HT201510: Setting up Time Capsule for the first time

Learn about Setting up Time Capsule for the first time
chris934
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Q: I have a time capsule that for some reason stopped backing up files and finally stopped all together. I cannot even get my time capsule to turn on.

I have a time capsule that I bought only a year ago. For some reason it stopped backing up my data on a regular basis, it would back up every once in a while and got progrevessively worse and slower, finally the time capsule just stopped working alltogether. I am now left with a $300 (2TB version) that will not even turn on. I've tried depressing the reset button and a bunch of other things, but the time capsule will not respond. I have the latest version of airport utility, but am still operating on snow leopard (I don't know if that has anything to do with it) My warranty expired and I called Apple; they informed me of where the closest place was in my area to have it serviced. The thing is, I don't think there's anything wrong with the time capsule itself. I can hear the time capsule working inside, but it will not connect to my macbook, which is four years old (13") If anyone can halp and offer some advice it would be much appreciated. I can't see paying someone to fix something that isn't even broken, which I can't say for sure, but my gut is telling me it's something with the connection to my mac that's probably simple, but I just can't find the answer. I'm also using a wireless network, so I'm also thinking that the problem could be with the local cable router/modem. I never did designate the time capsule as a router, because I just didn't know how. Thanks

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.7), advice

Posted on Feb 16, 2014 6:29 PM

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chris934

Q: I have a time capsule that for some reason stopped backing up files and finally stopped all together. I cannot even get my time ca ... more

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  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Feb 16, 2014 7:46 PM in response to chris934
    Level 9 (52,880 points)
    Wireless
    Feb 16, 2014 7:46 PM in response to chris934

    If the light will not turn on the TC is dead. No matter that the hard disk is running.. it should only run at start up or when it is accessed not constantly.. that means the board in the TC has failed. Apple do not repair them.. They will replace it under warranty or applecare.

     

    If you have gone over the 12month warranty it will still be covered if you have applecare on any computer or an Apple TV. In fact the cost of the apple TV plus apple care is still cheaper than buying a new TC.. so it is a route some people are taking.. certainly depends.. in some places like Europe or Australia now, there is a recognition that statutory warranty must be longer on a product that is premium to the market. 12months is not good enough. Apple will sometimes listen.

     

    They might be fixable but I do not know how.

  • by chris934,

    chris934 chris934 Feb 17, 2014 4:45 AM in response to LaPastenague
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 17, 2014 4:45 AM in response to LaPastenague

    Thank you. I thought that this migh be the case. The other problem with this is that I do have backed up files on the time capsule. Is there anyway other than taking the whole thing apart and retreiving the hard drive to make sure these files can be secure. Apple will renew my warranty, I've called them, so I'm going to take that route.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Feb 17, 2014 6:31 AM in response to chris934
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Feb 17, 2014 6:31 AM in response to chris934

    Apple will exchange the Time Capsule for you....not repair your Time Capsule.

     

    Best to check with Apple before you open up the Time Capsule, as this will void the warranty....and Apple will probably not exchange the product for you in this case.

     

    You may have to trust Apple at their word that they will destroy the old hard drive in the defective Time Capsule.

  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Feb 17, 2014 2:10 PM in response to chris934
    Level 9 (52,880 points)
    Wireless
    Feb 17, 2014 2:10 PM in response to chris934

    We have not yet heard of people having files stolen from a TC that is passed back for replacement.

     

    I do hear occasionally of stories where people kick up enough of a stink Apple lets them pull out the old hard disk and still replace it.. but they need to agree to this beforehand. Like if you have the lauch codes for the ICBM silo in your backyard stored in the TC you may not want that released.. although the ISA probably already have it and it will be released to the public anyway. Along with all their other dirty secrets.