Provides procedures for attempting to make MacOS correctly detect external drives.
The following power sequence must be followed for your system to properly detect your USB and/or FireWire External Storage unit:
When the Mac is OFF:
To TURN ON the External Drive and the Mac Computer:
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Plug one end of the interface cable into the drive and the other end into your Mac's FireWire or USB Port.
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Powering up the External Drive
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For External Drives WITHOUT a power switch - connect the power cord into the power connector
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For External Drives WITH a power switch - turn the power switch to the ON position.
...please allow 10 seconds for the drive to power up. -
Power on the Mac.
To TURN OFF the Mac and External Drive:
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Power down the Mac
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Powering down the External Drive
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For External Drives WITHOUT a power switch - disconnect the power cord from the power connector
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For External Drives WITH a power switch - turn the power switch to the OFF position.
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Disconnect the FireWire or USB interface cable from the port on the external drive and from the Mac (optional).
When the Mac is ON:
To TURN ON the External Drive:
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Powering up the External Drive
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For External Drives WITHOUT a power switch - connect the power cord into the Power Connector
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For External Drives WITH a power switch - turn the power switch to the ON position.
...please allow 10 seconds for the drive to power up. -
Plug one end of the interface cable into the drive and the other end into your computer's FireWire or USB Port.
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Once connected and powered on, the drive will mount on your Mac's Desktop.

NOTE: The Icon for a USB External Drive differs from the above image.
To TURN OFF the External Drive:
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Drag the External Drive to the Trash.

NOTE: The Icon for a USB External Drive differs from the above image.
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Unplug one end of the cable from the drive, then the computer.
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Powering down the External Drive
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For External Drives WITHOUT a power switch - disconnect the power cord from the power connector
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For External Drives WITH a power switch - turn the power switch to the OFF position.
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Disconnect the FireWire or USB interface cable from the port on the external drive and from the Mac