Factory reset of my Time Capsule erases stored data...?

Does a factory reset of my 2009 Time Capsule (model no A1355) also erase the existing backed up data on the same capsule storage?

iMac, OS X 10.11

Posted on Sep 14, 2021 11:07 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 14, 2021 1:09 PM

Does a factory reset of my 2009 Time Capsule (model no A1355) also erase the existing backed up data on the same capsule storage?


No, only the Time Capsule network settings are reset to defaults during a Hard Reset or Factory Default Reset.


You would have to perform a completely separate and deliberate Erase Disk operation using AirPort Utility in order to wipe the hard drive.


However, it might be important to note that the Time Capsule is 10+ years old while the power supply and hard drive have an average useful life of about 6-7 years. So, If you are planning to keep the Time Capsule, it would probably not be wise to store any data on the Time Capsule hard drive that you cannot afford to lose.


If you do need to also erase the Time Capsule hard drive.......post back for more instructions.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 14, 2021 1:09 PM in response to slugger28

Does a factory reset of my 2009 Time Capsule (model no A1355) also erase the existing backed up data on the same capsule storage?


No, only the Time Capsule network settings are reset to defaults during a Hard Reset or Factory Default Reset.


You would have to perform a completely separate and deliberate Erase Disk operation using AirPort Utility in order to wipe the hard drive.


However, it might be important to note that the Time Capsule is 10+ years old while the power supply and hard drive have an average useful life of about 6-7 years. So, If you are planning to keep the Time Capsule, it would probably not be wise to store any data on the Time Capsule hard drive that you cannot afford to lose.


If you do need to also erase the Time Capsule hard drive.......post back for more instructions.

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Factory reset of my Time Capsule erases stored data...?

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