HT202174: How to verify or erase an AirPort Time Capsule disk

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Lofe

Q: what is the preferred disk erase mode for Time Capsule

I've been wanting to re-format my Time capsule as I've bought a new Mac Book and currently have 2 backups loaded. Since I've merged data, I wanted to erase and re-use the TC.

 

Can someone tell me what the preferred disk erase mode is for TC.

Time Capsule, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.3)

Posted on May 4, 2013 5:15 AM

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Q: what is the preferred disk erase mode for Time Capsule

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  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons May 4, 2013 5:23 AM in response to Lofe
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    May 4, 2013 5:23 AM in response to Lofe

    Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility

    Click on the Time Capsule icon, then click Edit

    Click the Disks tab at the top of the next window

    Click Erase Disk

     

    You will be presented with several Erase options.....Quick Erase, Zero Out, 7 Pass, etc.

     

    Quick Erase will only take a minute or two and be fine for your purpose since you are keeping the Time Capsule.

     

    If you were moving the Time Capsule to another user, the Zero Out option will replace everything on the drive with zeroes. This will take 3-5 hours depending on the size of drive that you have in the Time Capsule.

     

    7 Pass zeros the drive 7 times, etc.

     

    BTW, the Time Capsule drive is formatted in Mac OS Extended (Journaled). This cannot be changed unless you pull the drive from the Time Capsule (voids the warranty), place it in a separate enclosure and use Disk Utility to make the changes that you want.

     

    Then, you have to reinstall the disk back in the Time Capsule.

  • by Lofe,

    Lofe Lofe May 4, 2013 7:27 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (1 points)
    May 4, 2013 7:27 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    Thanks Bob, one more question. If I quick erase the drive can I start backing up my new Mac immediately.

  • by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons May 4, 2013 7:53 AM in response to Lofe
    Level 10 (105,008 points)
    Wireless
    May 4, 2013 7:53 AM in response to Lofe

    Yes, just as soon as the operation, which should only take a minute or two, is complete.

  • by Lofe,

    Lofe Lofe May 4, 2013 9:33 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (1 points)
    May 4, 2013 9:33 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    Much appreciated Bob!

    Cheers.