My new USB 3.0 external drive isn't accessible over network when plugged into my Time Capsule.

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Level 1

6 points

My new USB 3.0 external drive isn't accessible over network when plugged into my Time Capsule.

It is a Seagate Backup Plus 3 TB desktop drive. Every other (USB 2) drive has worked like this, and this one works when plugged into my computer directly. I tried asking Seagate about it, but they said it was an Apple problem if the drive works when plugged directly into my computer. Besides, USB 3.0 is supposed to be backwards compatible, right?

My Time Capsule software is up to date, but is there some software difference between my 2009 MacBook Pro and my 2008 Time Capsule that allows my computer to recognize USB 3.0 drives but not my Time Capsule? Anyone have an idea about how to fix this?

Posted on Aug 27, 2012 8:38 AM

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Answer 1

Bob Timmons

Level 10

186,194 points

Aug 27, 2012 9:49 AM in response to HannahPearl

Check the documentation on your drive to make sure that it is formatted in Mac OS Extended (Journaled) to work with the USB port on the Time Capsule.

Your Mac supports other formats, so it is possible that the Mac can "see" the drive and the Time Capsule cannot if it is not formatted correctly for the Time Capsule.

If you still cannot "see" the drive, it is likely that you will need to use a powered USB hub for the drive...even if the drive has its own power supply.

Your Mac has a high powered USB port, while the Time Capsule port is not high powered.

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Answer 2

HannahPearl Author

Level 1

6 points

Aug 27, 2012 10:04 AM in response to Bob Timmons

I did format the drive in Mac OS Extended (Journaled) before I started with it, and set up a GUID Partion, as I have with my past drives, so I don't think that can be the problem.

The tip about the powered USB hub is interesting, I haven't seen that mentioned elsewhere. The drive has its own power supply, but I've got a good feeling about your hub suggetion. I'll report back after I run out and buy one.Thanks! The drive does spin up even when plugged into the Time Capsule, and the front LED indicator comes on for just a second, but then the LED goes off and the drive slowly spins away without being accessible. It does feel like it could be a power-supply issue.

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Answer 3

Bob Timmons

Level 10

186,194 points

Aug 27, 2012 11:03 AM in response to HannahPearl

I almost always have to use a powered hub with any drive connected to the Time Capsule or AirPort Extreme. Many users report the same thing....even if the drive has its own power supply.

The only other thing that I can think of is whether the firmware on the Time Capsule supports a 3 TB drive. It will support an internal 3TB SATA drive, but I cannot say about a USB drive.

If the powered hub still does not work, then that may be a reason. You could call Apple support to confirm since this type of info is not shown on the specification sheets.

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Answer 4

HannahPearl Author

Level 1

6 points

Aug 27, 2012 1:24 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Success! The powered USB hub did the trick. Thank you so much, you saved me untold hours of frustration. I guess I've just been lucky with my external drives in the past, as this is the first one I've needed an extra hub for (though it's also the first drive above 1 TB that I've tried with my Time Capsule; maybe that has something to do with it).

I have never been happier to start transfering data. Thanks Bob!

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