Question on external HD configuration with TC

Question

Level 1

0 points

Question on external HD configuration with TC

I am currently using my TC as an external HD only due to the lack of space on my MacBook. I am going to buy a USB external HD and attach it to my TC. I have a couple of questions:

1. Can I back up to the TC and then use the external drive as, well, an external drive, for extending my internal storage?

2. Then, is it possible to back up both the files on my internal HD and the files on the external HD connected to the TC to the HD in the TC? (space permitting)

Macbook, Mac OS X (10.5.4)

Posted on Sep 9, 2008 10:00 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Best reply

VA2020

Level 4

3,455 points

Sep 9, 2008 10:29 PM in response to Gappers

Gappers wrote:
1. Can I back up to the TC and then use the external drive as, well, an external drive, for extending my internal storage?

For Time Machine use, NO, as TM does not span over more than one drive. You can use the second drive as an archive if attached to the USB port of Time Capsule or as network-attached storage device.

2. Then, is it possible to back up both the files on my internal HD and the files on the external HD connected to the TC to the HD in the TC? (space permitting)

You can do TM backups using TC as the destination, but the new external HDD needs to be attached directly to your MacBook. TM does not back up a NAS (i.e. the USB HDD attached to your TC).

Another back up utility (not TM) may work with your desired setup (e.g. SuperDuper!).

Good luck and welcome to Apple Discussions!

Reply

Answer 2

Gappers Author

Level 1

0 points

Sep 10, 2008 7:11 AM in response to VA2020

Thanks for the info, very helpful. Just to clarify then, if I attach a usb HD directly to my MacBook, TM will back it up to the TC along with my internal drive, correct?

Reply

Answer 3

VA2020

Level 4

3,455 points

Sep 10, 2008 10:00 AM in response to Gappers

Gappers wrote:
Thanks for the info, very helpful. Just to clarify then, if I attach a usb HD directly to my MacBook, TM will back it up to the TC along with my internal drive, correct?

Yes, as long as it is formatted HFS+ (Mac OS Extended - Journaled).

Check Time Machine Preferences -> Options to make sure it isn't EXCLUDED and that it doesn't select THIS drive for a TM backup when you plug it in. To re-format, use Disk Utility.

Reply