Dsully7
Level 1 (4 points)
Wireless

Q: Time Machine will not detect Time Capsule

Looking for tips on how to get the Time Machine utility to access my Time Capsule. I am running a late 2012 iMac with MAC OS 10.12 TimeCapsule is from 2015 running latest firmware 7.7.7. Airport Utility is latest firmware 6.3.7.

 

When I launch Time Machine, the Time Capsule is not detected. I've tried over both WiFi and with Ethernet cables connected (have not tried USB yet) and my Time Capsule does NOT have lightning bolt or firewire ports.

 

I open Airport Utility & see the Airport Time capsule. I can see all devices connected including the MAC but no prompts for enabling Time Machine on the Time Capsule.

 

I have used TM on this iMac with a G-Technology drive recently. It auto detects time machine and runs a back up. But the Airport Time Capsule will not.

 

Any suggestions?

iMac (27-inch, Late 2012)

Posted on Oct 3, 2016 11:17 AM

by Tesserax,Solvedanswer
Tesserax Tesserax
Level 9 (54,874 points)
Wireless
A:

You're very welcome! I'm glad you got it worked out.

Posted on Oct 3, 2016 6:19 PM

Close
Dsully7

Q: Time Machine will not detect Time Capsule

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax Oct 3, 2016 12:24 PM in response to Dsully7
    Level 9 (54,874 points)
    Wireless
    Oct 3, 2016 12:24 PM in response to Dsully7

    We need to understand your current network configuration with the Time Capsule (TC). Is the TC the only wireless router in your network? What is the make & model of the Internet modem that you have it directly connected to by Ethernet?

     

    Do you normally use a wireless or wired connection between the iMac and the TC? Has this always been an issue or just started to happen? If it just started, did you change any software/firmware on the iMac or TC?

  • by Dsully7,

    Dsully7 Dsully7 Oct 3, 2016 12:45 PM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Wireless
    Oct 3, 2016 12:45 PM in response to Tesserax

    In the past I used a hardwired connection from a G-Technology Drive directly to the iMac and was able to perform a Time machine backup. In fact I did it this morning before upgrading to the Sierra OS. Worked fine.

     

    It when I try to use time machine to connect to the Airport Time Capsule where the problem is now. I can use Airport Utility to see the TC drive info. But its not obivious through the Time Machine utility prompts or the Airport Utility APP how to use Time Machine with this drive.

     

    I just tried using my kid's MacBook and same thing. I can see Time Capsule drive with the Airport Utility but Time Machine APP doesn't recognize the drive.

     

    I have two other wifi routers on the network. Airport Extreme which I use to extend coverage and an Airport Express which I have connected to A/V receiver.

     

    The Internet modem is a Scientific Atlanta (Time Warner) product.

     

    File sharing is not turned on the Time Capsule, but I didn't think this was necessary and not secure. I was under the impression that Time Machine established a secure connection between the Mac and TC so I have not messed with file sharing.

     

    Hope this helps. Thanks

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax Oct 3, 2016 12:48 PM in response to Dsully7
    Level 9 (54,874 points)
    Wireless
    Oct 3, 2016 12:48 PM in response to Dsully7

    File sharing is not turned on the Time Capsule, but I didn't think this was necessary and not secure. I was under the impression that Time Machine established a secure connection between the Mac and TC so I have not messed with file sharing.

    In order for your Mac, or any other client, on your local network to "find" the TC, file sharing MUST be enabled. It also must be enabled for Time Machine backups.

     

    In this case, the TC is performing as a network drive.

  • by Dsully7,

    Dsully7 Dsully7 Oct 3, 2016 1:09 PM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Wireless
    Oct 3, 2016 1:09 PM in response to Tesserax

    That did the trick. Thanks.

  • by Tesserax,Solvedanswer

    Tesserax Tesserax Oct 3, 2016 6:19 PM in response to Dsully7
    Level 9 (54,874 points)
    Wireless
    Oct 3, 2016 6:19 PM in response to Dsully7

    You're very welcome! I'm glad you got it worked out.