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

User profile for user: bobsbarricades
bobsbarricades Author
User level: Level 1
10 points

So you CAN or CANNOT use external drive with Time Capsule...

I was posting earlier and was told you CAN'T plug an external HDD into a Time Capsule and have it be recognized (some said you had to plug it into a USB hug first.)


Then I find this - http://www.brighthub.com/computing/mac-platform/articles/48709.aspx


Then before posting this I find others that say you CAN. So what's the deal? Can I or can I not plug in a USB external HDD and have access to it?

MacBook Pro 2.2 C2D, 4GB RAM, 250 GB HDD, Mac OS X (10.6.8), iBook G4 1.3 Ghz 120GB 7200 RPM HDD 1.5GB Ram, Gen1 iPad

Posted on Jul 29, 2011 5:18 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply
User profile for user: Bob Timmons
Bob Timmons
Community+ 2024
User level: Level 10
159,272 points

Posted on Jul 29, 2011 7:12 AM

The link that you posted is a bit out of date, but the information in the article is correct.


You can connect an external USB drive to a Time Capsule (or AirPort Extreme) if the following conditions are met:


The drive is formatted in Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Most store bought drives are pre-formatted for Windows in a format called NTFS which will not work the Time Capsule. You have to use Disk Utility on your Mac to re-format the drive to work correctly with the Time Capsule.


Use a powered USB hub as the USB port on the Time Capsule is a bit under powered and it will not supply enough current for some drives. As a general rule....use a powered USB hub....even if the hard drive has its own power supply.


At times, I have had 3 drives from differerent manufactures all hooked up simultaneously into a powered USB hub which in turns connects to the USB port on the Time Capsule. No problems at all.


There are never any guarantees, but if you follow the guidelines, chances are good that your drive will work just fine.

View in context
2 replies
Question marked as Best reply
User profile for user: Bob Timmons
Bob Timmons
Community+ 2024
User level: Level 10
159,272 points

Jul 29, 2011 7:12 AM in response to bobsbarricades

The link that you posted is a bit out of date, but the information in the article is correct.


You can connect an external USB drive to a Time Capsule (or AirPort Extreme) if the following conditions are met:


The drive is formatted in Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Most store bought drives are pre-formatted for Windows in a format called NTFS which will not work the Time Capsule. You have to use Disk Utility on your Mac to re-format the drive to work correctly with the Time Capsule.


Use a powered USB hub as the USB port on the Time Capsule is a bit under powered and it will not supply enough current for some drives. As a general rule....use a powered USB hub....even if the hard drive has its own power supply.


At times, I have had 3 drives from differerent manufactures all hooked up simultaneously into a powered USB hub which in turns connects to the USB port on the Time Capsule. No problems at all.


There are never any guarantees, but if you follow the guidelines, chances are good that your drive will work just fine.

Reply

So you CAN or CANNOT use external drive with Time Capsule...

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.
Learn more Sign up