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MoSam4102

Q: How can I transfer time capsule backups?

I just purchased a new Airport Time Capsule. I have been using a Seagate 1TB external hard drive as a time machine.  I would like to transfer my back-ups from the Seagate to the Apple Time Capsule.  Is this possible?

Posted on Jan 18, 2016 9:01 AM

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Q: How can I transfer time capsule backups?

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  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jan 18, 2016 9:42 AM in response to MoSam4102
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    Jan 18, 2016 9:42 AM in response to MoSam4102

    Time Machine backs up differently to a USB drive or FireWire drive that is connected directly to your Mac, than it does to a Time Capsule.

     

    Backups to the Seagate drive are stored in a normal folder called Backup.backupdb

     

    Backups to the Time Capsule are stored in a special type of file or container called a sparsebundle.

     

    While it is possible.....in theory.....that you might be able to create a "phantom" sparsebundle on the Time Capsule, and then try to move the backups from the Seagate drive over, this is very complicated and difficult to do....even for an advanced user. And, after hours of trying.... it may not work.

     

    My advice would be to keep the Seagate drive handy for maybe 3-6 months and start backups to the Time Capsule.  After 3-6 months, you really won't need all the old backups on the Seagate drive from many months in the past, so you can erase the drive and use it as a spare.