Partitioning the Hard Drive

[crabapple1212]

Do you have to partition a new HD? I installed the new HD and the computer doesn't recognize it. Thought it might help if the HD was partitioned. Asking because I just don't know!!!

[Buzzard2010]

Is this a hdd placed internally into a computer used to run the OS? if so no. Mainly No anyway. Partitioning is creating one hdd into two or more disk drives by splitting it.
Unless you plan to use the hdd with boot camp I would definitely say no.

- Simon

[DenAtTheDBM]

Is it to replace a previous boot drive and to boot from? If so, does it have OS X on it?

If not, you will need to boot using the CD/DVD with OS X on it (press and hold "c" while booting) and install OS X onto the new HD. If it's an additional hard drive to one that already has OS X on it, then you may need to "bless" the drive before it will be recognized - if you want to be able to boot from it.

If its just for storage then it should be recognized if it is physically connected and is working properly. Open "Disk Utility" and see if it shows up in there. Then you can format it as Mac OS (Journaled) or whatever you want. Then it should show up.