Time Capsule has no option to join network any more...

Hi, just had this same problem when trying to switch from Ethernet connection back to WiFi using the "Manual" options to configure Time Capsule. Solution for me was to hold down the option key while selecting this drop down menu and the "Join Wireless Netowrk" option will appear. Worked on OS 10.6.8 with AirPort Utility 5.5.3.

Which version of AirPort Utility are you using now?

If it is 6.0, download and install the full featured AirPort Utility 5.6 for Mac OS X Lion

Open AirPort Utility 5.6

Click Manual Setup

Click the Wireless tab below the icons

Hold down the option key on your Mac while you click on the Wireless Mode selection box to see the "Join" option

Might be a good idea to keep AirPort Utility 5.6 and 6.0 on your Mac and use the one that you need. You will not be able to delete 6.0.

I have a issue to with my time capsule, if i connectt a ethernetcable via the wan port ( with internet working ) it says no internet.

if i use the other ports there is no problem but how can i solve this.

Also have a problem with adding or sharing files from time capsule to my sonos system.

Worked for me but this begs the question: why does Apple have two different airport utilities with different features?

why does Apple have two different airport utilities with different features?

I can't speak for Apple.

Jimmer,

I had this same problem. Just spent about 6 hours over a couple days beating my head against a wall. However I finally fixed it as using my current version of Airport Utility (version 6.0).

So I unplugged all ethernet cables from the Time Capsule (TC) and did the hard reset as described above (thanks Bob) with nothing plugged into it except the power cable. Airport Utility (AU) finally found the TC as a new device when I clicked on "Other Airport Base Stations." It went through a "setting up" time and then came to the page offering to set up a wireless network. (I did set this basic network up first, and later found out the obvious answer is the wrong one.) On that screen there is a button that says More Options (or comparable). Click that, and it gives you an option to Join an Existing Network. I did that, and it found my existing network, and now under the Airport Utility it shows I have 3 options - 1) create a network, 2) extend a network, and 3) join a network (this is checked).

Now how can I possibly explain the idiocy involved in writing and producing a software that only allows this option in setup mode and not after the fact...abso-friggin-lutely blows my mind. Previously it would fail just like you said--whether I pushed option button or not, never ever worked. Now it just shows up. Whatever--score -1 on apple's mancard, but at least it's finally working now!

This tip solved my problem! Using Airport Utility 5.6 and holding down the option key while selecting the 'Wireless Mode' menu reveals 'Join a wireless network'.

1) Why is Apple going out of their way to hide such a basic option in the Time Capsule? (Incidently, which is not hidden for the new Airport Express 3rd Gen)

2) Why doesn't the new Airport Utility 6.1 offer this feature?

Bugs?

1) Why is Apple going out of their way to hide such a basic option in the Time Capsule?

We cannot speak for Apple, but a guess might be that this is a poor way to configure the Time Capsule for most users....and if you check the Setup Manual.....it is not supported.

The wireless signal must make a "double hop" during backups.

The signal must travel from your Mac to the wireless router.....hop one....and then again from the wireless router to the Time Capsule....hop two. This doubles the chances of an error and effectively also doubles the time that it will take for a backup to complete.

The Ethernet ports are not enabled on the Time Capsule when it is configured this way, so it is not possible to do a large backup using a much faster wired connection with a Mac. It's wireless only...and usually a few days for that first "master" backup....if all goes well.

2) Why doesn't the new Airport Utility 6.1 offer this feature?

See answer to 1).

Great answer Bob, you've cleared up a few things, thank you. A problem lies where one might have a router (Uverse, Comcast, or BT) which we would use as the internet device, and then also want to use the Time Capsule for backups. I tried hardwiring the TC using ethernet so that I could get the speed of the backup, but the TC takes over and I cannot access the internet, any suggestions other than joining the wirless network to avoid this two hop loop?

The reason I don't use the TC as the internet device is because I want to hardwire it for speed, but it's too far from the Uverse router.

Thank you

My recommendation would be to connect an Ethernet cable from one of the LAN <-> ports on your main router to the WAN "O" port on the Time Capsule.

Configure the Time Capsule to "create a wireless network". After the Time Capsule has been set up, you can go back in using AirPort Utility and disable the wireless feature if you do not want the Time Capsule to provide a wireless signal.

Configured this way, you will be able to backup to the Time Capsule using your normal wireless network......and....you also have the option to connect a Mac directly to one of the LAN <-> ports on the Time Capsule if you want to backup using Ethernet.....which will be 3-5 times faster than wireless.

Thanks for your suggestion! After a few days hopeless attempts finally it's really helped! 🙂

I would like to give you 10 points, but I don't know how...

Unfortunately, because you are not the question asker you can't give points.

Thanks Goodsense

your trick solved my problem. much appreciated