Apple Intelligence is now available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac!

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Time machine stopped backing up one month ago, no light (either blinking orange or solid green.

Time machine stopped backing up one month ago, no light (either blinking orange or solid green.

What is the problem and how do I fix it?


Posted on Sep 13, 2021 10:19 AM

Reply
3 replies

Sep 13, 2021 11:29 AM in response to edwardfromnew york

What is the problem?


Depends on what version of the Time Capsule you might have, since different models fail in different ways.


Is the Time Capsule tall, shaped like a "tower"? If yes, tell us that you have the "tower" version.


Is the Time Capsule "flat", shaped like a small white pizza box? If yes, look on the bottom of the product to find the model number, usually embedded in the foam pad base. The model number starts with an "A" followed by 4 numbers. Post back with that info.


Once we know what model of Time Capsule that you have, we can go over the options.......if there are any......for possible repairs.







Sep 13, 2021 2:02 PM in response to edwardfromnew york

Unfortunately, the model A1254 was discontinued in March 2009, so the Time Capsule is at least 12+ years old. The average useful life of this model was about 4-5 years before the power supply would fail, so it is remarkable that your Time Capsule has lasted this long.


The service status is listed by Apple as "Obsolete", which means that they will not offer any help on the product, even if you are willing to pay them.


It is possible, but unlikely that an independent repair shop might be able to find another old Time Capsule to use the power supply parts to repair your Time Capsule, but even if this is possible the cost would likely be prohibitive. Also keep in mind that the hard drive inside your Time Capsule is also 12+ years old, so it is long overdue to fail as well.


If you are good do it yourself type of person, it is possible.....but not easy.....to open up the Time Capsule and pull out the hard drive. Then, the hard drive can be installed in a separate caddy or enclosure to see if it is still operable. If it is, you could copy all the data on the old hard drive over to a new hard drive. An independent shop would probably be able to do this for you as well, but the cost will be high.


If it were me, I would simply recycle the old Time Capsule and start new backups to a USB drive connected directly to my Mac. I'm not sure if an Apple Store would accept the Time Capsule for recycling, but if you have a Best Buy store in your area, they will usually accept any electronic product for recycling.

Time machine stopped backing up one month ago, no light (either blinking orange or solid green.

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.