spurn555

Q: Time Capsule Backup Disk Not Available without restart

I have the latest generation of time capsule, but my MBP can only find the disk inside after a restart of the device.  After a restart of the Time Capsule the requested backup will take place with no problems, but if I request another backup later, I again get an alert saying the disk can't be found, thus requiring another restart. This "solves" the problem, as the MBP can now find the disk and the backup takes place, but the whole point of Time Machine is supposed to be  to provide automatic backups in the background.  Any ideas?

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X El Capitan (10.11.2)

Posted on Sep 21, 2016 12:28 PM

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Q: Time Capsule Backup Disk Not Available without restart

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  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Sep 21, 2016 1:52 PM in response to spurn555
    Level 9 (52,576 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 21, 2016 1:52 PM in response to spurn555

    The problem is well known.

     

    We see it here all the time. Solutions are not so easy.

     

    We need to know the whole network setup.

     

    What modem do you have, make and model please??

     

    How is the TC connected and in what mode?

     

    Is the Mac connected directly to the TC or via the modem which is working as gateway?

     

    A couple of screenshots from airport utility of the setup helps no end.

  • by spurn555,

    spurn555 spurn555 Sep 21, 2016 2:17 PM in response to LaPastenague
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 21, 2016 2:17 PM in response to LaPastenague

    The network setup is simple -- I'm connected wirelessly to the time capsule via the Apple airport that contains the time capsule drive itself.  An airport utility screenshot is attached -- thanks for your help.

     

    Screen Shot 2016-09-21 at 5.16.02 PM.jpg

  • by LaPastenague,Solvedanswer

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Sep 22, 2016 4:52 PM in response to spurn555
    Level 9 (52,576 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 22, 2016 4:52 PM in response to spurn555

    Thanks.. your screenshot tells me exactly what I need to know.

     

    Your setup is pretty well exactly as I would recommend.

     

    To fix the problem I am going to recommend a couple of simple changes. If that is unsuccessful then we will need to do a much more radical rearrangement.

     

    1. Change the current setup of the TC internet tab from DHCP to static. Use all the same identical values it has now.

     

    If the IP is the same as it is now.

    Only DNS value might be worth changing if it doesn't use the local Router address as the first DNS .. and you can use 8.8.8.8 as second DNS.. google public DNS are really reliable.

    Screen Shot 2016-09-22 at 7.47.12 AM.png

    Set link-local only for IPv6 .. Internet Options tab at the bottom of the Internet tab.

    Screen Shot 2016-09-22 at 7.47.26 AM.png

     

    Click save then click update.

     

    Bonus score .. if you know your way around the DHCP setup of your main router set a DHCP reservation for the TC. This ensures it always has a known IP in the network from the router configuration.

    Or to make it simple you could change the DHCP range from 192.168.0.2-xxx (xxx is maybe 254 biggest number).. to 192.168.0.10-xxx that will ensure the TC is never going to cause issues with duplicate IP..

     

    And if you happen to see a item marked domain or similar.

    Change it to local.

     

    Here is mine. Yours will be totally different looking.. But it will normally give you a hostname of the router.. plus a domain.. common one is lan or it can borrow from your ISP domain.

     

    Screen Shot 2016-09-22 at 7.59.32 AM.png

    This is all bonus stuff.. we will get to it if we need to later.

     

    2. Change over the cord that connects your TC to your main router.. from WAN on the TC to a LAN port.

    We have found the WAN port unreliable in certain setups on the TC.

     

    3. In the local network preferences on your MBP change over to link-local only instead of auto for Configure IPv6.

     

    Screen Shot 2016-09-22 at 7.53.09 AM.png

     

    Tell me how that works out.

  • by spurn555,

    spurn555 spurn555 Sep 22, 2016 4:52 PM in response to LaPastenague
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 22, 2016 4:52 PM in response to LaPastenague

    Looks like that did it!  Thanks SO MUCH for your help!