Original internal HDD won't mount.

I recently had my iMac HDD upgraded from 500gig to 2TB and now I'd like to grab some old files off my original HDD. To do this I bought myself a Dynamode SATA USB docking station and ran migration assistant. MOST of the files copied across but some (my movies, a bunch of applications & some work files) didn't.
Unfortunately now it seems my machine won't mount the drive again. Is there some clever way I can force it to mount or check why it's not?

Hey Ben. A couple of obvious things to try. Restart and the try to connect. Also, when the drive is connected, open Disk Utility to see if it recognizes the drive and you may be able to mount it from there.
I've used a similar device from OWC and I found that sometimes you need to plug and unplug a few times before it's seen.
Hope it helps.

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Internal HDD Won't Mount

I have an Aluminum 2007 20" iMac. Running Yosemite 10.10.2 and all Apple apps upgraded to latest versions. I have installed a Kingston 120GB SSD in the optical bay, which is the boot drive. I have replaced the original internal HDD (250GB) with a Western Digital 1TB, which I use for file storage (music/docs/pics, etc). I added the SSD and replaced the internal HDD about 12 months ago and everything worked like a charm. Yesterday (Feb 19), when I booted up the computer, the internal HDD was missing from the desktop and did not show up in System Profile as a SATA drive, nor a an option for a Start-up drive. Not a calamity, because I have an external HDD as a Time Machine backup, so all files are available for recovery.
I restarted using a USB Bootable drive, and the missing HDD shows up as an available drive for restore/restart. So I can restart off the (previously missing) internal HHD, and everything is normal that way (the SSD also mounts normally as a second drive). I ran Disk Utility and OnyX on the internal drive when it was the boot drive, and there is no indication of a problem. I also restored the internal HDD from Time Machine using the last back-up before it disappeared. When I restart again from the SSD, the internal HDD is gone again.
Any ideas?

I ended up re-installing Yosemite 10.10.2 on both drives, and things are (so far) back to normal. I'll be back again if I have this problem recur.

Updated now external boot HDD won't mount!

I have been running Mountain Lion from an external WD Passport USB 3.0 HDD as I am not rapt in it, just want to access iBook occassionally and other ML only software.
It had 10.8.2 installed and mounted and ran fine.
I applied the OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.2 Supplemental Update 2.0, assuming it probably was advisable for security and stability.
When I rebooted after the update my Passport hard drive won't boot/mount. It refuses to mount until I have started up from my internal HDD, pulled the USB cable and then reinserted it.
I have repaired the HDD with Disk Utility although nothing was reportedly wrong with it and other than multiple attempts at trying to restart and force it to boot by both using the Startup Drive in Systems Preferences and holding down the Option key, I am getting nowhere.
Has anyone any suggestions of anything else I can try?

2 Internal in iMacs and 1 External, brand new. The Internal Seagates were what caused Apple to have a recall a couple of years back.
Seagates I've noticed are noisy, making chugging and clicking noises. Quite irritating.
Peter

External HDD won't mount at boot. [Solved]

Edit:
I've noticed that this is an issue regarding my NTFS partition being on an external drive. Please check post #8 by me to get further details.
Hello guys, I'm having some problems getting my external NTFS HDD to mount automatically at boot. I have installed HAL and NTFS-3G, but I'm still getting problems. Mounting once the computer has finished booting is no problem using the simple mount command (sudo mount /media/pebble). I see no reason why this should be having problems mounting at boot with my fstab entry, but no errors occur when mounting manually.
Fstab entry:
/dev/sdc1 /media/pebble ntfs-3g fmask=022 1 0
rc.conf:
# /etc/rc.conf - Main Configuration for Arch Linux
# LOCALIZATION
# LOCALE: available languages can be listed with the 'locale -a' command
# HARDWARECLOCK: set to "UTC" or "localtime"
# USEDIRECTISA: use direct I/O requests instead of /dev/rtc for hwclock
# TIMEZONE: timezones are found in /usr/share/zoneinfo
# KEYMAP: keymaps are found in /usr/share/kbd/keymaps
# CONSOLEFONT: found in /usr/share/kbd/consolefonts (only needed for non-US)
# CONSOLEMAP: found in /usr/share/kbd/consoletrans
# USECOLOR: use ANSI color sequences in startup messages
LOCALE="en_US.utf8"
HARDWARECLOCK="localtime"
USEDIRECTISA="no"
TIMEZONE="America/Vancouver"
KEYMAP="us"
CONSOLEFONT=
CONSOLEMAP=
USECOLOR="yes"
# HARDWARE
# MOD_AUTOLOAD: Allow autoloading of modules at boot and when needed
# MOD_BLACKLIST: Prevent udev from loading these modules
# MODULES: Modules to load at boot-up. Prefix with a ! to blacklist.
# NOTE: Use of 'MOD_BLACKLIST' is deprecated. Please use ! in the MODULES array.
MOD_AUTOLOAD="yes"
#MOD_BLACKLIST=() #deprecated
MODULES=(fuse)
# Scan for LVM volume groups at startup, required if you use LVM
USELVM="no"
# NETWORKING
# HOSTNAME: Hostname of machine. Should also be put in /etc/hosts
HOSTNAME="r3-desktop-arch"
# Use 'ifconfig -a' or 'ls /sys/class/net/' to see all available interfaces.
# Interfaces to start at boot-up (in this order)
# Declare each interface then list in INTERFACES
# - prefix an entry in INTERFACES with a ! to disable it
# - no hyphens in your interface names - Bash doesn't like it
# DHCP: Set your interface to "dhcp" (eth0="dhcp")
# Wireless: See network profiles below
#Static IP example
#eth0="eth0 192.168.0.2 netmask 255.255.255.0 broadcast 192.168.0.255"
#eth0="dhcp"
eth0="eth0 192.168.0.23 netmask 255.255.255.0 broadcast 192.168.0.255"
INTERFACES=(eth0)
# Routes to start at boot-up (in this order)
# Declare each route then list in ROUTES
# - prefix an entry in ROUTES with a ! to disable it
gateway="default gw 192.168.0.1"
ROUTES=(gateway)
# Enable these network profiles at boot-up. These are only useful
# if you happen to need multiple network configurations (ie, laptop users)
# - set to 'menu' to present a menu during boot-up (dialog package required)
# - prefix an entry with a ! to disable it
# Network profiles are found in /etc/network.d
# This now requires the netcfg package
#NETWORKS=(main)
# DAEMONS
# Daemons to start at boot-up (in this order)
# - prefix a daemon with a ! to disable it
# - prefix a daemon with a @ to start it up in the background
DAEMONS=(syslog-ng network netfs crond dbus hal alsa)
Do I need to load HAL earlier? What am I doing wrong?
Last edited by ryeguy146 (2009-11-05 10:04:32)

I just noticed something, I don't think that this is an issue with the partition being NTFS, but rather with it being on an external hard drive (/dev/sdc). I say this because I just rebooted and noticed another NTFS partition that I have in my fstab is mounting (/dev/sda5). It's an internal HDD, and I didn't notice that it mounted up because I rarely use it. But there it is.
I suppose that I should define /dev/sdc. It is a Western Digital External HDD running off of a USB 2.0 cable. I don't know why this makes a difference, but it apparently does. Both entries in the fstab are identical for their respective devices and mount points.
Now that we have that figured out, I think that I'll change the title of the thread. So any ideas on how to solve this one?

External HDD won't mount to desktop from 1/2 of USB Ports

I have an external Iomega HDD and when it's plugged into my left USB port it works fine but when it's plugged into the right USB port it won't mount to the desktop and I can't access it. It doesn't show up in the system profiler or disk utility either.
However other usb devices (wireless mouse for example) work fine when plugged into that port. So I don't think it's the drive because it works in other ports and the port seems to be at least partially functional... But not with the drive.
Any ideas?

Is the drive bus-powered or does it have its own AC power adapter? Are you using a hub?

WD External HDD won't mount on iBook G4; no problem mounting on Macbook Pro

I've had a WD My Passport 320 GB drive for about 8 months using it as a Time Machine backup drive for my MacBook Pro. I put some files on there that I want to transfer to my wife's iBook G4 (12 inch, 1.33 GHz) but it simply won't mount. It sounds like the external hard drive performs one revolution and then clicks. It doesn't really start up. Can't locate in disk utility ever on the iBook.
I was wondering if maybe the iBook G4 didn't provide enough power through the USB ports since this is a portable external drive and hence relies on the computer for its power.
If anybody has any insight as to how I can fix this problem, it would be greatly appreciated.
We are looking to purchase a new hard drive for myself, and I was planning on giving the old one to my wife for her own use, but if it won't work, then I may have to re-think this one. Thanks.
Message was edited by: clarity23

If the port power is insufficient for the iBook to run an external hard disk drive,
you may have to connect the unit through a self-powered (AC adapter) USB
2.0 Hub. This would be able to supplement port power for external devices.
Also, depending on the uses, some drives have different results when used
with or in older Macs. And, as a side-note, what partitioning scheme was used
on that WD External HDD? This shouldn't be so important on a non-boot drive.
If the WD was partitioned in something other than HFS+ (or WIN-DOS) it may
have a hard time being seen by the iBook; though port power issues are likely.
The external drive likely pulls a bit more power than the computer ports allow.
With my iBook G4, when used on a desktop, it has its own powered USB setup
and keyboard, mouse, plus printer (or wireless Airport with printer, etc.)
A good tool to have on hand is a 4GB or larger USB flash drive for simple transfers.
Good luck & happy computing!

Any fix for external Iomega HDD won't mount to iMac OSX 10.8.5 Desktop?

I have a 750GB Iomega external HDD that I've used for several years to back up my iMac (OSX 10.8.5) with Time Machine. No problems. Computer locked up while searching on the internet last night, requiring a restart. The external HDD never came back up on my desktop, It has power and all cable connectors are tight. The disk powers up and runs, but it just repeats its attempt to mount over and over, but won't show up on the desktop. So I can't run Disk Utility or any diagnostic software, since it isn't accessible form the iMac.
Any suggestions? I'm guessing my only option is to bite the bullet and buy a replacement backup hard drive, and start over from scratch in Time Machine. My attempts to look for help on the Iomega site have been frustrated by the new post merger Lenovo-EMC based site. Practically no references found to Iomega at all!

Yes, I checked that, and I tried restarting the computer with the HD turned on, then again with the HD turned off until after the computer finished booting up before turning the HD on. Nothing has worked to get the externa; drive to show up on the desktop. Thanks for replying. I'm not holding out much hope that the drive is going to work again. I'm on my way out to pick up a new backup drive. I figure I'll get one that is at least a TB, and 3.0 USB capable so that when the time comes that I replace my old iMac, the new drive will at least be able to back up the new equipment.

160 GB external USB HDD won't mount in 10.4.9; does in 10.4.0

I'm using a Beige G3 (though I don't think the model is the issue).
I know there's nothing wrong with the drive whatsoever, because it mounts on PCs, and it mounts when booted from both other hard drives on the system, on Mac OS 9.2.2 and Mac OS 10.4.0.
I know it used to mount on 10.4.9, too. I thought maybe when I installed a 4-port USB 2 card things would resolve, but they haven't.... so I expect it's a driver (extension) issue.
I deleted a bunch of extensions a while back that I was sure I didn't need... I suppose it's possible I deleted one vital for USB HDD support on the HDD using 10.4.9, only I don't know which it would be... things were self-explanatory in the days of OS 9, not so much with OS X, it would seem.
I didn't notice it until fairly recently since I'd been networking to the external HDD via another computer as the built-in 10BT was sadly faster than the USB 1.1 card I had installed prior.
Anyway.... since I assume this is an extensions problem (it says when I turn on the drive that a certain extension is missing, but I can't remember which), can anyone tell me what particular extension it is that enables USB Hard Drives?
By the way, USB flash drives mount and run at USB 2 speeds just fine. Thanks.

It's an adaptec card, but that's actually not the issue; it stopped working on the old USB card where it'd worked just fine before, whilst still working when I booted into 10.4.0.
Once upon a time it was working fine on both 10.4.9 and 10.4.0.
It now says "AppleXsanFilter.kext" was installed improperly and cannot be used" when I start up the drive. It knows it's there, it just can't access it. It then says "device was improperly removed" when I shut off the HDD.

LaCie USB 160GB HDD won't mount, just beeps

Purchased a new 160gb LaCie external USB HDD, but can't get the mac to recognise it. I have tried it with and without the additional USB power lead, but nothing happens. The HDD just constantly beeps.
Not sure what to do. We have tested it on other macs (laptops & desktops) and it mounts straight away no problems. The USB ports work for other things fine.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks

Welcome to the Apple discussions.
Powerbooks often don't put out enough juice on the USB port to power external hard drives. The external drive may not start up or may start but still not be recognized by the system. One solution is to get a power adapter, as Hardy recommended, or, if possible, to use a Firewire connection (Firewire doesn't have the power issue USB has). There's also an advantage to using a Firewire connection, in that Powerbooks can only boot from a Firewire device. So, a USB only hard drive, once it starts up, is fine for backup but cannot be used to boot the system, if needed. Lacie sells a power adapter for around AU$25.

Internal hdd won´t sleep, when booting from firewire. How to spindown?

Hi,
when I boot my powerbook from an external firewire drive, the internal hard drive does not spindown, no matter, what the disk sleep setting is. I tried pmset and the SpindownHD tool, provided by Apple´s CHUD, but the internal drive remains active, all the time. I can also unmount the internal drive, but no matter what I do, it won´t sleep.
Any advice? Thanks.

I ended up re-installing Yosemite 10.10.2 on both drives, and things are (so far) back to normal. I'll be back again if I have this problem recur.

My 2008 Macbook is having difficulties with the internal HDD no longer mounting. How do I fix this?

I need to get this computer running again as it is used by my spouse. I do have a back up via Time Machine so if necessary can "Nuke and Pave". What is the recommended method of fixing the issue?

Assuming the drive doesn't need to be replaced you can try the following:
Install or Reinstall Lion from Scratch
If possible backup your files to an external drive or second internal drive.
Boot to the Recovery HD:
Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the COMMAND and R keys until the menu screen appears. Alternatively, restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the OPTION key until the boot manager screen appears. Select the Recovery HD and click on the downward pointing arrow button.
Erase the hard drive:
Select Disk Utility from the main menu and click on the Continue button.
After DU loads select your startup volume (usually Macintosh HD) from the left side list. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.
Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Erase button and wait until the process has completed.
Quit DU and return to the main menu.
Reinstall Lion: Select Reinstall Lion and click on the Install button.
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because it is three times faster than wireless.

1TB WD Caviar Black SATA internal drive won't mount on desktop or Disk Util

I just installed this brand new drive in bay B of my G5 tower...it doesn't appear on the desktop, and not in Disk Utility. Can a 1 TB SATA3 drive be functional in a G5? The owner's manual only mentions a maximum 250GB (or 500GB drive, don't recall) ; maybe that was the biggest available in 2004/05?

Thanks, all. I found a link to WDC drive jumper settings (http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc.cfg/php/enduser/stdadp.php?p_faqid=1337&p_created=1112379341&p_sid=eST7ItDi&p_accessibility=0&p_red irect=&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NDg3J nBfcHJvZHM9MCZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PSZwX2N2PSZwX3NlYXJjaF90eXBlPWFuc3dlcnMuc2VhcmNoX 2ZubCZwX3BhZ2U9MSZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh0PWp1bXBlciBzZXR0aW5ncyBzYXRh&p_li=&ptopview=1), and jumpered pins 5 and 6 to limit transfer speeds to 150 MB/s. On restart, the OS prompted me to initialize, which I did, and voila, the drive is mounted.
Question: it appears the jumper setting is to convert a SATA2 dirve to SATA1. Is there any reason to try (or jumper setting that would enable) converting my SATA 3 drive to a SATA2 configuration?

External HDD won't mount

Hello,
I was working on my external hard disk drive called 'Reserve', when the elektricity on that hard drive went out. When I wanted to re-connect my external hard drive to my MacBook Pro it showed the following message:
In other words, it didn't recognize the external hard disk drive 'Reserve'. When I clicked 'Initialize...' I got into Disk Utily where it showed the HDD, but without the partition 'Reserve':
There are some important files on it that I don't want to lose.
I've already looked up some stuff online, but as I'm not a computer expert, I have no idea what there talking about. DiskXsX and stuff like that... No idea.
If anybody could help me...? Please explain in a clear way. For dummies.
Thank a lot in advance!

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Internal HD won't mount

My wife says she wasn't doing anything when the imac froze and then she restarted it via power button. But then start up got stuck at the grey screen with the wheel. I booted up from a SuperDuper image and opened disk util to see if i had to repair anything and would not recognize the HD. It wouldn't show up while holding option during start up, so I manually mounted it via terminal. I had it erased, repaired and holding D at start up it says everything is fine. However, even though the HD shows up at holding option now, installer hangs at the last minute. The last line of the installer log reads:
mac installer error updatedyld_sharedcache failed: read failure copying dylib errno=5 for System/Library/Frameworks/ApplicationServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/H IServices.framework/Versions/A/HIServices while copying /System/Library/Frameworks/ApplicationServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/ HIServices.framework/Versions/A/HIServices to shared cache.
everything above that is no receipt for...
This is a 2007 imac that installed leopard on when it came out and had been perfect until yesterday.
Help would be awesome...I think the HD might be corrupted

took it to the apple store, the exact words were, it sounds like monster truck is running around in there (hard drive)...haha

Macbook Pro internal HDD won't boot, but if i use it by usb works perfect

Hi people I have this computer with the following problem: The computer will not start if I left the hard drive internally, but the same hard drive boot the OS if I connect it by USB. I did the tests to verify the hard drive, but testing the hard drive they works perfect. I thought it was the hard drive connector, but the computer recognizes it but will not let me do anything to this hard drive. This hard drive is formatted in journals file system that everything works fine when connected by usb and boot the operating system but does nothing when connected internally only appear but you can't make any changes in the hard drive. When start the machine with this hard drive internally I get the error foulder with the question mark. The machine does the same thing if a connect a new hard drive. Anyone have any idea what can happen to this machine?

It sounds as if you've a bad internal SATA cable. I would order another and give it a shot.
Clinton

Original internal HDD won't mount.

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