"The disc you inserted is not readable by this computer" message.

I get the following desktop message upon start up, "The disc you inserted is not readable by this computer."
There is no disc in the optical drive but there is an external 2TB Western Digital drive connected by Firewire that I use for Time Machine. I've used Disk Utiliity to check that and the internal drive and there are no problems indicated with either. I've also used ClamXav to scan for viruses and none are found. When I disconnect the WD drive and start up there is no message. Time Machine continues to back up and I can access that data. The only noticeable performance related issues are that the computer seems to operate much slower than before and I recently had problems with crashes and slowness while working on an iMovie project. (I'm using v10.0.3 and all other projects were completed with earlier versions.)
This is a 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo desktop with 4GB 1067 MHz DDR 3 memory.
Any thoughts/suggestions?

Hi Chuck,
No luck. I did not originallly install the WD software (I assume that's the "utility" you referred to) and the only way I know to do that now is to disconnect the drive, restart the computer, and reconnect the drive. Doing that brings up the WD software installation icon on the desktop. However repeated attempts at installation have all failed; it just sits there with an installation progress bar indicating progress that never ends nor requests additional installation approvals or information.
I'd like to resolve this but it's more of an annoyance than a problem. And I agree with you that it's probably not indicating an issue with the hard drive. So unless you or others have any alternative suggestions I'll just continue clicking past the warning at start up.
Thanks,
Bill

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My external LaCie drive gets an error message "the disc you inserted was not readable by this computer." The only options offered are "ignore" or "eject" Disk Utility sees the disc but does not give a repair option. What can I do?

When I plug in my external LaCie drive I get an error message "the disc you inserted was not readable by this computer."
The only options offered are "ignore" or "eject"
Disk Utility sees the disc but does not give a repair option.
What can I do?

The good thing about mac-centric resellers such as OWC, is they have people on staff that can answer questions without you buying things first. They also have how-to information, and instructions are included in many of their products. I saw a link to watch a DIY video in one of their pages; an example of a RAID (with its own power supply) is shown on their drives page. Also a few in there, with no power supplies, for less money.
If I were looking to backup and perhaps also have a partition for a system clone, I'd consider something like one of these: http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/firewire/1394/USB/EliteAL/eSATA_FW800_FW400_USB
Some ideas on the RAID backup methods appear in google search, some of the pages are ideas and concepts; and the better ones also warn about using RAID for the only backup plan.
Oh, OWC has live chat. Haven't tried it, nor have I bought anything from them. I have what appears to be two products from them, but have not used either. One is in a box as-new, but has only USB2.0 ports & my Macs needed FW400/800. It has been said their RAM is a good way to upgrade, too. But I can't confirm!
A 'RAID-ready' unit for backup may be more versatile for just that, but I have not checked into these details. I use single HDDs in powered enclosures, and usually manually make backup clones to FW drives, of bootable OS X systems. Some of the OWC raid-ready use eSATA ports so that may not be viable for a computer without them.
The unused in-box external drive I have is like the base model in the link above. However mine is USB2.0 (maybe) and won't boot my older Macs due to hardware variance; and my preference would be for FireWire options, these models do offer that. But the one I have does not. Dual 500GB HDDs, and they could be used in tandem as a RAID. That would be a choice set up in software. I'm not sure and not interested enough to read up just now.
My backup method is not automatic, or a moving backup plan, if I don't get a move-on and make full system clones. I do make copies of photos and documents the manual way, to USB external drives; and occasionally backup to DVD or CD media. And USB flash, that helps to move files between computers without need to use file sharing via wi-fi. {Like Why fly? Walking is better exercise unless one is a bird. Squawk!}
https://www.google.com/#q=raid+backup+mac
Depending on the ports in your Mac, you may be able to use other cables to attach between a backup or externally enclosed hard disk drive with multiple partition and bootable clone in one of them. Not sure about the Thunderbolt, and where that is the main port, adapters are required to access other devices, as allowed.
Anyway, I am going on and on, yet not really saying anything.
My ideas would not be all that interesting to follow as a backup
plan when matching available newer hardware to task, but you
can get some into better ideas if you are not in a rush. Get a
good setup and then look into more an betterer stuff.
Good luck & happy computing!

I am getting the message "the disc you inserted was not readable by this computer" when I plug in a verizon air card into my macbook air. It also does not show up as a device on my desktop. However, I select "ignore" and am still able to connect.

Whenever I insert my verizon air card into my MBA, I get the message "the disc you inserted was not readable by the computer", with the option to either ignore or eject. I select ignore, and am able to connect to the internet, but don't know why this happens. Also, the air card is not showing up as a peripheral on my desk top. Any ideas why this might be happening and how to fix it?

When I unplugged (power) and plugged in again to restart it, yes, I heard it spin and click. Not since then though. I assumed it went to sleep and since the computers don't recognize it they won't wake it.
If I need to replace it can the data on it be recovered?

The disc you inserted was not readable by this computer.

Every time I start up my iMac, I get the above message, with an option to Ignore or Eject.
This only appeared after the latest upgrade. I have checked and there is no disc in the drive.
Any ideas?

Do you have any peripheral that may be recognized as a disk by your Mac? It may be a printer with HDD, a phone...
Try to boot without anything connected to your Mac, to check if same message appears.

External HDD: "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer"

Hi,
I have an external drive with important data on it (there is a backup, but there is also some non-backuped data as well...). I cannot access the external drive because I receive a "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer" message connecting it. I was wondering, if you have some advice on how to get my data back?
I have a WD Elements 2 TB (about 2 months old), I am using is with an iMac, latest Snow Leopard. The drive used to work all fine. Now, I receive a "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer" every time I connect it. Same thing happens if connected to my MacBook Pro.
What happened?: I was copying files to the external drive. I the middle of it, I received a message complaining I that assumedly ejected the drive by pulling the USB cable out instead of properly ejecting it software-side (I did not do this). The drive symbol was gone. Now, I plug the drive out an reconnected it. The drive symbol showed up again. I continued copying files on the drive, but after some 30 seconds, I received the same error message again. One more time, I disconnected and reconnected the drive - this time to another USB port. The drive showed up, but I was not able to copy files on it (I am using muCommander, it just kept showing 0kb progress). I restarted the Mac. Since then I am getting the "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer." The drive symbol does not show up anymore.
I was googling the problem: in one forum there was a suggestion to click "initialize drive" and than to "repair" in DiscUtility. I clicked initialize drive and the drive is shown in DiscUtility, but "repair" and "verify" are greyed out. I read more posts on it, one posts suggested NOT to click initialize because that means format in Mac OS language (btw: ***, why is it not called format).
That is the situation at the moment. What is the best - if there is - way to get my data back? DiscWarrior?
I very much appreciate your advice!
Daniel

"Initializing" a drive has been normal computer terminology for decades. "Formatting" generally referred to the high-level preparation also called "erasing." None of this is "Mac OS language."
Disk Warrior will not likely fix the problem you have. DW can repair a damaged directory, but your error suggests an even worse problem of directory corruption. I suggest you try using DW if you have it. Visit the Alsoft site to determine the limitations and usage of the version you have. It may not be able to boot your computer depending upon what version of DW you have and how new your computer is.
If you have no success with DW then see the following:
Basics of File Recovery
Files in Trash
If you simply put files in the Trash you can restore them by opening the Trash (left-click on the Trash icon) and drag the files from the Trash to your Desktop or other desired location. OS X also provides a short-cut to undo the last item moved to the Trash -press COMMAND-Z.
If you empty the Trash the files are gone. If a program does an immediate delete rather than moving files to the Trash, then the files are gone. Recovery is possible but you must not allow any additional writes to the hard drive - shut it down. When files are deleted only the directory entries, not the files themselves, is modified. The space occupied by the files has been returned to the system as available for storage, but the files are still on the drive. Writing to the drive will then eventually overwrite the space once occupied by the deleted files in which case the files are lost permanently. Also if you save a file over an existing file of the same name, then the old file is overwritten and cannot be recovered.
General File Recovery
If you stop using the drive it's possible to recover deleted files that have not been overwritten by using recovery software such as Data Rescue II, File Salvage or TechTool Pro. Each of the preceding come on bootable CDs to enable usage without risk of writing more data to the hard drive. Two free alternatives are Disk Drill and TestDisk. Look for them and demos at MacUpdate or CNET Downloads.
The longer the hard drive remains in use and data are written to it, the greater the risk your deleted files will be overwritten.
Also visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on Data Recovery.

"The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer." Audio CD with Super Drive.

Macbook Pro Retina 10.9.4
When I insert any audio cd an error message comes up- "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer."
These are the same audio CDs that a month ago worked with the same drive and same computer.
Data DVDs work.

   Reset SMC.     http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
   Choose the method for:
   "Resetting SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your own".
   Specific Trouble shooting > Doesn’t accept discs
   Apple Computers: Troubleshooting the slot-loading SuperDrive
   http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2801?viewlocale=en_US

"The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer". how to solve this problem?

"The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer." this message apear on my imac any idea how to solve this problem?

It means the disc is not in a format your computer can read or it is not formatted at all. You can remove the disc or you can attempt to format the disc. If the disc has data on it, then I would not format it.

When I insert my Dvd-R it says The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer.Why is this happening ???

When I insert my Dvd-R cd it saids "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer." Please help
thanks

This is a blank disc? A disc you burned? Burned discs have a relatively high failure rate if you buy cheap DVDs. I bought some Dynex ones once and about one in every four fails.
Have you tried other DVDs to check if it is a drive issue?

How do I view and open all my files again that are on my external hard drive?? Error message saying 'The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer' Three options are Initialize, Ignore or Eject.

I have recently purchased Toshiba 1TB hard drive and I set it up and I was able to transfer all my files onto it such as my music, photos, documents. I had correctly ejected and used it again and all these files were safely stored and accessible afterwards. However after I rebooted my computer as it had been going slow and I had too much clogging it up once I reconnected the external hard drive I have error message saying 'The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer' Three options are Initialize, Ignore or Eject. How do I access all my files? I set it up to work on both mac and windows. I have tried both another mac and windows computer and same issue occurs?? I am worried that all my personal files are gone but am confused as the drive has had absolutely no damage to it as it was in a very short time frame and its never left the same spot. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

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

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?

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.

HP Laserjet P1102w by USB "The disk you inserted is not readable by this computer"

My HP Laserjet P1102w used to work fine with OS X10.10. Then it started saying "The disk you inserted is not readable by this computer" whenever I switched it on, but the printer still worked. This morning it didn't. I uninstalled the printer, but can't re-install it - it isn't listed when I click "+". I have tried a different USB cable, and a different USB port - same message. The HP website does not provide a downloadable driver, as far as I can see. What do I do? (The wireless connection to the printer stopped working ages ago. The printer still works with our two PCs via USB.)

Hi Shapley,
Repairing the disk permissions can be done as following:
1. Open the the Applications folder.
2. Go to the Utilities folder.
3. Double-click on Disk Utility.
4. Select the hard drive containing the boot volume.
5. Go to the First Aid tab and select Repair Disk Permissions.
Note: This process may take several minutes depending on the Mac and amount of permissions that need to be repaired. The Progress Log will indicate when the process has been completed.
Next reboot your Mac and try plugging the USB again.
If the same persist, a such may also happen due to a conflict with the HP Smart Install feature which is Windows Based only and being wrongly read by the Mac, in order to resolve a such a Windows based PC will be required. any laptop should meet the purpose, the printer will be installed automatically by connecting the USB.
Next update and install the latest firmware below:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?softwareitem=bi-115794- 2&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&os=4158&product=4110396&sw_lang=
Next follow the HP Smart Install Control Utility below: Select the Printer and follow the on-screen steps to disable the feature for the printer.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?softwareitem=lj-129224- 1&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&os=4158&product=4110396&sw_lang=
NOw plug the USB back to your Mac and check for any difference
Please let me know of any change,
Shlomi

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

I am using a Seagate backup plus portable drive on my iMac 7 with OSX 10.9.2. At startup up I always get a popup window stating "The disk you inserted is not readable by this computer. I click ignore and everything seems OK. Is it?

I am using a Seagate backup plus portable drive as my time machine backup on my iMac 7 with OSX 10.9.2 Mavericks. At startup I always get popup window stating "The disk you inserted is not readable by this computer..? I click ignore and everything seems to be OK. Time machine seems to be backuping up to the seagate. I can open time machine and see the history of backups. Why does this message come up at startup of computer????

If you installed the Seagate software, remove it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

External Drive: The Disk You Inserted Was Not Readable By This Computer

I have a 2TB Western Digital external drive that I've been using for a year or two as my backup for my Aperture libraries. Been working fine until now, I get the "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer." Clicking "Initialize" takes me to disk utility with no usable options. Whatdoido?!
Did my laptop just become illiterate?

I had this exact issue with my external harddrive, I scrolled forums and did what they said and nothing, then I just happened to be in the app store and thought I would search for data recovery, a few came up and only a couple had ratings so I looked at Data Rescue 3, its £40 so I went ot their website for the trial version, downloaded and installed that, tried it and rescued a random file (limits obvioulsy on the trial verison) and it worked so paid the £40 and am currently saving all my files to another external harddrive.
Try out the trial first and if it works on one file i reccomend the the full program!
Good Luck!

"The disc you inserted is not readable by this computer" message.

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