Time Machine Error - "The backup disk image could not be mounted"

Yes, you should be able to back up two computers using Time Capsule and Time Machine. But that doesn't sound like what you're doing. You've got an AEBS in there as an intermediary, and at this point Apple says AEBS does not support wireless Time Machine backups.

While some think that's just a gimmick to sell more Time Capsules, I doubt that's the case. Based on the posts in this forum and frustrations I've experienced with AEBS, I'd say there are still a number of unresolved issues in the firmware and driver software that AEBS uses. There are a number of things going on 'under-the-hood' that have to all be running absolutely perfectly in order for a Computer->AEBS->TC backup (or restore) to work properly, and it's just not there yet.

If it's possible to set up your network so that you're only using one base station, then unplug the AEBS and just use Time Capsule. I know a number of people out there who've picked up a Time Capsule and figure that since they still own the other base station, why not have everything running all at once and create some kind of 'Super-Network" (insert evil genius maniacal laughter here hehe). But try to avoid that if you can and see if all your Macs can reach Time Capsule directly.

If you can do that, then you should be in good shape. I also strongly recommend you make that initial backup with Time Capsule using a wired connection - it'll be MUCH faster. Good luck!

I too have had the same issue. however, I am using the TC as a Base Station with not other AEBS. And only backing up from one portable. However I am getting the same message and I haven't been able to mount the backup from taking it out of the box, today.
the message that i am receiving is the same as the topic but if i dig a little deeper a pop up dialogue box tells me. "The following disk image failed to mount. No mountable file system."

My connection to the internet, printers and other computers on the network can all be seen and accessed. but one can not back up via ethernet or wirelessly.

any clues.

D

Interesting. I'm having the same problem with "The backup disk image could not be mounted" and my Time Capsule is clearly visible in my network. However, I do not have an Airport Express and I only brought Time Capsule yesterday to replace my old wireless router (Berkin 802.11g)

Hoping someone will have a solution to this...

I had success with my MacBook, but the iMac gave me trouble after initially starting up and looking like it was going to back up just fine. I tried deleting the "sparsebundle" file on the Time Capsule for my iMac, and it is backing up now! Or at least "Preparing" - will update if this does not work.

yes, I did that as well dropped the file in the trash and started again. however, at some 20Gb had been updated to the TC the spining wheel appeared and the machine hang itself. Rather odd. I am know backing up via ethernet and it seems to be alot fast and working okay. well as it seems. Good luck.

I think the solution to this problem can be found at ...

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1434341&tstart=135

I was having the same problem until I renamed both the TC and TC-Disk to a single word without spaces.

Please let me know if this works for you.

Yes. What is going on here? Brought home the Time Capsule, tried to back up my G4 laptop. The TC is on my Airport network. 20G into the backup, it quit, and said that it couldn't mount the disk image. Subsequent attempts generate the same error message. I've updated the Airport software, turned Time Machine on and off, rebooted Time Capsule, restarted the network, etc. etc. to no avail. This is so far below Apple's usual standards, I'm surprised. Anyone have a solution here?

Thanks adastra, I was about ready to lose it. I read your post, deleted the "sparsebundle" file and within one second Time Machine started Back Up. It worked great for my iMac good luck with other models and thanks a 1TB!

I've been playing with Time Capsule in combination with 3x Airport Expresses in a WDS network over the weekend, and here's what I've found.

Backups always appear to work when I'm connected to Time Capsule via ethernet (although this is hardly the point of Time Capsule!) Backups also usually work when I'm connected via an Airport Express, which is hooked directly to the Time Capsule via ethernet. But when I try to backup via an Airport Express that is part of a WDS, but not the acting as the WDS Main, it rarely works (if at all). In the event that the backup fails, it seems to put the Time Capsule into a state where it does not allow any users to initiate a file sharing session. When it gets into this state, the only solution appears to be to restart the Time Capsule (this can be done remotely using the Base Station menu in the AirPort Utility application).

I would not advise deleting the disk image, since then you have destroyed your backup, and will need to start from scratch - which can take a long time. Restarting the Time Capsule, and avoiding the use of a WDS network should do the trick.

I am having the same problem trying to back up wirelessly to the Time Capsule. I had to pull the plug out the back of the TC in order to get it to reattach, and now it just says, "preparing" with the barber pole endlessly going. I am clueless!

In my case (using a similar network configuration), it is the ETHERNET client who is experiencing this issue, not the WIRELESS client.

Still, restarting Time Capsule solved the problem.

I had a similar issue to what people have posted before. My disk name was 6 characters with no spaces, so that didn't do it. I did notice that there was one person logged on to the share.

When I disconnected all users, then I could start my backup.

-jon

Got the same error with an AEBS and airdisk. AFter rebooting the base station, TM could still not back up to airdisk-mounted backup drive. Opened up disk utility, repaired the volume (a few hours), then was able to mount the backup volume. Next TM backup took quite a while at the "Preparing Backup" phase, but now is backing up.

I think what may have started it is putting my computer to sleep (closing the screen) while a backup was in progress.

Y

Okay guys... I have NO idea what I did (except one thing) and as I type this I am wirelessly backing up my Time Machine with my HD attached to my Airport Extreme Base station.

The only thing I've changed was I restarted my Apple Extreme Base Station router and put it in bridge mode. Have NO idea if that's what did it. I then unplug my WD Book Harddrive from AEBS and plugged it back in.

Hit backup on Time MAchine AND NOW IT'S WORKING! Of course, this may only be a one time thing...

I'll keep you updated.