Internal disk needs repair

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Level 1

5 points

Internal disk needs repair

So as i was updating my itunes folder stored on my time capsule (which i use primarily as an external hard drive), it decided to stop working. I checked airport utility, and it said it needed a few firmware updates, so i did those, but then after that it stayed flashing amber with a status of "internal disk needs repair".

Currently, i can still connect to the capsule via wifi and get internet, but the airport disk wont show up in finder at all under the "shared" section. HOWEVER, when i connect a usb to the time capsule, i can see the USB disk under "shared", but still not the time capsule disk. The airport disk does however show up in airport utility, and i have the options of erasing or archiving it.

I've already tried unplugging the capsule, turning the power off overnight, soft/hard resets (but not a factory default reset). I really don't want to erase my data as there are thousands of songs/other things on there. I've searched everywhere on the internet for an answer but i can't find a question from someone in the exact same situation i'm in..

So my question is, is there any way to extract the data from the time capsule disk so i don't lose all of my stuff? I'm not too fussed about replacing the time capsule/buying a different type of NAS, so i'd be willing to void the warranty if that is my final option - i'd just really like my data back.

Thanks in advance.

Time Capsule 802.11n (4th Gen), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4)

Posted on Jul 1, 2013 12:35 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 1, 2013 12:48 AM in response to markGeeeeee

Yes, you will need to pull out the drive..

See http://www.ifixit.com/Device/Apple_Time_Capsule

If you do it really neatly no body will even know.. hint hint.

The WD green are prone to lose format.

So you need to buy a USB to SATA disk holder.

Plug a recovery software.. data rescue 3 I think is the best but disk warrior is the other one most recommended.

You can download a trial which will allow you to see if your files are intact but not recover them.. the software isn't cheap.. $99.. but if the trial proves the files are available.. then avail yourself of it.. you will need yet another disk to back them up to.. data rescue does not fix the files on the disk.. it will make a copy that works to another disk.. a better plan really.

Of course you can then send the disk to data recovery specialist but that is expensive exercise and not for the faint of heart/wallet.

BTW the TC is not a NAS.. the reason we recommend people do not do this is because it has no built in backup mechanism.. none.. archive is a full disk copy.. and not a true backup.

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Answer 2

markGeeeeee Author

Level 1

5 points

Jul 1, 2013 1:12 AM in response to LaPastenague

Thanks a lot 🙂 this is the first straightforward answer i have come by in the last day of googling haha

So just to clarify what i have to do so i dont mess it up... i need to:

1. take apart my time capsule

2. remove the hard drive

3. place the hard drive into a USB to SATA disk holder

4. use a trial to see if my files are intact

5. get another disk and recover the data using data rescue 3 (im fairly sure my files would be intact as they were working perfectly fine before the time capsule started playing up)

After this, would i then be able to erase the time capsule disk, and then transfer the files from the new disk back onto the time capsule... or onto a hard drive that is connected to the time capsule via usb?

Thanks again

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Answer 3

Jul 1, 2013 2:59 AM in response to markGeeeeee

markGeeeeee wrote:

Thanks a lot 🙂 this is the first straightforward answer i have come by in the last day of googling haha

So just to clarify what i have to do so i dont mess it up... i need to:

1. take apart my time capsule

2. remove the hard drive

3. place the hard drive into a USB to SATA disk holder

4. use a trial to see if my files are intact

5. get another disk and recover the data using data rescue 3 (im fairly sure my files would be intact as they were working perfectly fine before the time capsule started playing up)

After this, would i then be able to erase the time capsule disk, and then transfer the files from the new disk back onto the time capsule... or onto a hard drive that is connected to the time capsule via usb?

Thanks again

Yes, to all your questions.

If you do erase and reuse the old WD drive I recommend using a PC.. sorry or a Mac that can boot dos.. you need to boot into dos to use the WD main disk checking tools.. these are important to use to prove the disk is still actually ok.

It might be better to buy a new disk.. like 3TB and use that instead of the original WD one. Just so you know you are back to a drive that is at least under warranty. Erase and low level format the original TC drive and use it for secondary uses.

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Answer 4

markGeeeeee Author

Level 1

5 points

Jul 1, 2013 6:30 PM in response to LaPastenague

alright sweet as, now i know what i'm doing. Thank you so much!

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