New message - "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer"

Time machine was working just fine with my Maxtor external hard drive, once I had reformatted it, but this morning when I was booting up I got the message, "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer." The message gave me the options of "initialize", "ignore", or "eject".
What gives? Why the sudden change? If I initialize, then I lose all the previous saves and defeat the purpose of Time Machine in the first place.
Any suggestions?

Do you still have a drive with Mac OS X 10.4 installed on it? If you do, you can see if the drive mounts in 10.4. If you get the same message, it might be a problem with the drive and not be related to TM. I had a problem with an external Maxtor drive that TM corrupted, but the drive mounted without any problems. I just couldn't write to it in 10.5.
If you can mount it in Mac OS 10.4 or on another Mac, see if you can repair the drive with Disk Utility or with a program like Disk Warrior. Another option you can try is to disconnect the drive and then reconnect it. If that doesn't work, try disconnecting it and rebooting and then connecting it again.
If you can get the drive to mount, copy the TM files to another drive and then reformat the drive. See this page from Seagate/Maxtor for information on formatting the drive:
http://seagate.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/seagate.cfg/php/enduser/stdadp.php?p_faqid=5005&p_created=1195077097&p_sid=U7nFhdSi&p_accessibility=0&p_red irect=&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9MzMsM zMmcF9wcm9kcz00MTAsNDIxLDQ2MSw1NzUsNTc2JnBfY2F0cz0wJnBfcHY9NS41NzYmcF9jdj0mcF9zZ WFyY2hfdHlwZT1hbnN3ZXJzLnNlYXJjaF9ubCZwX3BhZ2U9MSZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh0PW1hYw**&p_li =&ptopview=1
Hope those suggestions help.
Claire

Similar Messages

New HDD The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer.

I've put my brand new 2.5" hybrid hard drive in an enclosure and get the following message: "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer." and have been given the following 3 options: Initialize... / Ignore / Eject.
What does Initialize do and is the right option for me if I want to format and partition my hard drive?
All help appreciated.

Choose "Initialize". Use Disk Utility to partition it. Choose "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)".
Initialization formats a blank or otherwise unreadable disk for use with OS X.

Need help with Error message "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer"

I got this message this afternoon "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer" with the options to either "Ignore" or Eject"
This is in reference to my External Hard Drive "Buffalo" 1TB. I just got my Mac 27inch this week and when i got it i hooked up this hard drive to it, historically used on my old windows machine, but was still FAT32 formatted. I was able to upload all my pics to Aperture and music to iTunes. Was able to surf the data no problem.
This afternoon i noticed that it was no longer visible in the "Finder" and afre rebooting several times, got this message "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer"
Neither the mac nor the HD was moved since yesterday, early this am when it worked.
Is there an easy fix to this? whats going on.
Some info:
I had used this external storage unit for more then a year.
I sold my PC today so cant test if the hard drive still works on that.
I have the latest 27 inch mac (2.7GHz)
Storage is connected to a power source ( I tried both USB and FireWire, both yield the same message)
Any advice?

Have you tried the Repair Disk feature in Disk Utility?

Why does my memory stick all of a sudden trigger the message "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer"?

I bought a LaCie memory stick a couple of months ago. It worked fine. Now all of a sudden I get the message "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer". What has happened? Is all my data lost? Can I retrieve it? I tried to fix it with Disk Utility (which at least correctly recognises the stick), and even though I can click on my memory stick I can't do anything to it. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

According to an ASC member who claims to work for HP, this issue can be resolved by repairing the permissions of the startup volume in Disk Utility. I can't confirm, but it has apparently worked in at least one case.

F this error message "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer" with 2 radio buttons "Ignore" or "reject" It comes up every time I start my new printer. How do I get rid of it?

When installing my new HP printer I received the following error message when I inserted the software install disk: "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer" with 2 radio buttons "Ignore" or "reject" I was able to eject the disk but the message remains. Now every time I start up the printer this error message pops up on my computer. I have since used the disk drive successfully for music CD's etc. How can I get rid of this message?

PRAM RESET
Zap the PRAM
Shut down the computer.
Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
Turn on the computer.
Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys. You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.
Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
Release the keys.

I went to back up my Mac on the same Seagate Free Agent I've been using for a year, but I got a message "the disk you inserted was not readable by this computer." I'm still using Snow Leopard like I've always been. What is going on, and how do I fix it?

I went to back up on the Seagate Free Agent I've been using for almost a year. I got the message, "the disk you inserted is not readable by this computer." What do I do now? How can I fix it?

10.7.4 is not Snow Leopard. 10.7.4 is Lion.
Also, is the drive connected via USB or Firewire?
If USB are there other devices on the USB bus?
Are you using Time Machine, Superduper, Carbon Copy Cloner, or another software?.

FRUSTRATED! Cannot access Seagate external HDD - message is "the disk you inserted was not readable by this computer"

I get the message "the disk you inserted was not readable by this computer" when trying to access my Seagate external HDD.
Disk Utility lists both the Seagate drive and volume but all options (verify disk, repair disk) are greyed out.
It says the volume is unmounted and Windows_FAT_32.
(The external HDD used to be formatted for NTFS, but when I moved across to Apple last year, I reformatted to FAT32).
I haven't accessed the drive for a few months but the last time I did, it worked fine.
I'm running OS X 10.9.5 on MBA bought last year.
I've spent 2 hours trawling through blogs/mac forums/apple support and nearly bought Disk Warrior out of frustration, but surely there must be a simpler solution?
I don't think I'm dealing with a corrupt drive, just an inaccessible one!
Any help greatly appreciated, even if it is to pay the $$$ for DW...!
Thanks, Jay

See mount section in 1st link.
Disk Unmount Using Terminal
Disk Utility – Force Mount Disk

Unable to read usb memory stick + "the disk you inserted was not readable by this computer"

Hi Everyone,
Today I was tryign to use a brand new memory stick 8GB-Samsung PNY on my Mac Book Pro. (Mac OSX 10.7.5)
1. I do not see this drive in the Finder.
   2. Diskutil could detect the drive.
   3. I was trying to put ubuntu image file on the drive from the terminal uitility and I have this error message in a dialog box:
      "the disk you inserted was not readable by this computer"
4. Clicking on initialize helps me realise that the drive is detected. But I do not have a clue on how to proceed from here. I am new to Mac and its file system formats.
The same issue happened with my 500GB external Western Digital Hard Drive. I was reading on forums that WD got some issues with Apple is trying to resolve. I expected to not have this road-block with another brand but it happened with my memory stick. Now I was forming an impression that something should be done to external storage devices inorder for me to use them Mac OSX.
Kindly enlighten me and help overcome this issue.
Thank You

Thank You OGELTHORPE.
I erased the memory stick and formatted to "Mac OS Extended(Journaled)".
I attempted once again to use the "sudo dd" command from termial trying to copy the Ubuntu image file to the memory stick.
The operation termainates with the same message
      "the disk you inserted was not readable by this computer"
The termainal message says some bytes got transffered in so many seconds. It looks like this operation is being terminated in the middle.
Have any suggestions and work arounds?

The disk you inserted was not readable By this computer (Error)

Hi
everytime in the last couple of days im inserting a bank Cd to my cd/dvd drive (MATSHITADVD-R UJ-85J) im getting the same error
"the disk you inserted was not readable By this computer"
it only happen when the disk is blank. all other disks work ok.
haven't install any new software or hardware, but had some HDD problems.
any suggestion what should i do?
my system profile is:
version 10.5.7
Hardware Overview:
Model Name: iMac
Model Identifier: iMac7,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.4 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 4 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 800 MHz
Boot ROM Version: IM71.007A.B03
SMC Version (system): 1.20f4
Serial Number (system): W873226** <Edited by Host>

first time posting so not sure this ended up in correct area...
I had same issue except only repairing the permissions didn't solve anything for me. *_If you recently upgraded your iTunes to 8.2_* check your permissions for errors, fix the errors, then restart computer and if that doesn't fix it, then try one of the 3 solutions below as there is a *known burn issue with the recent 8.2 update!*
My permission errors - permissions differ on ./Applications/iTunes.app/contents... etc, should be -rw-rw-r--, they are -rwxrwxr-x
I called Apple Care and we figured out 3 work arounds til a fix is released.
Solutions 1,2 are recommended by Apple Care. I used solutions 1 (easy) and then 3 (complicated).
Option 3 is a pain and takes A LOT of time and HD space or external HD if you have tons of music, podcasts, audiobooks, etc, loaded into your iTunes.
_*3 possible solutions:*_
1. Use the Finder window already built in the mac (to burn onto blank cds) -
Open Finder Window, go to File in the Menu Bar at top of computer, create a new Burn Folder, drag items to the folder and click on the burn icon inside the folder, insert blank disk when asked, add name, select burn speed, burn the cd.
2. Use the app Burn 2.3U -
Found at Apple.com in download section works like a Finder Window and converts audo files to MP3 automatically. (You can set up iTunes to do this as well)
3. Install an older version of iTunes 8.0.2 (couldn't find 8.1 thru 8.1.051) -
I found 8.0.2 at Apple.com, this process is complicated and you will need lots of HD space or external HD to do this because you'll want to back up your music library and you will need to delete version 8.2 BEFORE trying to install an older version. Otherwise stick with option 1 or 2 til a fix is released by Apple.
I ruined 8 blank cd's that actually burned but then I got the error message "the disk you inserted was not readable by this computer (Error)" at end of burn cycle and sometimes early disk ejections. _*I had no problems before the iTunes update in the past 5 days.*_ Still can't read/play the 8 disks but the problem went away!
I had burned 20 cds no problem last week with same media disks that were producing errors after doing the iTunes update, now after chosing to downgrade my iTunes I'm back to burning with no issues!
8.2 has 2 versions 32bit or 64bit, one of them may be PC/Windows version only but not sure which one I upgraded to or if that's even a factor with the permission errors I had.
Best wishes

"The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer" box appears when printer cable inserted into USB connection.

When I plugged my printer cable into my MacBook today I received a message "the disk you inserted was not readable by this computer" with options to Ignore or Eject. The printer worked fine yesterday but does not respond today. Additionally there is abox titled "All Messages" appearing on my screen which is producing new messages every minute or so the most common of which is disk1: I/O error and disk1:alignment error, SAM Multimedia: Read or Write failed.
I tried unsuccessfully yeseterday to install a scanner on this MacBook.Everything seemed to progress normally during the install but the Scanner did not show in my applications after my attempt to install.
Any ideas?
Thank you in advance

I uninstalled and reinstalled my printer and everything seems to work fine now.

My Sandisk cruzer thumb drive 4.0GB (which is very old, roughly 10 years and I'm not sure about the model) reads "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer" when inserted in my Macbook pro 2010. How do I get it to work?

My Macbook Pro 2010 with the latest OS does not open a particular Sandisk Cruzer 4.0GB (which is an old model, about 10 years) thumbdrive with the message "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer". Will I be able to read it on my macbook?

Is it readable in a Windows computer? If not then you can try Disk Utility to repair the drive-- although that may be dangerous too.
I haven't had this problem so I out of safe ideas. There are ustilies out there. I used the seach term "repair flash drive Mac OS X" to locate some of these.
If the data is essential there are pay-for services to recover data looked the price was in the range $50 - $1000
All the best.

WD external Hard Drive comes up with "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer."

So here lies the problem, when connecting my WD external HD to my MBP, I get the message The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer. and a further three options of initialize, ignore and eject. I have always hit ignore.
When checking my files, the HD is not available in my finder window.
I've gone into Disk Utilities. It is there to be highlighted. And I go to repair the disk, but each time the Repair button is greyed out.
I've tried to use my data recovery software (rescue pro deluxe) but because the drive isn't showing up in that program, it isn't working.
Are there any other options out there to get the files from that HD (I've just gotten back from 2 months of travel with a bunch of photos on that HD - so would like to get them back). Even if that means putting them onto a spare external HD.

Thanks for your quick response. I had a look at your discussion... I tried it on a Windows machine and I thought that was compatible with ExFAT?
Therefore I need to attempt to use my external hard drive with a machine that boasts OS X 10.6.5 or above and then it should work?
Thanks

"The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer" 10.9.3 - WD-500GB WD5000AADS

Mac Book Pro
MAC OS Extended(Journaled)
Capacity:97GB
Version-10.9.3
Hello Mac Fam,
I recently purchased a HD-Enclosure (Insignia 3.0 desktop hard disk enclosure),since my WD 500Gig Hard Drive broke(power cable broke). Before the Hard Drive broke, it worked perfectly on my Mac Book Pro (Read/Write). I was extremely excited when i purchased the HD Enclosure since i thought that it would work perfectly, like it did before. However, i keep getting the following message ""The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer". I haven't tried anything, since upon reading various post regarding this problem, i get bits of information but never the complete solution.I have many pictures/files/etc. that i refuse to lose. I know this can be fixed, just need a bit of help to get it done. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Merry Christmas to you all, and hopefully someone can help me out.
-guS

OK. for anyone who has had or is having this problem, I think I've found a solution, or a least one that worked for me:
Select your start-up drive, do a Get info (Command-I)
At the bottom where it says sharing and permissions, I had two items: System and Everyone. Both were set to Read. I unlocked using administrator password. I then reset the two items above to Read and Write. I then clicked on the little plus sign which brought up a dialog window. In that I selected Administrator and then set that to Read and Write.
My audio CD's now mount as they always have for years! Very odd, and honestly I could not explain why this worked, but I figured it out myself, something that I now feel I owe my self a fine Belgian beer.
Good luck

The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer - Finalized video DVD

Suddenly I have not been able to watch video DVD’s on my MacPro OS x 10.5.8 that I have recorded with my Panasonic DVR. I am also not able to read some data DVDs. I am able to read other data DVD’s and all the data CD’s I’ve tried. My PowerBook G4 is able read and play all these disks including the video DVD’s recorded on my DVR.
I use my DVR to record TV programs off the air and to transfer home movies from my camcorder to DVD. I finalize the disk and then watch it later on my MacPro. I also use the DVD as a way to get home movies into iMovie for editing.
I’ve had no problems in the 3 years I’ve been doing this. Now when I insert a video DVD recorded with my DVR I get the following message:
“The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer”
Before this happened I watched a commercially produced DVD movie on my MacPro for the first time. I suspect this DVD changed something in my MacPro’s DVD player.
Is there a way to get my MacPro back to the state where it will read a DVD video I have recorded on my DVR? Is there a way to use Time Machine to revert back in time before the problem started? I am using an external drive with Time Machine for backup.
Thanks. Bob

I have a panasonic dvr pretty similar to yours, I hope (DMR EH55) and to transfer stuff to dvd, you have to change the drive over to dvd, put in the blank dvd, format it, then tick off the stuff you want copied, then choose high speed copy, then you have to wait, until the stuff gets copied, and the whole process finishes- dvd in the drive says formalized, this thing is necessary so that this dvd will play in dvd players, then you have to wait until it says it's done. if the dvd is not formalized, just copied and removed , then it will probably not play in dvd players. I've done what was mentioned before, and no problems, also check the brand of media you are using, and use a brush type dvd drive cleaner on your MacPro's DVD drive
hopefully that helps

The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer - MAC

I just purchased a Droid Incredible and would like to transfer photos. After reading other Droid forums, I simply plugged my device into my MacBook Pro (OSX) and got this message: "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer." Any suggestions on what now???

No problem
One other thing to keep in mind. When you are done using the DINC on your Mac, make sure you eject BOTH mounted disks (doesn't matter which one first), then what I do is pull down the alert screen on my phone, change the setting to "Charge Only", let the phone "prepare phone storage" and "prepare sd storage", AND THEN unplug.
Maybe a bunch of hassle for nothing, but I figure, why take a chance on corrupting data.

New message - "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer"

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