Usb external harddrive question

hi,
is there a cable that i can connect my usb external harddrive to my macbook by firewire?

Unless the drive also has a Firewire port, then no. There's no such thing as USB-Firewire adaptors.
Matt

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External harddrive questions

I have a WD My Passport 320 GB for Mac and I just saved a 20 Gb folder to it. In addition, I deleted (command+backspace) a few older folders I had stored there.
The only thing left should be a 20 GB folder. However, when I select Get Info, it says:
Used 54 GB (should say 20)
Available 265 GB (should say about 300)
I have several questions about this:
1. Why does the file size not update?
2. How can I make it update? (Does it help if I Securely Empty the trash can?)
3. Does this mean that only 265 GB is available?
And followup... I went to Disk Utility to consider Erasing the external harddrive and selected Security Option 2: Zero Out Data. Then I went to Erase Free Space and got started but as it was going to take 5 hours I quit the application...
4. Would this be a good idea and exactly what should I select - have never used DU before...
There is Erase Free Space or just Erase... I can resave my folder again in needed, so I could delete all of it if that's better.
5. Which security option should I use?
6. Did I mess up my current folder by briefly getting it started, for 10s or so, and then quitting?
Any help most welcome!

If the files you trashed were on the WD external, then yes, it will have to be connected to the computer when you empty the Trash. Every drive has its own Trash folder on it, and that folder won't be emptied unless the drive containing it is connected to the computer when you choose the Empty Trash command.
Yes, you should run the Repair Disk command in Disk Utility before you empty the Trash. That will enable DU to make sure all the files on the external drive, including those in the Trash, are correctly identified and their locations on the disk are known accurately before anything is actually deleted from the drive's directory.
Don't erase the drive unless you want to lose the 20GB folder you just copied to it. And if you do want to erase the drive, don't bother with the Write Zeroes option unless you have unusual security requirements or you suspect the drive has hardware problems. The Write Zeroes command can also be run overnight if you do have a good reason for running it.

USB External HardDrive

Hi All,
First post on this forum - go easy on me!
I've just purchased my first Mac, yesterday and getting on great with it.
One question though - I currently use 2 External HDD's to Back Up my Photographs. Currently they are connected Via USB, If I bought a Firewire lead for the HardDrive's will it run at Firewire Speed's or will it not work at all? I guess it depends if the leads are the correct size?
I look forward into hearing some replies, as I can't bear working from two HardDrives running at USB Speed!
Best Regards,
Simon Nicholls

Yes, as far as I know there shouldn't be any conflict as long as you're not connected using an older type keyboard with the 1.1 ports. This is the first iMac to have USB2 ports on the wired keyboard. You also have a Firewire 800 port on the back of the iMac, which needs to connect to a 1394b device to achieve 800 speeds, although it's backwards compatible with slower Firewire 400 (1394a).
http://www.apple.com/imac/technology/connections.html
Message was edited by: myhighway
Message was edited by: myhighway

Help! Firewire vs. USB External Harddrive

People be tellin me, must get external drive to free up power and to avoid killing internal drive from many tracks frequent recording.
So i say meself, ok get a 80gb firewire 7200, but others say, you can just use a USB just as good for that purpose? are they on glue? What is the most economical way to use an external drive? thanks!
Also, because i have a firewire solo for an interface, and one firewire port on my mini, I will have good performance even tho i am going to have to daisy theM? :P

It's not necessary to get an external drive for that, but for best use it is benicifial to have the disk as empty as possible (fragmentation makes the disk slower which results in less tracks). So one option is to clean out your internal disk and move everything to an external disk. That can be either Firewire or USB, although Firewire is definitely faster.
For recording on an external disk, Firewire is the way to go. The protocol is more suited to the task than USB and delivers a higher performance. It costs a little bit more, but if you require the performance, it's worth it.
If you buy a big one (and why shouldn't you), create partitions. Use one partition for backup and the other for recording. That way you can keep the partition clean easily.

Cannot open files from USB external harddrive in XP

Used this same harddrive in previous iMac OSX10.4 / Windows XP computer and it worked perfectly. Also used in computer labs for Macs and Windows at school. Never any problems. Fresh new Macbook pro and XP PRO install and while in XP the drive is visible but you cannot open a file directly from the folders in windows explorer. You can however drag a file to the desktop and it will open it there. There is something in the file path which XP / bootcamp is not liking? Files open perfectly from my XP on my HP. Ideas?

Went into administrative/disk management and poked around. Just changed drive letters and all is OK. Thanks anyway.

External Harddrive Question

Hey guys,
I'm thinking about buying an Ipod, but seeing as I have all my music on a separate harddrive, do I need to transfer my files to my laptop's hardrive in order to get Itunes/Ipod to recognise it or can I keep it on my separate hardrive?
thanks a lot,
LLBDTiberio

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
As long as the HD is connected, iTunes should be able to music from it. (So yes) You would just go to file-->add folder to library in iTunes, find the drive and the folder with music and import it.
Then sync your iPod. Just make sure that the HD is connected whenever you sync your iPod.
btabz

Can I access my external harddrive if I connect it to my Airport via USB?

I have a basic router providing a wireless network and access to the internet (given by my internet provider). And then I recently bought an Airport adaptor and connected my stereo, and now I'm playing music wirelessly.
My question is then, will I be able to access my external harddrive if I connect it to my Airport via USB?
It's an Airport Express Base Station (the one with only jack, usb and ethernet)
Thanks

Sorry but the USB port on the AirPort Express (AX) does not support USB hard drives.

USB External Hard Drive Question for the E4200 v1 router

I know this is going to be a really dumb question, especially coming from a computer tech of 25 years, but I'm going to ask it just to be safe.
First off, my router is the E4200 v1. It's a substitute for my older WRT54GS router. One of the features I am quite fascinated with is the USB external drive usage. Here's my question. I have a Western Digital My Passport Essentials 500 GB external drive (Model #WDBAAA5000ABB-02) that I want to use on it. I know it's not on the Official List of tested USB storage devices for the Linksys E4200 but I really want to use it, especially for storage on my three computer systems. My question is do I need to unplug the router power supply BEFORE I plug in the external drive to the USB port on the back, or does it matter?
Any help is appreciated. Again, I know it's a dumb question, but the guides and "How-To" on the Linksys website isn't exactly clear. Thanks in advance!
~Jeffrey
~JRK 2014
"Your bark is only as good as your bite. BITE HARD!" ~JRK 2004

Errr... Nevermind. I think I found a better way to use the external drive without the use of the router. Thanks anyway.
~JRK 2014
"Your bark is only as good as your bite. BITE HARD!" ~JRK 2004

HT1751 Question: Is it possible to move just part of my iTunes content (i.e. TV shows) to an external harddrive, keeping the rest of the content in place? Several seasons of TV shows are taking up 102 GB of space, and I'm completely out of space on my HD

Is it possible to move just part of my iTunes content (i.e., only TV shows), keeping the rest of the Library in place? I have purchased several seasons of some TV shows, which take up 102 GB on my harddrive, inside my iTunes Media Folder. I don't want to move my entire Library of music and apps etc to the external harddrive (HD), but I rarely watch the TV shows, so wouldn't mind them being located on an external HD, which I would plug in before trying to watch the shows through iTunes?
Any advice?
Thanks!

I don't think you can simultaneously have two libraries open. But you can have your media spread across multiple disk drives. Just change your iTunes preferences such that the option "Copy files to iTunes Music folder when adding to library" is not selected. That way, new items can remain on your external drive if that's where you add them from.
The only caution is if you ever add items to your library from some "temporary" location, such as a USB drive. With these preference changes, iTunes would keep the native file on the USB drive, which would possibly lead to you deleting the file and losing the link. So, when you have your preferences to allow you to add new items to iTunes without copying them to the iTunes Music folder, you would want to put the native files in the desired location first, then add to iTunes.
To move existing videos and podcasts to the external drive, you can either do that as you have been (moving the native files and correcting the ! warning), or simply delete them from the library (but keep the native files) then re-add them from their new location on the external drive (you'd lose play history and ratings though, but may not be an issue for videos and podcasts).

ESATA/USB-Combo-Port on T520 connect to external Harddrive case

Hello.
I have a eSATA/USB-Combo-Port on a T520. I think there are cables to connect a 2,5" Harddisk direct to the Port with only one cable for eSATA and Power.
I am looking for an external case for a 2,5" Harddisk that have a USB-Port (to connect to other Computers) AND a Port for my eSATA/USB-Combo-Port.
Does anyone know where to buy a suitable Case?
I Want to connect the Disk to my T520 using the eSATA speed (with one cable) with the option to connect it to other computers who only have USB 2.0.
Thank you very much.
Jens

Hi Jens,
I haven't thought to look for one of those before. Is this the kind of thing you're after?
http://www.amazon.com/eSATAp-eSATA-USB-External-enclosure-SATA/dp/B009OLHYLO
http://www.amazon.com/eSATAp-Enclosure-2-5-Inch-Aluminum-43106/dp/B007VB79JG
I think eSATAp is the key here, if I understand your question.
[edit] the 1st link is an eSATAp only cable, so it doesn't help with your "other computer" connections.
Z.
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"A USB device is drawing too much power..." External Harddrive

My 15" Macbook Pro, OS X, 10.6.8, 2GHz Intel Core i7, 4GB memory keeps booting my 1 TB Seagate external harddrive off because it is drawing too much energy. It's done this repeatedly for about two weeks, and now it won't appear on the desktop (while it still whirs when I attach it and the LED comes on). I checked how much energy it's drawing in the System Profiler. 500, then very little after I restarted both machines, and then too much again. I tried connecting it with an identical harddrive's cable (my housemate has the same model), and it wouldn't register then, either.
...I suspect it's the harddrive as opposed to my MBP! Or I hope it is, and not a problem with my USB ports or anything like that. I'm surprised because the Seagate is connected to the mains... But if it is the Mac, how would I go about checking to know if it is? (My Wacom Bamboo is working fine.)
Anyone with any ideas, suggestions? Anything else I need to inform you guys of?

:-) use your room mate's and do it!
pretty old drive, is it makeing clicking noises? try re repairting it before you go erasing but I think yoru system is giving you some sound advice. but I would go further in saying it's either too full or too old and is on it's last legs.
If you are afraid you're going to be loosing some important data that you haven't backed up get DiskWarrior as this has saved me from loosing my hair a few years back when my HDD crashed.
http://www.alsoft.com/diskwarrior/
if you do get this, be sure to be picky on the things you keep as it will not always work and it sounds like your hard drive is on it's last legs. Imagine a door slowly closing everytime it spins up.

Satelite a215-s7437 only boot with external harddrive usb atached

My laptop a215-s7437 boot but after the logo i have a black screen no mouse or anything, but If I connetc my external harddrive conected with usb It will boot and works find
I have no ideia wha is wrong ????
Please help.........

Wow, that seems very odd to me!
Have you tried resetting the BIOS to defaults? See if that works.
If not, try updating the BIOS.
ACPI Flash BIOS version 2.00 for Satellite A215 (PSAFGU/PSAFHU) 32/64-bit(v2.00; 02-24-2010; 6.1M)
If you still can't solve your issue and no one in the community can help, contact support to speak with a tech support agent at (800) 457-7777.
- Peter

E3000 shows "USB is not supported" error with External Harddrive

I have the E3000 router and recently purchased a USB WD (Western Digital) 2TB External Harddrive. I plug the Harddrive into the router, open the router homepage (http://192.168.1.1/) then click on Storage > Disk and I get a "The attached USB is not supported" error - any suggestions on how to fix this?
Thanks for any help!
Solved!
Go to Solution.

Likely Final Update: WD Support sent me a link to download / install SmartWare and solve the problem I was having with the SmartWare software ("Drive Settings" was greyed out). Once I got SmartWare back up and running I was able to change the "Drive Settings" within SmartWare. As the last update suggested, I modified the sleep timer settings and security (password settings) and tested to get the following results:
Sleep Timer on / Password protection on: E3000 shows "USB not supported"
Sleep Timer off / Password protection on: E3000 shows "USB not supported"
Sleep Timer on / Password protection off: WD Hard Drive seen and seems to function properly when connected to E3000
Sleep Timer off / Password protection off: WD Hard Drive seen and seems to function properly when connected to E3000
So (other than maybe some inital problems with the WD SmartWare) it appears the "USB is not supported" error is due to the Password protection being turned on for the External Hard Drive. This point should be highlighted in the Western Hard Drive materials but I don't see it anywhere on the box or in the manual (maybe its fine print in the manual). Cisco and / or Western Digital are screwing us by not allowing password protection (or making this point known) on at this least model of Hard Drive!
Thanks again to everyone that helped with troubleshooting this!

Generic USB hub doesn't allow iMac to recognize external harddrive and iPhone.

I have an iMac (few years old) and placed a generic USB hub on one of the ports. My iMac doesn't recognize my external harddrive or iPhone cradle, unless I connect them directly to the back of the iMac. Are there hubs that work better?

Any of these hubs should work.
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/usb/hubs/

WD External HardDrive Compatibility Question

Alright, So I bought a 1TB Western Digital External HardDrive Passport. I re-formated it for mac, so it works with my 15" macbook pro. Everything works fine. I'm using the hard drive as a music storage device, since I am a DJ and have a lot of music. I don't want to bog down my computer with it.
A friend, who has the exact same device, uses it for his windows. When he plugs it in the computer will ask him what he wants to do with the device, and to play his music with his specific program is one of his options. i.e. open to view in folder, run with windows media player etc etc etc
That is also something that happens with Mac depending on the device you plug in. A window will pop up and ask, what do you want to do. Open with itunes, open with finder, etc etc.
What I want to do is use this external hard drive either with itunes or DJAY. By just plugging it into my laptop, and having that box come up and ask if i want to play the music with DJAY or itunes. When I open DJAY and itunes currently it doesnt show my external harddrive as a device. I can certainly drag music from the device to either program, but then that puts it on the computer, and defeats the purpose of having this 100$ harddrive. If someone can help me figure out how to get my macbook pro to view the harddrive as a device, and play the music on it with itunes or DJAY I would GREATLY appreciate it. Thanks!

The iPad does not support a USB host port, so no external hard drive will be recognized. Seagate has a new wireless portable hard drive that creates a hotspot for up to 3 devices and is fully compatible with the iPad as external storeage:
Video of drive in actions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRaVAeYhONc
Review: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-18/portable-wi-fi-drive-turns-ipad-into-cineplex-rich-jaroslov...
Not sure when these will be available in Best Buy.
If you find my post useful or informative, please click the icon below with the plus sign and star to give kudos. Thank you!

Usb external harddrive question

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