HT201510: Setting up Time Capsule for the first time

Learn about Setting up Time Capsule for the first time
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mflamarche
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: What is Error -4?

I am in the process of installing my new Time Capsule (4th Generation) for the first time and I cannot get beyond the flashing amber light and error -4. What does it mean? Should I just return it and get a different one?

 

Thanks,

Manny

Time Capsule 4th Generation, Windows 7

Posted on Mar 24, 2012 2:31 PM

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mflamarche

Q: What is Error -4?

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  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Mar 24, 2012 2:38 PM in response to mflamarche
    Level 10 (105,438 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 24, 2012 2:38 PM in response to mflamarche

    Error -4 is telling you what you already know.....you do not have a connection.

     

    If you are using a PC, the Windows Firewall is likely blocking the connection attempt between your PC and the Time Capsule.

     

    I haven't used Windows in a long time, but the firewall settings on XP were in the Control Panel. Turn off the firewall, try to setup the Time Capsule, and if successful, turn the firewall back on after the installation is complete.

     

    The anti-virus software can do the same thing...block the connection....so you may need to check the settings on that as well.

     

    We don't get many PC guys on an Apple forum....but hopefully one of the experts will see this post and comment.

  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Mar 24, 2012 3:09 PM in response to mflamarche
    Level 9 (52,991 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 24, 2012 3:09 PM in response to mflamarche

    I have never had issues getting access to the TC from windows..

     

    Have you loaded the latest airport utility for windows and connected by ethernet? Do not attempt to use wireless until you fix the default settings.. which are wrong for SMB.

     

    The TC name and windows names are illegal for SMB networking.. and this causes issues with even iOS stuff.

     

    Change the names.. make them short, no spaces and no special characters.

    eg TC name.. TC3TB (you can add whatever for identification, FredTC is fine, but not Freds' TC or Freds'TC even)

    Wireless name.. TC24ghz and TC5ghz (use separate name for 5ghz as it will work better). No spaces no dots.. pure alphanumeric.. same with passwords. Use WPA2 Personal.. not wpa/wpa2 mixed up don't know which is which. Password a bit longer obviously 8-12 characters is enough though.

     

    On the disk page put in the windows workgroup name and turn on guest account.

     

    I strongly recommend going back to 7.5.2 firmware. And even I cannot remember how to do it from a PC.

    7.6 changed stuff.. although that might affect Mac more than PC's.