Do you own a WD Eaststone external hard drive? It’s an excellent tool for storing and backing up your important files. However, many users face the frustrating issue of their Mac external hard drive not mounting. This problem can prevent you from accessing your files. It can cause significant inconvenience too.
External hard drive for Mac not mounting? Don't worry! You’re not alone. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to resolve the problem and get your hard drive working again.
In this article
Part 1: Overview of WD Eaststone External Hard Drive: Key Features
The WD Eaststone external hard drive is known for its reliability and performance. It is a favorite among Mac users for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a large storage capacity, allowing you to store extensive amounts of data, including documents, photos, videos, and more.
Secondly, the WD Eaststone external hard drive boasts fast data transfer speeds. Whether you are transferring large files or backing up your system, this drive ensures that the process is quick and efficient. The USB 3.0 compatibility further enhances its performance, making file transfers faster compared to older USB versions.
Lastly, the design of the WD Eaststone external hard drive is sleek and compact. Despite its small size, it is durable and can withstand minor bumps and drops. This ensures that your data remains safe even when you are on the go.
Part 2: External Hard Drive Won't Mount on Mac? Here's Why!
There are several reasons why your WD Eaststone external hard drive may not be mounting on your Mac. Here are some common causes:
- Corrupted File System: If the file system on the external hard drive is corrupted, your Mac may not recognize the drive.
- Outdated MacOS: Sometimes, an outdated MacOS can cause compatibility issues with external drives.
- Faulty USB Ports: If the USB ports on your Mac are damaged or not working correctly, the external hard drive will not mount.
- Improper Ejection: If the external hard drive was not properly ejected from the Mac, it can lead to mounting issues.
- Power Issues: Insufficient power supply to the external hard drive can prevent it from mounting.
- Partition Map Problems: The partition map on the external hard drive might be corrupted, causing mounting issues.
- Driver Issues: Missing or outdated drivers can also lead to problems with mounting the external hard drive.
- Conflicting Applications: Certain applications running on your Mac can interfere with the mounting process.
Part 3: Fixing the External Hard Disk Not Mounted on Mac Issue
If your external hard drive is not mounting on your Mac, try these solutions to resolve the issue:
Fix 1: Change MacOS Drive Display Settings
Sometimes, your Mac might not display the external hard drive because of the display settings. Adjusting these settings can make your WD Eaststone external hard drive visible. This is a quick and simple fix that can resolve the issue without any technical hassle.
- Open Finder on your Mac. Click on Preferences.
- Select the checkbox next to External Disks.
Fix 2: Remount External Disk
If your external hard drive for Mac is not mounting, you can try to remount it using Disk Utility. This tool can help you manually mount the drive, making it accessible again.
- Open Disk Utility on your Mac. Choose your WD Eaststone external hard drive from the list.
- Click on the Mount button.
Fix 3: Use Mac's First Aid Tool
The First Aid tool in Disk Utility can check and repair errors on your external hard drive. If your external hard disk is not mounted on Mac due to minor issues, running First Aid can fix these problems. This tool is helpful for maintaining the health of your disk.
- Open Disk Utility on your Mac. Select the external hard drive.
- Click on the First Aid button. This tool will check and repair any errors.
Fix 4: Reset Your NVRAM, PRAM, SMC
Sometimes, the issue might be related to your Mac's internal settings. Resetting the NVRAM, PRAM, and SMC can clear out any errors that might be preventing your external hard drive from mounting. This reset can resolve hardware-related issues that affect your Mac’s performance.
- Shut down your Mac completely. Press the Option, Command, P, and R keys at the same time.
- Release the keys after about 20 seconds. Your Mac will reset its memory.
Fix 5: Reformat Your Drive
If none of the other solutions work, reformatting your WD Eaststone external hard drive might be the final step you need to take. This process erases all data on the drive, so it should be your last resort. Reformatting can fix severe corruption issues, allowing your Mac to recognize the drive again. Always ensure you have backed up important data before proceeding with this fix.
- Open Disk Utility on your Mac. Select your WD Eaststone external hard drive.
- Click on the Erase button. Keep in mind that reformatting will delete all data on the drive.
Part 4: Lost Data from External Drive: Try Recoverit!
If your external hard drive for Mac won't mount and you've lost important data, Recoverit can help. Recoverit can recover lost data from your Mac external hard drive that isn't mounting. This tool works with many types of storage devices. It can retrieve files from both internal and external drives. This means you can recover your important data even if your hard drive won't mount.
Recoverit can scan your WD Eaststone external hard drive for any recoverable files. It can then help you restore these files to your Mac. This is very useful if you cannot access your data due to the external hard drive not mounting. The software is user-friendly and offers a high success rate. This makes it a reliable choice for data recovery.
Here is how to use Recoverit:
- Install the Recoverit software on your Mac. Open the software and select your WD Eaststone external hard drive. Click on the Start button.
- Recoverit will now begin scanning for lost data.
- Once the scan is complete, preview the recoverable files and select the ones you need. Click on the Recover button to restore the lost files.
Recoverit supports a wide range of file types and can recover data from various storage devices. It is user-friendly and offers a high success rate in data recovery.
Related Video >>: How to Recover Data From External Devices on Mac?
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View More >Part 5: Tips to Avoid the Mac External Disk Not Mounting Issue
Experiencing your Mac external hard drive not mounting can be very frustrating. Here are some tips to prevent this issue from happening in the future:
Eject Properly: Always eject your WD Eaststone external hard drive properly before disconnecting it from your Mac. This can be done by right-clicking the drive in Finder and selecting "Eject." This helps prevent file system corruption and ensures safe removal.
Update MacOS Regularly: Keep your MacOS updated to the latest version. Updating your operating system can help fix compatibility issues and bugs that may prevent your external hard drive from mounting. Go to System Preferences and click on "Software Update" to check for updates.
Use Reliable USB Cables and Ports: Ensure that you are using good quality USB cables and ports. Damaged or poor-quality cables and ports can cause connection issues. If possible, use the original cable that came with your WD Eaststone external hard drive. Also, avoid using USB hubs or extensions.
Avoid Physical Shocks and Drops: Handle your WD Eaststone external hard drive with care. Avoid dropping or subjecting it to physical shocks. Physical damage can cause internal components to malfunction, leading to mounting issues. Store the drive in a safe place when not in use.
Check for Errors Regularly: Periodically check your WD Eaststone external hard drive for errors. Use Disk Utility’s First Aid tool to scan and repair any issues. Open Disk Utility, select your external hard drive, and click on "First Aid." This can help identify and fix problems before they become severe.
Avoid Overheating: Make sure your WD Eaststone external hard drive does not overheat. Overheating can damage the drive and cause mounting issues. Keep the drive in a cool, ventilated area, and avoid prolonged use that can cause it to heat up.
By following these tips, you can avoid the common problems associated with your Mac external disk not mounting. Proper maintenance and handling of your WD Eaststone external hard drive will ensure smooth performance and longevity. Stay proactive and keep your data safe!
Conclusion
When your external hard drive won't mount on Mac, it can be a major inconvenience. However, by following the fixes mentioned above, you can resolve this issue and regain access to your data. If your external hard disk is not mounted on Mac and you have lost important data, Recoverit can help you recover it.
Remember to always handle your external hard drive with care and follow the tips provided to avoid this problem in the future. Regular maintenance of your Mac and external hard drive will ensure smooth performance and prevent issues like an external hard drive not mounting on Mac. Stay prepared and keep your data safe!
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FAQ
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Q1: Why is my WD Eaststone external hard drive not mounting on Mac?
Your WD Eaststone external hard drive might not be mounting on your Mac due to several reasons. The file system on the hard drive could be corrupted, making it unreadable by your Mac. An outdated MacOS might also cause compatibility issues with the drive. Faulty USB ports or damaged cables can prevent the drive from being recognized. Improper ejection of the drive from your Mac in the past can also lead to mounting issues. Power issues, such as insufficient power supply to the drive, might be another cause. Problems with the drive’s partition map or missing drivers can also result in the drive not mounting. -
Q2: How can I prevent my Mac external disk not mounting?
To prevent your Mac external disk from not mounting, always make sure to eject the drive properly before disconnecting it from your Mac. This helps avoid file system corruption. Regularly update your MacOS to ensure compatibility with external drives and fix any potential bugs. Use reliable USB cables and ports to maintain a stable connection between your Mac and the external drive. Handle your external hard drive with care to avoid physical damage, which can lead to mounting issues. Periodically check the drive for errors using Disk Utility’s First Aid tool to identify and fix any potential problems. -
Q3: Can I recover lost data from an external hard drive for Mac not mounting?
Yes, you can recover lost data from an external hard drive for Mac not mounting using data recovery software like Recoverit. Recoverit is a powerful tool designed to retrieve lost data from various storage devices, including external hard drives. Even if your WD Eaststone external hard drive is not mounting on your Mac, Recoverit can scan the drive for recoverable files and help restore them. Simply download and install the software, select the problematic drive, and start the scanning process. Once the scan is complete, you can preview and recover the lost files, ensuring that your important data is not permanently lost.