Using Mac Mini As a Remote Backup

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Level 1

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Using Mac Mini As a Remote Backup

Here's my current setup:

2014 Airport Express

2011 mac mini with two internal 500GB drives, connected to the TV as a media center and connected both to the wifi network and ethernet for faster streaming

2015 MBP

I would like to use the one of the mac mini hard drives as wireless backup for my MBP. Essentially enabling Time Machine on my MBP to access that mac mini drive. I looked online and I wasn't able to find detailed instructions on how to do it. I have enabled file sharing on the mac mini, by Tim Machine doesn't see that drive. There must be a trick to this, and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

JA.

Mac mini, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5)

Posted on Aug 31, 2015 1:58 PM

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Answer 1

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,541 points

Aug 31, 2015 4:17 PM in response to abedrabbo

I have enabled file sharing on the mac mini, by Tim Machine doesn't see that drive.

You must enable AFP access to the share in the File Sharing settings on the server, and the share must be mounted on the client.

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Answer 2

Sep 1, 2015 3:56 AM in response to abedrabbo

Time Machine will only support locally connected drives, Time Capsules, and

depending on the Airport Wireless router, drives connected to it. Other sources,

if you can connect at all will be unreliable.

With that said, there is a solution to get Time Machine back up to the Mini. Purchase

OSX Sever in the MacApp Store and install it on the Mini. It provides Time Machine

services for any Mac connected on the network to any drive mounted on the Mini.

There are also a variety of other services that can be quite useful. It is only $19.99.

Check it out.

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Answer 3

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,541 points

Sep 1, 2015 5:33 AM in response to Linc Davis

Time Machine should work fine with AFP shares from a Mac. There is no need for an AirPort device or for OS X Server.

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Answer 4

abedrabbo Author

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15 points

Sep 1, 2015 7:42 AM in response to Linc Davis

I have both SMB and AFP sharing checked under options, but can you explain: "the share must be mounted on the client"

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Answer 5

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,541 points

Sep 1, 2015 8:08 AM in response to abedrabbo

can you explain: "the share must be mounted on the client"

You have to be able to see the files in the Finder.

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Answer 6

abedrabbo Author

Level 1

15 points

Sep 1, 2015 4:03 PM in response to Linc Davis

Thank you for your help.

So I have both drives from my mac mini shared and I can access them remotely from my MBP. How do I mount the second mac mini drive "Backup HD" on my MBP for it to be visible?

Sorry for the basic question, but I really appreciate the help.

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Answer 7

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,541 points

Sep 1, 2015 4:48 PM in response to abedrabbo

You should see it in the sidebar of a Finder window, under Shared. Click it and enter the user name and password if prompted.

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