Time Capsule: Time Machine backups do not mount

Summary

When using your Time Capsule for Time Machine backups in Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard or later, the Time Capsule backup volume may not mount and Time Machine may not be able to back up to it. This alert may appear:

"Backup volume cannot be found"

This can happen if the Time Capsule disk has a long name.

Products Affected

Time Capsule 802.11n (1st Generation)

Rename the backup volume via AirPort Utility:

  1. Open AirPort Utility (in /Applications/Utilities).
  2. Click your Time Capsule's icon.
  3. Click "Manual Setup".  
  4. Enter the password for the Time Capsule if prompted.
  5. Click the Disks icon.
  6. Highlight the volume name that appears under "Time Capsule Disk".
  7. In the Name field, enter a name for the volume that is less than 27 characters long.
  8. Click Update.
  9. After Time Capsule restarts, on the Mac(s)using Time Machine, open Time Machine preferences and reselect the Time Capsule volume.
Not helpful Somewhat helpful Helpful Very helpful Solved my problem
Ask other users about this article
in Apple Support Communities
See all questions on this article See all questions I have asked