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Drive listed as unknown device by mac os ...

By mfeldman on Feb 13, 2008

" "

Terabyte drive connected to iMac 2.8 GHz dual core Intel by an 800 to 800 firewire hums but does not light up and is listed by the computer running Leopard 10.5.0 as unknown device, model and manufacturer.Computer does say max speed is 800mb/sec but connection speed is unknown. I think my connections are good and proper and I powered up as the last step. Apparently the startup software WD states is on the disc did not install the drive so I assumed I needed an upgrade for compatibility. I tried WD button manager software to no avail. I need help to find the proper software if indeed that is the problem. Thanks

Martin

Comments:

Feb 13, 2008

- to lovepirat:
I assume you mean I should format the WD drive.How do you format a drive that is not recognised by your motherboard? If I succeed in doing this and it does not work, won't the software WD says is on it to install it be gone, leaving me with a blank, unrecognised drive? You can see I have never installed a new hard drive on any computer so please be patient with me. Thanks

Martin

Feb 14, 2008

- After posting my question, I got through to a Wd service manager who checked everything out with me and finally suggested I tap the drive sharply on the back since a power button would sometimes stick. I did that and the button must have released since the drive then became bootable, recognizeable and has been working since. Sorry to have been such a bother for so simple a solution; I had tried to work the button but I quess it needed a slap--maybe I do too!

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Same Problem

Mar 21, 2008

- Suggest you try Disk Warrior before anything drastic. Had similar issue and after trying all else tried disk warrior. This fixed my entire disk n data loss in 10 minutes
Cyberdave- Guest

Solution #1

posted on Feb 13, 2008

lovepirat

Rank: Master
Rating: 78%, 70 votes

the mac format of the drive is more scedualed than the windows xp or other so format ur drive so ur new operating system will install the principke sys files and it will be accecible in mac..but in windows xp u must format again...

Comments:

Feb 14, 2008

- i will..listen..if ur drive is listen in unknown that mean its readeble..and have litel cluster or other problems and it might be fixed ... that mean ur system is reading ur drive in here own format not the real on in ur drive and they must be the same..so try ur drive in slave mode with other drive that boots correctly 2 windows and go controll panel admintrative tools device managment and in th edialoge box take the second option then the 3 in th eleft u will se the drive format it and i think it will work

Feb 14, 2008

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Solution #2

posted on Mar 31, 2008

Guest

Rank: Apprentice Computers & Networking

Expert
Rating: 0%, 0 votes

My Book Studio Firmware Update - Leopard Functionality - Mac
http://support.wdc.com/download/mybook/WD_MyBook_Studio_Updater_FireWire.dmg

This Problem Also Relates To: HP (PV944A) 160 GB Hard Drive Buffalo Technology (HD-HB160U2) 160 GB Hard Drive Buffalo Technology 1TB DriveStation TurboUSB (2x500) External Hard Drive BUSlink (FW-160) 160 GB FireWire 400 (1394a) Hard Drive BUSlink (BDH-60-U2) (BDH60U2) 60 GB Hard Drive Compaq 10.2 GB ATA-100 Hard Drive Fujitsu 160GB MHY2160BH 2.5" SATA 5400 RPM 160 GB SATA Hard Drive

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