Can I Trust External Hard Drives??????

Hello,
I'm a newbie to the organization, partitioning and volumes conversation of drives and external drives. I just purchased a G-Drive 250 GB capacity and successfully set it up, transferred files, so far so good! After reading through
some of the decusssion files I am still very nervous to trust the external and
dump all of my transferred files from my Mac G4 HD.
Just trying to clean things up and get back the speed and space on my G4.
Also looking for reading material or direction to sources for quick tips for
basic organization and file organization in general. Just about ready to move to Tiger so I don't get too far behind.
Thanks
Robertaa
800 MHz PowerPC G$ Mac OS X (10.3.9) 1.25 GB SDRAM 236.76 External G-Drive

Hi den.thed,
Thank you for this - I think the easy option by far appears to be to leave existing backups on disk 1, and plug in disk 2 and start over.

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Hello Apple Support Communities! This is my first post. Hope this finds you all well My first year as an Apple user. I bought a 2-Tb TC and am running my first backup to my MacBook as I write this.
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*Note: All versions of OS and firmwares are up-to-date. TC is connected to an external wireless router. TC is intended to be used as backup device and / or file server only.
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How do I backup the externel hard drives connected to my MB. I was under the impression that that has already been done, because I've read it somewhere in a discussion that said it's done automatically unless I exclude it from a backup, which I didn't. So it's supposed to backup the external hard drivestoo because I had them connected to my MB the entire time during the backups.
By default an external drive is excluded.. the list is odd.. if I plug a drive into the mac.. it immediately is listed as excluded.
This is not the list of included.. this is the list of excluded.. remove it from the excluded list to include it.
It is kind of reverse polish notation in backups.
If I want to enter the Time Machine, should I enter it with the TM turned on or off?
Not sure what the question means. If you use the star wars display and want to recover files then use TM off.. but read up pondini.. how to do restore etc.
http://pondini.org/TM/FAQ.html
15A in particular on the how to use TM.
When do I uplug the ethernet and use the wireless connection instead?
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It is a Toshiba 1GB external hard drive and has adequate power. Lights are on, etc.
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All of a sudden, my PowerBook G4 can no longer see my external hard drive (Maxtor 160 GB drive). The drive doesn't appear in the Finder, and it doesn't mount on the desktop. Thus, I have no way of accessing the files on my external hard drive.
I can see the external hard drive when I launch Disk Utility (and also when I launch TechTool Pro), so I know the hard drive and the USB connections are working.
Can someone please help on this?? I've tried unplugging everything and rebooting with no results. Thank you.
PowerBook G4 Titanium 1ghz processor Mac OS X (10.4.2)
PowerBook G4 Titanium 1ghz processor Mac OS X (10.4.2)

Everything looks clean, as far as I can tell.
Disk Utility says:
"The volume External Hard Drive appears to be OK.
Mounting Disk.
1 HFS volume checked.
No repairs were necessary."
TechTool Pro volumes test says:
Volume Structures
Thursday, March 29, 2007 6:24:26 PM US/Pacific
Passed
Volume: External Hard Drive
Mount Point: /dev/disk1s3
Format: HFS+ (Mac OS Extended)
Journaling: Enabled
Case-sensitive: No
Created: 03/26/07 01:26:09 AM
Modified: 03/26/07 01:26:09 AM
Capacity: 152.54 GB
Used: 49.81 GB
Available: 102.74 GB
Files: 86,074
Folders: 16,342
Writable: Yes
Ejectable: No
Removable: No
There are a variety of invisible files, settings, and parameters that the Macintosh file system uses to locate files, free disk space, and for other maintenance and management routines. Damage to these critical data structures can result in lost or damaged files and may even necessitate a complete reformat of the volume.
Precheck Structures
This test checks the readability of the various volume structures.
Boot Blocks
This test validates the Boot Blocks portion of the volume. This block of data is created when the volume is blessed.
Boot Blocks <Passed>
Master Directory Block
This test validates the Master Directory Block portion of the volume. This block of data is created when the volume is created and contains important data about the rest of the volume.
Master Directory Block <Passed>
Volume Header
This test validates the Volume Header portion of the volume. This block of data is created when the volume is created and contains important data about the rest of the volume like number of files and folders, and the amount of free space available on the volume.
Volume Header <Passed>
Allocation File (Bitmap)
This test checks the Allocation file. This file indicates which blocks are allocated for use and which blocks are free.
Allocation File (Bitmap) <Passed>
Extents File (B-Tree)
This test checks the Extents file. This file contains the extent data for the entire volume. Extents are the separate components of a fragmented file.
Extents File (B-Tree) <Passed>
Catalog File (B-Tree)
This test checks the Catalog file. This file keeps track of all the files and folders on the volume.
Catalog File (B-Tree) <Passed>
Attributes File
This test checks the Attributes file. This file tracks all of the attributes of each file and folder on a volume. Some attributes include whether the file is locked or not and the last time the volume was backed up.
Attributes File <Passed>
Startup File
This test checks the Startup file. The parameters within this file contain the information used by the computer ROM to determine what program will boot the computer as well as other system-specific aspects.
Startup File <Not Present>
Completed
Passed
Tech Tool Pro File structure says:
File Structure
Thursday, March 29, 2007 6:30:25 PM US/Pacific
Passed
Volume: External Hard Drive
Mount Point: /dev/disk1s3
Format: HFS+ (Mac OS Extended)
Journaling: Enabled
Case-sensitive: No
Created: 03/26/07 01:26:09 AM
Modified: 03/26/07 01:26:09 AM
Capacity: 152.54 GB
Used: 49.81 GB
Available: 102.74 GB
Files: 86,074
Folders: 16,342
Writable: Yes
Ejectable: No
Removable: No
This test checks for file resource corruption on the volume 'External Hard Drive'. If any damaged files are found, TechTool Pro will let you know which files have corrupted resources.
Analyzing File Structures
Passed
I'll let you know if Tech Tool Pro's surface scan of the drive turns anything up (it's running right now - takes several hours to run), but hopefulyl this provides a good starting point into painting a picture of my system...
Thx - Bob

Finder can't see external hard drive

All of a sudden, my PowerBook G4 can no longer see my external hard drive (Maxtor 160 GB drive). The drive doesn't appear in the Finder, and it doesn't mount on the desktop. Thus, I have no way of accessing the files on my external hard drive.
I can see the external hard drive when I launch Disk Utility (and also when I launch TechTool Pro), so I know the hard drive and the USB connections are working.
Can someone please help on this?? I've tried unplugging everything and rebooting with no results. Thank you.
PowerBook G4 Titanium 1ghz processor Mac OS X (10.4.2)

By the way, here are my test results from running Disk Utility and Tech Tool Pro. Everything looks clean, I think?
Disk Utility says:
"The volume External Hard Drive appears to be OK.
Mounting Disk.
1 HFS volume checked.
No repairs were necessary."
TechTool Pro volumes test says:
Volume Structures
Thursday, March 29, 2007 6:24:26 PM US/Pacific
Passed
Volume: External Hard Drive
Mount Point: /dev/disk1s3
Format: HFS+ (Mac OS Extended)
Journaling: Enabled
Case-sensitive: No
Created: 03/26/07 01:26:09 AM
Modified: 03/26/07 01:26:09 AM
Capacity: 152.54 GB
Used: 49.81 GB
Available: 102.74 GB
Files: 86,074
Folders: 16,342
Writable: Yes
Ejectable: No
Removable: No
There are a variety of invisible files, settings, and parameters that the Macintosh file system uses to locate files, free disk space, and for other maintenance and management routines. Damage to these critical data structures can result in lost or damaged files and may even necessitate a complete reformat of the volume.
Precheck Structures
This test checks the readability of the various volume structures.
Boot Blocks
This test validates the Boot Blocks portion of the volume. This block of data is created when the volume is blessed.
Boot Blocks <Passed>
Master Directory Block
This test validates the Master Directory Block portion of the volume. This block of data is created when the volume is created and contains important data about the rest of the volume.
Master Directory Block <Passed>
Volume Header
This test validates the Volume Header portion of the volume. This block of data is created when the volume is created and contains important data about the rest of the volume like number of files and folders, and the amount of free space available on the volume.
Volume Header <Passed>
Allocation File (Bitmap)
This test checks the Allocation file. This file indicates which blocks are allocated for use and which blocks are free.
Allocation File (Bitmap) <Passed>
Extents File (B-Tree)
This test checks the Extents file. This file contains the extent data for the entire volume. Extents are the separate components of a fragmented file.
Extents File (B-Tree) <Passed>
Catalog File (B-Tree)
This test checks the Catalog file. This file keeps track of all the files and folders on the volume.
Catalog File (B-Tree) <Passed>
Attributes File
This test checks the Attributes file. This file tracks all of the attributes of each file and folder on a volume. Some attributes include whether the file is locked or not and the last time the volume was backed up.
Attributes File <Passed>
Startup File
This test checks the Startup file. The parameters within this file contain the information used by the computer ROM to determine what program will boot the computer as well as other system-specific aspects.
Startup File <Not Present>
Completed
Passed
Tech Tool Pro File structure says:
File Structure
Thursday, March 29, 2007 6:30:25 PM US/Pacific
Passed
Volume: External Hard Drive
Mount Point: /dev/disk1s3
Format: HFS+ (Mac OS Extended)
Journaling: Enabled
Case-sensitive: No
Created: 03/26/07 01:26:09 AM
Modified: 03/26/07 01:26:09 AM
Capacity: 152.54 GB
Used: 49.81 GB
Available: 102.74 GB
Files: 86,074
Folders: 16,342
Writable: Yes
Ejectable: No
Removable: No
This test checks for file resource corruption on the volume 'External Hard Drive'. If any damaged files are found, TechTool Pro will let you know which files have corrupted resources.
Analyzing File Structures
Passed
I'll let you know if Tech Tool Pro's surface scan of the drive turns anything up (it's running right now - takes several hours to run), but hopefulyl this provides a good starting point into painting a picture of my system...
Thx - Bob

Can't open external hard drive after upgrading to photos 9.6

I know there have been other variations to this question but mine's a bit different and I didn't find a conversation about this yet:
I've always backed up all my pictures on an external hard drive (Seagate, standard, works with all computers). After I upgraded to Yosemite 10.10.1 and therefore iPhotos 9.6, I haven't been able to access them at all. I'm trying not to panic and am wondering what I can do. There's no way that the upgrade DELETED everything on my hard drive, right?!? Checking the back-up (i.e., Time Machine) on my laptop doesn't help in this case because none of the photos were there in the first place. Please help!
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009)
Processor 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory 4 GB 1067 MHz DDR3

It is powered (the light is on). I was uploading photos from the drive yesterday, so it worked perfectly fine before the upgrade to 10.6.8 (which I did during the night). Is there anything else to try before I move it to another computer to see if it works? Again, thanks.

Can't see external hard drive in 10.3.9

My friend has a MacBook G3, using OS 10.3.9. I tried to give her an external hard drive, a Western Digital pocket drive (runs on USB power). But, the drive won't mount on her desktop, and we can't even see it using Disk Utility on her computer. The drive's powerlight is ON after we plug it into the USB port, but we just can't see the drive, not even to format it.
It works fine on my MacBook running OS 10.5.6, and I reformated it several times, with several different format options, on my MacBook. But no matter what we do, the drive is not visible on the G3, even though it is getting power from the G3 USB port.
Any suggestions?

Look at these links.
USB and FireWire Quick Assist
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1151?viewlocale=en_US
Common fixes for USB device issues (unrecognized, etc.)
http://www.macfixit.com/article.php?story=20070824012114701
Try the above fixes first. It's possible that there's not enough power in the USB port to spin up the HD. Although usually you will get an error notification. You could get an AC powered USB hub to connect to the PB & then to the HD if this is the situation.
 Cheers, Tom

Can't see external hard drive after error code -36

Hi, was copying iphoto data from an WD My Passport 750GB external hard drive to my MACBook when the system said it could not complete the copy as it had encountered a problem and indicated error code -36. Now I can't see the external drive (or any data) on any computer. I have tried 3 different MACs to no avail. The drive makes a soft beeping noise but then stops but the light stays on.
Any ideas on how I can get access to my data??

Make sure the cable is securely seated on the device side.
If that's not the problem, then either the drive mechanism or the enclosure has failed. If you don't have backups, you'd better hope it's the latter. Remove the mechanism from the enclosure and install it another enclosure. You can buy fairly inexpensive USB docks that a SATA drive drops into with no need for disassembly.
Failing that, your only chance is to send the drive to a recovery service such as Drive Savers. They disassemble the drive mechanism in a clean room and mount the platters in another drive. Cost will be in the 4-5 figure range, and the results are uncertain.
If you don't have backups, you don't have data.

Can I mount external hard drive to Time Capsule and use it as external storage?

I have a 500GB external hard drive that I'd like to use on the Time Capsule as a hard drive to store mp3 and mp4 files. Can I attach it to the Time Capsule and use it like this? Or does it just give an additional 500GB worth of back ups from my iMac?

Can I attach it to the Time Capsule and use it like this?
Yes, if the drive has been formatted in Mac OS Extended (Journaled)...preferable....or FAT32. Access to the files will somewhat slower than if you had the drive attached directly to your computer.
Have you given some thought as to how you will keep this drive backed up?
Time Machine will not be able to back up the drive that is attached to the Time Capsule's USB port.
But, it would be able to back up the drive if you connected it directly to your Mac and the drive was formatted in Mac OS Extended (Journaled).

Can only read external hard drive, not write to

Hi
I have a Mac Book Pro and a 60GB external Hard Drive which I use to transfer files between my Win PC (!!) and my Mac. transferring files from PC to Mac is fine using the HDD but when I try to copy files from my Mac to the HDD it says I cannot write to the drive as it is read only. How do i make it writable as well as readable. Its formatted as Windows NT Filesystem if that helps.

mp_photo wrote:
Its formatted as Windows NT Filesystem if that helps.
Hi,
that is the culprit.
Mac OSX is only capable of reading from NTFS drives but can not write to them.
Possible solutions:
Reformat the external drive to FAT32 (using Disk Utility and 'MS-DOS'),
but be aware of the the size limit of 4GB for a single file
use MacFuse: http://code.google.com/p/macfuse/
Caution: reformatting the drive will delete all files on it, so make a backup before.
Regards
Stefan

Can I Trust External Hard Drives??????

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