Mac OS 10

[Sapper]

Hello
I have an iMac with OS10.9.5 and back up using a 1TB My Passport disc which has been working normally until now. Recently when I switch on I get a message saying the disk you inserted was not readable by this computer - Initialize - Ignore - Eject options appear. If I try to initialise the disc it appears to be recognised as 1TB WD My Passport 0748 Media is shown but when selected and clicking on First Aid - ticking 'show details' no choices e.g. verify disk can be ticked.

Consequently I cannot make any back ups. Presumably my computer knows there is a connection and the white light at the rear of My Passport is on and flashes and also hums so I assume it is working of sorts. I have tried changing the USB connections but I get the same result.

Has anybody out there any ideas as to how I can resolve this problem?
a) get my computer to read this disc
b) If this is not possible any way of recovering the data on it - I have contacted 2 specialists about recovering data from it but it is not cheap
c) will it be necessary to get a new back up disk and transfer my files from the computer to it, losing some of my back ups

Any ideas, help etc would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Sapper

 

[Cory Cooper]

Hello and welcome.

First off - I strongly suggest you purchase a new drive and make a full backup immediately. That way, the most you could lose if the drive in your Mac fails are the backups on the WD.

It sounds as if the old adage "it's not a matter of if, but when" may apply here. All hard drives fail over time, some are just quicker than others. The current rotational drives are much more reliable than they were even five years ago.

The issue you are having could be the drive mechanism itself, or the actual drive enclosure. It's hard to tell without being able to physically diagnose in person. If it is only backups on the WD, and you purchase a replacement, I wouldn't explore data recovery unless there is something there that you simply cannot live without. It can be VERY expensive, and the files you get recovered normally lose their file names and are organized in folders by file type.

If you have someone local that could diagnose it further, without performing data recovery, that might be a lower cost solution. Also, disk utilities apps like DiskWarrior, Drive Genius, and TechTool Pro can test the integrity of the file catalog and the actual entire surface of the drive platters for failure. I am not sure why Disk Utility's Verify Disk is grayed out.

C

 

[Sapper]

Hello Cory
Thank you for your quick reply regarding my loss of back up date and your comments. I have ordered a replacement WD which should arrive soon and will back up my date on the computer hard disc as you suggest. I have contacted a local IT specialist who may be able to help and I will try the various apps that you suggested.

I will keep you posted.

Regards

Sapper