I have a very old Time Capsule (squat square design) that I need to erase. I have replaced it with a newer tower type Time Capsule that is performing backups on my network. I thought I could just plug my old one into my computer via ethernet. I did that and started the 35 pass erase - but I can't access the internet on my computer while that is taking place. Is there a way I can erase the old, but still use my computer?
iMac 27″, macOS 10.15
Stop the 35 Pass Erase, which might take a week or two before it completes.
Start over again and choose the Zero Out Data erase, which is a secure erase that will be just fine for anything not involving government secrets. Start the process before you head to bed tonight and it should be done before you get up in the morning
7 Pass Erase will repeat the Zero Out Data 7 times. Do this only if you have top secret information on the Time Capsule
35 Pass Erase would be used only if you are worried about the NSA obtaining your Time Capsule and finding nuclear codes on the drive.
Stop the 35 Pass Erase, which might take a week or two before it completes.
Start over again and choose the Zero Out Data erase, which is a secure erase that will be just fine for anything not involving government secrets. Start the process before you head to bed tonight and it should be done before you get up in the morning
7 Pass Erase will repeat the Zero Out Data 7 times. Do this only if you have top secret information on the Time Capsule
35 Pass Erase would be used only if you are worried about the NSA obtaining your Time Capsule and finding nuclear codes on the drive.
but I can't access the internet on my computer while that is taking place. Is there a way I can erase the old, but still use my computer?
Not sure if you normally use wifi or ethernet.. but once the erase has been started.. you can unplug ethernet from the computer.. it will still continue the task.. just more blinking lights than ever.. just don't unplug power or do anything else to the Time Capsule.
Plug normal ethernet back in, or use wifi on the computer for internet. All will be well..
Tomorrow plug the TC back into the computer and check progress.
Thanks, Bob. I've got about a TB to erase. That will still take some time, right? So, I can start it when I go to bed tonight, but might it still take a day to erase? I don't have any top secret stuff. Heh.
Nevermind! I guess I skipped a little in your reply. Thanks for your help!
Last time I erased a 2 TB drive using the Zero Out Data option, the process took about 16-18 hours. So maybe 8-10 hours or so for 1 TB.
Erasing an old Time Capsule
