Using a Portable Hardrive 160Gb capacity with Macmini.

I am struggling to find any useful help within Apple Support documents etc. for this problem. I have purchased an Iomega 160Gb HD to store iTunes and iPhoto libraries and thus relieve the Macmini of excess weight. Unfortunately, plugging it in doesn't show anything and what is available from docs. is dated 21/03/2003 and not helpful. Can anyone suggest what I can do to get this thing working, and is there some software that will execute the transfer of data if I do get it up and running. Thanks all.

It's rare that a disc drive doesn't mount on the desktop of a Mac when connected - can you tell us what model of drive it is, whether it's connected by firewire or USB, and whether it is powered by it's own cable or from the system? If the latter, then you may find there simply isn't enough power on the bus to make the drive function correctly if you have other devices connected too.
Alternatively, you may have a faulty cable, or the drive itself may be a problem.
Assuming it is connected by USB and has its own power supply, try connecting it directly to the mini's rear USB ports, not a hub if you were previously using one. Then open Disk Utility (in Applications>Utilities) and see if it is listed on the left hand side. If it shows there, then it may simply not be partitioned and formatted correctly to be recognised by the mini. If it does not appear in Disk Utility, then try a PMU reset (if you have a G4 mini - 2 USB ports on the rear) or an SMC reset if it is an Intel-based mini - 4 USB ports).
To reset the PMU (ONLY for G4 minis, not to be tried on an Intel system):
-Unplug all cables from the computer, including the power cord.
-Wait 10 seconds.
-Plug in the power cord while simultaneously pressing and holding the power button on the back of the computer.
-Let go of the power button.
-Press the power button once more to start up your Mac mini.
To reset the SMC on an Intel mini:
-From the Apple menu, choose Shut Down (or if the computer is not responding, hold the power button until it turns off).
-Unplug all cables from the computer, including the power cord and any display cables.
-Wait at least 15 seconds.
-Plug the power cord back in, making sure the power button is not being pressed at the time.
-Then reconnect your keyboard and mouse to the computer.
-Press the power button on the back to start up your computer.

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