Using TM with laptops, Airport Extreme w/ external HDDs

I haven't tried this yet, but after reading about the laptop issues (unplugging, plugging into external HDDs to get caught up, etc.), I was wondering if TM would work by setting up external HDDs on the Airport Extreme as the backup destination for laptops? That way, it could sync wirelessly every hour, and you wouldn't have to worry about remembering to plug into the HDD at the end of the day, etc. Anyone tried this yet?
I've had problems in the past trying to get my external HDDs to work with Airport, so that's my first problem. Not sure how the speed will be either. I have 1 MacBook Pro and 2 MacBooks in the house, so this is somewhat of a big deal for my family. Backups right now (Tiger) are kinda left up to the user to remember to do (using .Mac backup program).

Officially at this point Time Machine can't use AirDisk (HD on an AirPort Extreme), though some have suggested workarounds. Since this was a feature in the late betas, according to many other threads discussing Time Machine via AirDisk, it's not too unlikely that this will become a feature once Apple fixes whatever caused it to be dropped from Leopard.
Doug

Similar Messages

  • Airport Extreme and external HDD time capsule issues

    I'm going to try to provide as much information for you so that you can recommend a fix to the problem.
    1. I've just become an Apple owner and also purchased Airport Extreme (AE) a Belkin USB (4 port) hub and a Seagate GoFLex, 1.8T external HDD.
    2. My system:
    Model Name: MacBook Pro
    Model Identifier: MacBookPro8,2
    Processor Name: Intel Core i7
    Processor Speed: 2.2 GHz
    Number of Processors: 1
    Total Number of Cores: 4
    L2 Cache (per Core): 256 KB
    L3 Cache: 6 MB
    Memory: 4 GB
    Boot ROM Version: MBP81.0047.B04
    SMC Version (system): 1.69f1
    Serial Number (system): XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Hardware UUID: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Sudden Motion Sensor:
    State: Enabled
    3. Attached to the HUB is HP 6280 printer and the Seagate 1.8T GoFlex external HDD.
    4. I did configure the AE and my internet connect is working spot on.
    5. The AE recognizes the HP6280 printer and it works fine.
    Here's where the problem starts:
    When I open Time Machine to configure Time Capsule I cannot get the AE to add thGoFlex external HDD drive to the WiFi.
    Do I have reset the AE to default setting and start all over? Is there another way to add the GoFlex to the AE so it recognizes it; then, I can run the set up program for the time machine and have wireless capability.

    New2Guitar wrote:
    When I open Time Machine to configure Time Capsule I cannot get the AE to add thGoFlex external HDD drive to the WiFi.
    I hate to have to tell you this, but backing-up with Time Machine software via an Airport Extreme is "iffy" and +*not supported by Apple.+* See [Using Time Machine with an Airport Extreme Air Disk|http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/Airport.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of this forum).
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  • I have a MacBook, iPhone, Airport Extreme and external hdd. What is my best option to stream my music and movies to my hifi set and TV without having to turn on my MacBook?

    I would very much like to store all my movies and music on my external HDD, which is connected to an Airport Extreme. Could for example Apple TV access this HDD and stream either music to my hifi system or video to my tv, without having to turn on my MacBook or iTunes? And use my iPhone to control everything?

    About Wake on Demand and Bonjour Sleep Proxy
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  • Airport Extreme and external HDD - cannot be found under Windows (XP/Vista)

    Dear All,
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    I have tried various things incl. switching off the firewall has not been a success either. I am basically ready to buy a Mac now, but I am worried that the problem will persist for all my Windows based PC's.
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    Hi!
    I've got the same problem as of Friday when I upgraded my Notebook from XP to Windows 7.
    It does not recognize the HDD anymore, neither on the Windows7 Notebook nor on 2 different XP- PC's.
    I disabled the password functionality and removed the HDD several times, no change.
    When I look to the data volumes overview in the system settings, all internal HDD's and the CD partition of the Toshiba drive are shown. The HDD partition of the drive is shown as "non allocated".
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    Best regards,
    Helmut

  • Problems with iTunes, Airport Extreme and external HD

    Hi guys,
    I am having difficulties playing back films and TV shows which have been downloaded from the iTunes store to a iomega HD which is connected to an apple extreme. During the download, everything looks right and I can even watch it from the iMac (while downloading), from which I purchased the media. But then, once download is complete, I only see the name and generic file symbol for that particular media and I cannot play the media on the iMac or AppleTV and the cover image has disappeared. This does not happen when the external HD is directly connected to the iMac.
    I would appreciate some help, if possible. Thanks in advance.

    Look in this thread for some insight
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  • I'm having a hard time setting up my external hard from with my AirPort Extreme and Time Machine Backups.

    I have been using a Mac Mini with an external hard and Time Machine.  I bought an Airport Extreme and have had problem setting up the hard drive using the USB port on the Airport Extreme.  I also just recently bought a Mac Book Air and hope to have both computers back up to the external hard drive using Time Machine and Airport Extreme.  I have been using the optical drive from the Mac mini to load programs into the Mac Book Air.  I think I'm just getting confused in Finder.  I am just not seeing the hard drive.  I ended up plugging the hard drive back into the Mac Mini and that is work fine again.  How do I setting the external hard drive up to the AirPort Extreme and use for both computers?  Or at least to start with the Mac mini.

    It's critical to understand that Time Machine (TM) stores backups differently between local and network drives. That would mean the TM backup on your locally attached USB hard drive will not be directly useable when it is connected to the AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBS). There is a way to copy a local version to a network version, but it is not fool-proof. When you do connect this drive and point TM to it, TM will start a brand new backup, leaving your existing backup as is.
    If your current backup is critical to you, you may want to consider getting a second USB drive to attach to the Extreme and use your existing one as a backup ... or use TM's multi-backup process to backup to more than one destination drive alternatively.
    So, at this point, you may want to make a decision on how you want to go forward to help provide a solution for you.
    To directly answer your question, when you go to select a destination for a Time Machine backup, the drive(s) that show up under "Backup Disks" are those that TM already recognizes and has backed up to. Those listed under "Available Disks" are drives (either local or on the network) that TM can back up to.

  • How do I use existing TM backup with upgraded Airport Extreme?

    I replaced my old Airport Extreme with a dual-band Airport Extreme. I was previously using an external drive connected to the old AE for Time Machine backups. I now have everything set up, I can see the drive on the new AE in the Finder and select it in Time Machine preferences, but it doesn't show "Oldest Backup" "Latest Backup" information and I fear it's going to try to create a new backup when it runs. How can I get it to use and add to the existing backup?

    djlstewart wrote:
    I replaced my old Airport Extreme with a dual-band Airport Extreme. I was previously using an external drive connected to the old AE for Time Machine backups. I now have everything set up, I can see the drive on the new AE in the Finder and select it in Time Machine preferences, but it doesn't show "Oldest Backup" "Latest Backup" information
    No, it won't show that until a backup is done. See #B3 in [Time Machine - Troubleshooting|http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/Troubleshooting.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of the +Time Machine+ forum).
    and I fear it's going to try to create a new backup when it runs. How can I get it to use and add to the existing backup?
    It should just do an incremental backup.
    |
    But, you need to know, backing-up that way is "iffy" and +*not supported by Apple.+* See [Using Time Machine with an Airport Extreme Air Disk|http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/Airport.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of this forum).

  • How many devices can I use with an AirPort Extreme Base Station?

    How many devices can I use with an Airport Extreme Base Station? Devices included a mac, iphone, ipad and pc laptops.

    The AirPort Extreme will support up to 50 wireless devices and 200 wired Ethernet devices. I would imagine that this would probably be adequate for most homes.

  • Is there a way to connect an old Sunflower iMac (OSX 10.4.11) to a new Time Capsule?  It used to work with old Airport Extreme with updates thru Snow Leopard but now seems to only allow WEP encryption instead of WPA.

    Is there a way to connect an old Sunflower iMac (OSX 10.4.11) to a new Time Capsule?  It used to work with old Airport Extreme network, run from a intel iMac with updates thru Mavericks but now seems to only allow WEP encryption instead of WPA and can't connect to Time Capsule.  Airport Extreme Base was controllable from either computer up through Snow Leopard (I didn't do any of the Lion upgrades).  Then when I upgraded to Mavericks I lost the ability to use Airport Utility with this hardware on the Sunflower but could still connect wirelessly to network without any problems.  But now with the Time Capsule upgrade the Sunflower is blocked from network by a dialogue that requests ony WEP password, not WPA pwd used by Time Capsule.  Neither can I use the old airport extreme base to extend the time capsule network since I can't input the correct password/encryption approach to join it.  Is there a work around?  Would a newer but old Airport Express be able to extend network to Sunflower?  Or maybe a third party wireless (such as Netgear, Dlink, etc) that has browser type control rather than special utility?
    Another question--before I used MAC addresses to control who could access network.  Now on Time Capsule I don't see anything about this--so is it true now that the only access control is via WPA2 pwd now (which appears to be the encryption pwd and not the time capsule pwd)?

    Is there a way to connect an old Sunflower iMac (OSX 10.4.11) to a new Time Capsule?
    I can’t claim to completely grasp the issue(s) you’re describing, but the underlying problem is presumably your iMac’s obsolete AirPort card. Whatever the case, an obvious (if not particularly helpful) answer to your stated question would be to connect your iMac with an ethernet cable, using powerline adapters as an alternative if you don’t want to have wire running all over the place.
    My still fully functional clamshell iBook, with an original AirPort card, connects wirelessly to my 4th Generation TC network by means of a cheap 802.11b/g/n USB Wi-Fi adapter. This might be an option for you too.
    Another question--before I used MAC addresses to control who could access network.  Now on Time Capsule I don't see anything about this
    When you edit your TC's settings the access controls appear under the Network tab, don't they?

  • Can't use my HP Deskjet F4580 Wireless Printer with the AirPort Extreme Base. The printer is NOT connected at the USB port of the AirPort Extreme, and is placed in another room. It worked just fine with my previous router (Linksys WRT54G). Help me!

    Hey Guys!
    I just got my AirPort Extreme Base, but I can't use my HP Deskjet F4580 wireless printer with it.
    The printer is not connected to the AirPort Extreme's USB port. It is placed in another room, and I'd like to use it (the printer) wirelessly (not connected to the USB port os the AirPort Extreme), as I used to. There is no place for the printer close the AirPort Extreme. It worked just fine with my previous wireless router (Linksys WRT54G). I'm very disappointed with the AirPort Extreme Base Station because of that!...
    Can you help me? Please?!
    Thanks Folks!

    This must be a tough one, no suggestions at all.

  • Can I use the Ethernet Port for a computer when it is also used as a wireless network with an Airport Extreme as the access point for the wireless network

    Can I use the Ethernet Port  of the A1264 Airport Express to connect to the Ethernet port of a computer that does not have wireless capability when the Airport Express is also used on a wireless network with an Airport Extreme 5th generation as the access point for the network?
    I have AE 5th gen
    looking to buy (from ebay) the AEX A1264
    Various computers, printers and hubs for the network
    Is this possible to do?

    Bob, Thanks for the info. I have read different articles that said yes, but I wanted to make sure before I commit to buy. I have an older A1084 which I could not use the Ethernet port. I know at one point I was able to when I was on 10.4. Now that I am on an Intel processor and 10.8 I am going to have to upgrade some of my Apple wireless hardware.
    Thanks Again.

  • Can an encrypted USB drive be used with the Airport Extreme?

    I would like to keep an encrypted USB drive hooked up to my Airport Extreme (A1354) so that I can use it for a hand archive of documents I might need to reference on the road or conveniently within my home, mainly because it would be handier than having to plug and unplug a USB device into whatever computer I'm using, and would allow my wife to do the same with her computer. I know most internet providers provide a service like this, but I figured why not just do this with my Airport Extreme?
    I've read posts from people who have taken encrypted USB volumes generated from their MacBook Pro, and plug that USB device into the Airport Extreme. The Airport recognized the device exists, but it is you can't actually use it as an encrypted volume. This seems like a flaw on the part of Apple if you can't do this, as this device is a much more expensive solution that what most wireless routers provide.
    Has anybody figured this one out?

    Doubtful it's going to work. 
    Does it see the same disk if it's formatted just Journaled (ie, not encrypted)?
    The tehnical article isn't entirely clear . . . it just says Mac OS Extended:  AirPort Extreme (802.11n) and Time Capsule: USB storage device supported formats and protocols
    It was last modified June 14, 2011, a couple of weeks before Lion was released with the ability to encrypt drives.
    Note that ExFAT is supported on Macs effective with 10.6.5, but not Airport Extremes; there's no reason to think encryption is any different.

  • Can i extend the range of an airport extreme with another airport extreme and use the ports on the airport extreme i used to extend the network?

    That seems like a complicated question. 
    I have a Time Capsule (which the HD *****, but that is matter for another discussion) and want to extend the range with an Airport Extreme because I have 2 devices in one room that do not do wireless but have Ethernet ports.
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    I want to know if the 3 ports on the Airport Extreme still work after configuring it as an extender rather than a router.

    The thing is that I want to know if I can put the Airport Extreme at the edge of the room where the existing Base does not reach.
    This will not work.
    Remember, an "extending" AirPort can only extend the quality of wireless signal that it receives. For that reason, it must be located where it can receive a strong wireless signal in order to work effectively.
    For example, let's say that your "main" router was on one end of the house and you want to extend the signal to reach the other end of the house.  In this case, you would locate the "extending" AirPort about half way between the main router and the other side of the house.

  • Help setting up Open DNS with new airport extreme

    I cant seem to get Open DNS to work with a new airport extreme. The status says I am not using Open DNS and its not filtering anything. I have followed the exact steps for set up listed on their website, checked the dns settings, cleared both caches and restarted the computer, modem and router with no success. I set the airport up in bridged mode, although I tried the other option under setup, but not sure what I was doing? I picked up this router because I wanted easy set up and the apple store assured me it would work with Open DNS. Oh, and I also downloaded the latest firmware update on the router. Can anyone help me with the settings or what else I need to check?

    Sorry, I am not familiar with this product, so I checked online to pick up some information.  Here I am referring to the information found here:
    http://www.dslreports.com/faq/6096
    I found that your device is mentioned as follows in the intro under Section 1 of this document:
    The BellSouth supplied Westell 2100, 2200 and 6100 models (Models A90-210030-04, B90-220030-04, and B90-610030-06/C90-610030-06, respectively) share many features and functions.
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    So, an attached router (AirPort Extreme) must be configured as a switch to work correctly. That is what Bridge Mode is....the AirPort Extreme is operating as a switch when it is in Bridge Mode (which would be the correct setting to use when the Westell is set to its Standard Default Mode).
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    In Bridge Mode, the AirPort Extreme simply passes that information through to its connected devices. You will not be able to make any DNS related changes on the AirPort Extreme since it receives that info from the Westel device. Some service providers force you to use their DNS servers, so you might want to check with Bell South or AT&T for more information in this regard.
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    Please note that the first item under this heading specifies that "This is the preferred configuration when using a separate external router..." (which would be the AirPort Extreme in your case)
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    The AirPort Extreme would not be configured in Bridge Mode for this....it would be configured to "Share a public IP address".
    The next item in the article specifies that you "Must use a PPPoE client on the Router." This means that the AirPort Extreme would be configured to Connect Using = PPPoE as follows:
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    I want to stress that this is how I would try to configure the Westell and AirPort Extreme. But, as I said, have not used a Westell device, so I cannot say that this will work correctly for you.
    It might be an excellent idea to contact Bell South or AT&T Support to ask for their opinion on this before you decide to change the configuration of the Westel device and the AirPort Extreme.
    This type of thing can be intimidating for users, so you might elect to use the services of someone like the Geek Squad at Best Buy, or a similar service from a local computer firm. Perhaps the Apple store could help as well.
    If it is not critical that you use Open DNS, you might want to simply leave things "as is", with the AirPort Extreme in Bridge Mode.

  • Help, I need my older PowerMac configured to work with my Airport Extreme

    So, I have a powerbook laptop that works perfectly with the Airport Extreme that I just bought. However, I also have an older desktop that technical support told me was decided obsolete(even though it runs on tiger,10.4.9!) and they refused to give assistance to configure it to the airport.
    My modem only has one ethernet port. Theoretically, you can use the extra port on the airport extreme to connect, via ethernet cable to the desktop(because it has no airport card.)
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    Thank you

    Steph_D., Welcome to the discussion area!
    Configure the PowerMac G4 to use Ethernet and DHCP to get an IP address. That is all you need.

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