Can't see or recognize my external drive?

Question

I've installed OSX 10.3.9 on top of a completely updated 9.2.2 and the OSX is working fine. The internal hard drive was partitioned into 6 or 7 different drives when I was using 9.2. I loaded 10.3.9 onto one of the partitions and it recognizes all of the rest of them.
The external hard drive was loaded with files back when I was using 9.2 and now I can't get the drive to be recognized. Should I restart the computer using 9.2 somehow, retransfer all of the files to the partitions on the internal drive and then reformat the external hard drive so that OSX recognizes it? I had the file format on the external drive in what I thought was the latest format, the HSF++or whatever. I can't remember what it was now but I thought that it was in compliance with OSX. Also, I'm really not sure eexactly how to shift in and out of classic or if OSX just decides depending on which application that I launch??
iMac 400 MHz   Mac OS X (10.3.9)   256 Ram soon to be 1024

Answer 1

diablowilnet:
Welcome to Apple Discussions.
6 or 7 partitions? Why so many? Also, is your external HDD Firewire or USB. That is important because you cannot boot a PPC Mac from a USB device.
My hunch is that it might be best to move all the files to the internal and then reformat and repartition. However, if you tell me what your objective is, I may be able to make suggestions as to the options for partitioning your HDD for greatest functionality.
Here are some directions for formatting the external HDD:
Formatting/Partitioning a HDD
Boot from the install CD holding down the "C" key.
Go to the Installer menu and launch Disk Utility.
Select your HDD (manufacturer ID) in left side bar.
Select Partition tab in main panel.
Select number of partition in pulldown menu above Volume diagram.
(Note: 1 partition is normally better for an internal HDD. External HDDs usually have more than one)
Type in name in Name field (usually Macintosh HD)
Select Volume Format as Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
Check install Mac OS 9 Drivers if necessary
Repeat this for each partition
Click Partition button at bottom of panel.
Select Erase tab
Select the a volume under Manufacturer ID (usually Macintosh HD).
Check to be sure your Volume Name and Volume Format are correct.
Select on Security Options button.
Select Zero all data. (This process will map out bad blocks on your HDD. However, it could take several hours. If you want a quicker method, don't go to Security Options and just click the Erase button.)
Click OK.
Click Erase button
Quit Disk Utility.
Pllease do post back with further questions, comments, or an update on your progress.
Good luck.
cornelius