.. turn off wireless.
3. Just change the name of the TC to something short as it helps.. eg TCGen5
And turn the wireless off.
And ignore all the other problems.
4. Now setup TM.. I would also start clean.. do a fresh TM setup .. see A4 here.
http://pondini.org/TM/Troubleshooting.html
5. Run the backup. Maybe even erase the TC before you start so you are really doing a fresh clean backup.
The very first backup will start quickly and drop to very slow speed as there are heaps of very small files in the system.. these take a long time to process.. but as it proceeds it will speed up. Overall you should still average 50GB/hr.
6. Once you complete the first backup, later ones should be fine.. but do not expect them to work as well as when you do it hourly.. it does need to do a lot more work to figure out where the TM backup is up to.
I would like to get you to have another crack at using the TC properly in the network. When you are over the pain of all this.. and perhaps when apple releases a decent firmware update you can go back to it.. but I have another suggestion for setup. Get the above working first so you have a good first backup of all your computers.

Can I use a Time Capsule for ADDITIONAL storage for a Mac Air which has run limited storage space

Hi
I am looking at purchasing the current MacBook Air but am aware of its limited storage space in terms of files, photos etc.
Was wondering if I could use a time Capsule for both back-up and as an additional storage device. Ie: would I be able to store photos and files on the Time Capsule that I do not wish to store on a MacBook Air and be able to retrieve them as and when - or would these be deleted after a period of time? Is there any way of protecting certain files on the Time capsule to prevent them from being deleted?
Many thanks in advance

Welcome to Apple Support Communities
You can but it's not recommended, because you can damage the Time Machine structure.
Toffey wrote:
would I be able to store photos and files on the Time Capsule that I do not wish to store on a MacBook Air and be able to retrieve them as and when - or would these be deleted after a period of time? Is there any way of protecting certain files on the Time capsule to prevent them from being deleted?
Only files backed up with Time Machine are deleted from your Time Capsule when there's no enough storage. If you store other files, they are not deleted. However, for what you want to do, I recommend you to buy a big external drive and make two partitions, one for Time Machine and another one to store files, or get two external drives

I want to use the Time Capsule for backup only.

I picked up a Time Capsule thinking I could use it just for backups. So far, I've been unable to connect to it. I did set it up to extend my current WiFi network, but now I can't see it with Time Machine. What do I do to make the Time Capsule to function just as a wireless back up drive?

OK, I tried this, what happened is that my iMac lost connection to the Internet while the Ethernet connection was active.
I said to do this only whilst you setup the TC.. and maybe do the initial backup .. otherwise the idea is to put the TC into the network, which is what you were trying to do.. but obviously do it so that it works.
As stated, if you bridge the TC.. simply update it.. and plug it into the main router by ethernet. You should now be able to do what you wanted.. connect to it by wireless and use it for backups. The fact that it is linked to the network is absolutely necessary if you want internet at the same time as backups are running. The wireless cannot connect to two different routers at the same time.
I'd like to know how do I not have it override my Wifi connection and allow me to access the hard drive? If I can't do this, I'll be forced to take the Time Capsule back.
Please give me exact steps how to setup and use a Time Capsule just as a hard drive. Thanks!
You only need to do this if you intend to keep the TC connected only to your computer by ethernet, without a network connection.. is that what you want?
The trick is very simple. Set ethernet manually not by dhcp.. do not set a gateway (router) or DNS for ethernet.
You can also simply change wifi connection to the top of the list. Both of these are set in the Mac itself not the TC.. the TC can just run as router but with nothing connected.. and ignore the lack of connection.
The end point of this process though is you have the TC doing what an external hard drive can do, better cheaper and faster. To use the TC as a backup device only connected by ethernet or wireless is a waste.
Tell me what you want to do.. ie your preferred setup in the light of the previous discussion and I will give you all the screen shots for the exact steps to set that up. I will need to know what IP your current router uses.. and the dhcp range if possible.

Time Capsule as central storage in addition to Time Machine backups?

I have been using a MacBook and just recently bought my wife the new aluminum MacBook to replace our old PC Desktop. I am considering buying the 1TB Time Capsule as well. I understand it can backup both machines via Time Machine.
My question:
I have iTunes & iPhoto databases on my MacBook which I modify, edit, and use routinely. Can I set Capsule up so that I can continue to house those databases on my laptop, but any changes sync with centrally stored databases on Capsule that my wife can access through iPhoto and iTunes on her new MacBook. She wouldn't be doing any editing or updating to either, other than use for viewing or syncing her iPod, etc.
Is this within Capsule's capabilities or is is it like my current Time Machine External HD that can only be used for Time Machine backups?
Thank you, any help would be much appreciated before I decide whether or not to make this purchase.

I don't want to discourage you from getting a Time Capsule (TC), but from my experience its primary purpose is to be the target of Time Machine backups. It can also perform as a NAS device, but it does not seem to be well suited as a media server. Sharing a single iTunes or iPhoto Library is, in my opinion, not something I would recommend, especially when streaming iTunes during Time Machine (default: once per hour) backups are running. Also you won't be able to stream the iTunes content from the TC to a media extender, like the AppleTV.
However, there's a lot of opinions out there on this topic. Here are just a few articles to get you started:
o Apple Discussions Topic : Time capsule as a media server
o Engadget: Time Capsule: everything you wanted to know
o theAppleBlog: Using Time Capsule as a Media Drive

Using two connected time capsules for backup: How?

Hi,
After a big i-Mac problem, I had to reinstall OSX from disc and after, 'restoring' my backup from Time Machine, I discovered that my time machine backups were my data only, NOT software or programmes. :-(
So I had a new imac with no progrmmes at all installed. Long story..... 2 or 3 days of reinstally and restoring work later my imac is 'back to new' with all programmes installed and data all safe.
It's a 2TB imac so I have bought a new 3TB Time Capsule and used time machine to back up the ENTIRE computer this time. Seems so far so good.
My question is what to do with my older 2TB time capsule?
At the moment I have it 'daisy-chain' connected to the 3TB via an ethernet cable and with its internet switched off and in bridge mode, trying to use it just an an external 2TB hard disk.
The new 'main' 3TB one is ethernet connected to my cable modem/router (SBG900)
In addition to my time machine backups to the 3TB, I wanted to backup my entire 2TB imac using Carbon Copy cloner or ChronoSyncon to the second Time capsule, the 2TB one as a 'second' double-safe backup.
I can 'see' both discs using finder and both have 'green lights' and seem to be working well but I can't' 'see' or select the 2TB TC using Chronosync when I try to select that as the destination disc for left-to-right' backup or creation of bootable disk.
I noticed also on the CCC site that it can't backup to a time capsule and that time capsure can't be used as a bootable disk?
Basically, I want to make sure that come my next 'imac crash/failure. that I don't have to spend 2 or 3 days reinstalling everything. I'd love to be able to just 'restore' relatively "easily" from a safe, external disk somewhere and have the computer back to exactly how it was 'pre-crash'.
Am I expecting too much? And what would be the best way to use my older 2TB time capsule?
any help appreciated
Philip

philipfromsa wrote:
I noticed also on the CCC site that it can't backup to a time capsule
It can. Click View all under the Example Backup Scenarios in the help.
and that time capsure can't be used as a bootable disk?
That's correct. But you can back up to it and restore from it.
Basically, I want to make sure that come my next 'imac crash/failure. that I don't have to spend 2 or 3 days reinstalling everything. I'd love to be able to just 'restore' relatively "easily" from a safe, external disk somewhere and have the computer back to exactly how it was 'pre-crash'.
You can do that with Time Machine backups no matter where they are. But you don't boot from them; you start from your Recovery HD and use its installer to restore them to your Mac.
You can also do it with CCC's backups. You just can't boot from them if they're on a network drive.
See Time Machine - Frequently Asked Question #14 for the gory details. In step (f) you can choose a Time Capsule (3rd sample) or a CC or SuperDuper clone (not shown in the sample).

How can I use Time Capsule for backups and an external hard drive?

I have a large file/program on my iMacs hard drive that is 62GB and I would like to keep only things I need on my iMac. I have a 2tb time capsule currently used for backing up. It has roughly 1.66 TB free. How can I move the 62GB program onto my Time Capsule and still use it for backups? Also, is this stable? And don't worry about backing the program up because it came on 8DVD discs.
Thanks.

1. Mount the Time Capsule as a drive and drag the application over to it. If the application requires system components, those won't be transferred; if those are only data files, you may be able to drag them over as well and then create a symlink or alias to a folder enclosing their current location.
2. The application may work slowly if this is done. Note that Time Machine will eventually use up all the free space on the Time Capsule that isn't reserved by being allocated to a disk image.
(66649)

How do I use Time Capsule for backup only over an existing network (or ethernet)

Ok, first, I have been using Mac now for about 2 years and every little thing I do is much harder than advertised. I have yet to experience the mythical ease of Apple products.
With that said, I was talked into buying this 2TB Time Capsule. Which right now seems to serve nicely as a very expensive paper weight.
Here's what I am trying to do. I was told I could use this as a wireless backup. I have a cable modem and router in my house. I do not want to insert Time Capsule as the router. I would like to either hook it up to the existing network or have it just wireless. Whatever works best for backup use.
I set the time capsule up to connect to an existing network. Which it did. Green light is on.
When I select it as a backup drive in Time Machine, it works. However it does not back up. It will say Waiting to Backup and do nothing. If I select Back Up Now on Time Machine, it says it cannot find the disk.
Is it possibly because I had used another backup disk prior and kept it? When I set the Time Capsule I selected to use both.
I am at a loss. I am not a techie. And there are more options of use than the instructions cover.

The problem is your method of connection I suspect.
The TC was always designed to plug into the main router. It does not have to be in the same room but it has to be ethernet connected.
Please post a few screenshots of the setup.. that makes it so much easier for me to work through it with you.
Posting screenshots here is easy.. press the little camera and select the shot from finder.
What I need is the summary page from your airport utility.. ie this one.
Then click on edit button which I have highlighted and show me the tabs for Internet, Network and wireless. eg this is the internet. (show me the whole thing.. I have cut it off to keep it small).
We can then work through the issues.

How do I use my Time Capsule for backup without making it my router?

I've always used my Time Capsule as my internet router (paired with my Time Warner modem) and I've also used it to back up my computer. I just got a new modem, it was a nightmare to set up, and it's supposed to have very fast internet. It's a Time Warner modem / router. In order to set this up and get a new wifi, I had to disconnect my Time Capsule.
Now I would like to connect my time capsule again to back up my computer, but to avoid messing with the internet or changing it again (I may as well try the new one), I DON'T want to continue using my TC as a router. how do I go about doing this? Do I continue to have it connect to the modem via ethernet or do I just plug it into the power source and that's it?
If someone could walk me through the process it would be so appreciated!

Hi Alexandra,
The article linked below details how to go about settings your Time Capsule up as a bridge, which effectively disables all routing functionality (NAT and DHCP services are disabled on the Time Capsule as they will be handled by your ISP's modem/router), and should allow you to utilize Time Machine without affecting your existing network.
AirPort Utility 6.x: Set up a base station or AirPort Time Capsule as a bridge
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH5104
All my best,
Allen

Cannot see Time Capsule for backup but internet perfect A

I've seen other posts about time capsule problems and most talk about wireless dropout and loss of internet connectivity. My situation is almost the reverse:
Full airport strength in menu bar. Full access to internet sites on at least one computer. Cannot see Time Capsule via Airport Utility or in Finder on any computer. Time Machine backups fail (marked as Delayed in menu bar item).
If I reboot (via unplugging) the Time Capsule, it shows up again in Airport Utility and backups are successful. This has happened three times now. I think the first time was prior to upgrading the firmware. The second two times were after the Time Capsule firmware upgrade. In the second two instances, it looks like the backups run for about 12-13 hours, every hour. No problems. Then, they drop out. Yesterday, it ran from 8:30 AM until 9 PM.
I've got two Macs (a Powerbook G4 and a MacBook Pro), each running latest software updates (security, 10.5.2, etc.).
Unplugging (rebooting) my Time Capsule each day is not an option. That's partly why I moved from an ancient LinkSys router that always needed to be rebooted since we lost local and internet access. Any help is much appreciated!
Cheers,
Drew

Have you set up the TC with user accounts??
Most people just use the TC password..
I have done very little with user accounts on the TC.. it seems fundamentally wrong headed to me.. If you have a domain controller with everyone using accounts to login that is fine.. and the TC would then exist in connection to the domain controller.. but it is a home device and there is no function to all that.
What will happen if you change over to standard security or even turn on the guest account I am too scared to suggest as you may not easily get connection back again.. The TC certainly displays a warning going to accounts.. I am not sure of warnings going away from accounts.
If you didn't setup the TC, do you have admin access to it??
Perhaps I am assuming too much before you tell me everything. But I may suggest things you don't want to try.. unfortunately I cannot say this will work.. the issue is widespread across the Mountain Lion TC combo and I have yet to see Apple suggest a solution or even fess up there is a problem. Daily reboots are just simply now a part of the scene for all windows and Mac users.
Is the TC the main router for the network.. 1 hour is not default lease in the TC and very few people even know how to change it.. standard is 1day. I would consider 1hr adequately short for all arp tables to be kept up to date.. the computer should be seeking new lease at 30min.. ie half lease time.
If the TC is bridged an not controlling the network.. that can contribute to the issue.
Setting a static IP on the TC if it is bridged my help.

Using Time Capsule for backup storage as well as Time Machine back-up

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