Disk Image Is Not Appearing for External Hard Drive on a Mac
Although external hard drives are beneficial for backing up information such as photos, videos and documents, the Mac won't recognize a hard drive as an external disk if it isn't compatible or properly connected. When you connect an external hard drive to a Mac, the disk image automatically appears on the desktop to allow you to transfer files to and from the computer. However, if the device isn't showing up, a few troubleshooting tips can solve power and connection problems.
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Compatibility
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If the external hard drive's disk image isn't appearing on the Mac OS X desktop, the hard drive is probably incompatible with your Mac. Some external hard drives are only compatible with Windows operating systems, while others are cross-platform devices and work with Mac OS X systems as well. In addition, some external hard drives require a newer OS X operating system to work. Before connecting the external hard drive to the computer, refer to its documentation or manual for information on system requirements.
USB
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If the external drive doesn't appear on the OS X desktop, the USB port may be problematic, so use a different port. Some external hard drives are only compatible with USB 2.0 and newer ports and will not work with older Macs that support USB 1.1 connections. If none of the ports are responding, restart the computer to reset them. If the external hard drive is connected to the computer via a USB hub, remove the hub and connect the device directly. If the USB cable shows signs of wear and tear, replace it to improve the connection.
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Power
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Some external hard drives draw power when they are connected to the computer, while others must be connected to an electrical outlet. If the drive isn't USB or FireWire powered, you must connect it to the power adapter. If your external hard drive isn't appearing as a disk image, verify it is properly plugged into the power source and turned on.
Conflict
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In some cases, the Mac won't recognize the external hard drive if one or more connected devices conflict with it. In addition, if the hard drive comes with a particular software such as a backup program, it won't appear on the desktop if the program isn't installed. To verify whether other connected USB or FireWire devices are interfering with the external hard drive, disconnect all the devices except the hard drive. Reconnect them one by one to determine the problematic one. If your external hard drive comes with software, install it. If you don't have a setup disc, download the latest software directly from the manufacturer's website.
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