Problems setting up My Cloud EX2 to automatically back up using time machine

[planet_billy]

Recently purchased My Cloud EX2 as a automatic storage device for MacBook that I can access remotely. I’ve followed set up instructions for EX2 and am having problems setting up time machine to provide automatic back up to My Cloud EX2.

I am running Mac High Sierra 10.13.4 on a MacBook Pro with a Thunderbolt display (in clamshell mode when I am in the office). Due to location problems for my office, I have my Thunderbolt display plugged into a Belkin Range Extender (via ethernet cable) and have plugged the new My Cloud EX2 into the range extender (via ethernet cable) as instructed. I have followed the picture instructions (WD website).

Using the dashboard website, I can see the My Cloud EX2. I understand how to transfer files manually from my MacBook, however I want to set up tie machine to back up. I have tried to set up the My Cloud EX2 as the time machine back up, but it is not always visible as a back up drive. When it is visible and I follow the connection instructions (either as guest or myself as user) I get “OSStatus error 2” message.

Reading a bunch of forums (4 hours worth today) I am also unable to find the WD applications that should be in launchpad, which makes me think the initial set up has malfunctioned. The WD online manual (or any forum post) is not able to explain how I can now uninstall the My Cloud EX2 and start again. I have tried a reset of the device but this did nothing. I don’t want to do anything stupid (such as unplug everything or restart the setup process) in case I damage the EX2. I am a bit stumped.

Can someone suggest what I should do to: (i) address the set up problem and (ii) fix the time machine issues so that I achieve the automatic backups?

Ps, I am average with IT stuff, so please be easy on the jargon!!

[NAS_user]

I am not a MAC user.
So. . . apply a grain of salt to all comments that follow this.

In the PC world, the first thing I would do is to assign a fixed IP address to the EX2. Make sure nothing else can step on that address. Next I would ask questions about share access and usernames. . .can you be running into a password problem?

It sounds like you want to do remote backup across the internet in the first paragraph, but it sounds like your problem is apparent when operating both devices on the same network?

(internet access introduces additional levels of complexity)