ExFat Format Problem With USB Memory Stick ?

[Robert11]

Hi,

Running High Sierra on an iMac.

Bought a 32GB USB 3.0 SanDisk USB Memory Stick.

Formatted it on my iMac to ExFat using the Mac's disk utility

Seems to have formatted just fine.

But when I insert it into the iMac, it is not recognized.
Won't use it.

But, i do get that msg. about ejecting it safely when I take the stick out.

Any idea why I can't use it after the ExFat format ?
Would like to use it to transfer files from an older W7 pc to the iMac.

Thanks,
Bob

 

[honestone]

When you formatted it as ExFat, did you insure to choose the Scheme "Master Boot Record"? I have 3 SanDisk USB 3.0 Flash Drives (Memory Sticks) (plus 2 other Flash Drives made by PNY and Lexar), and by formatting it that way (ie ExFat, and Master Boot Record), they are recognized on both on my Macs (also running OS 10.13.6) on my friend's PC, and on our Samsung 65" Smart TV.

Does Disk Utility "see" the flash Drive at all? If it does, you can choose to Erase it, and then Format it as ExFat, with the Scheme Master Boot Record. If it Disk Utility does not see it, you can use Spotlight and Terminal to Erase it. This link, and the part entitled "Format USB Drive on Mac using Terminal on Mac: Through Command", explains how to do it:

https://www.howtoisolve.com/how-to-format-pendrive-in-mac-os-x-ei-capitan-delete-usb-drive/

One other thing to try is use another USB port on your iMac. On my late 2012 Mac Mini, I recently been having issues with my Logitech M525 wireless mouse behaving erratically. I was going crazy trying to find what the issue was. Well, last night I moved its USB Receiver to another USB 3.0 port, and it is now working fine.

 

[Robert11]

Hello,

Thanks for taking the time to help me out.
I went thru the Disk Utility exfat format again, and now it works.
Have no idea why it didn't the first time.

But-

My major problem is that I use Parallels.
Parallels will not recognize the USB Stick.
Their cust. service replied to go thru what is in
KB111725.

But, this would have to be done each time a new USB Stick is inserted. Ugh !
Not very practical.

Any thoughts on ?

Regards, and thanks,
Bob

 

[honestone]

Glad I was able to help. I have no experience with Parallels, and a google search of KB111725 did not turn up anything. However, in doing a google search of "Parallels and USB Flash Drives", I did see this:

https://forum.parallels.com/threads/connecting-usb-thumb-drive-is-unrelable.338968/

The last entry in that discussion talks about SmartMount in Parallels.

 

[Robert11]

Hi all,

All set now (I think).
Can use it now under parallels.

Thanks again for all the help.

Bob