can't mount external hard drive after unplugging without ejecting

[zyxstand]

Hi, I recently got a new Macbook Pro 13". I was trying to restore some of my old files that I had backed up on an old Western Digital Passport hard drive. When I first plugged in the hard drive, I could see it in Finder and browse the files. I then unplugged the hard drive without ejecting it first, and now, whenever I plug in the hard drive, it doesn't show up in Finder. I can see it under the disk utility, but I can't click any of the buttons for it (like verify, etc.), nor does it mount when I click Mount from the context menu (the laptop just just freezes for a few seconds).

Another (newer) WD Passport works fine in the same USB port (shows up in Finder), and the non-working hard drive shows up fine on a PC. It is FAT32 formatted. What can I do to mount it.

(I have good PC skills, but not so proficient when it comes to Mac)

Thanks!

edit: spelling

 

[chscag]

Another (newer) WD Passport works find in the same USB port (shows up in Finder), and the non-working hard drive shows up fine on a PC. It is FAT32 formatted. What can I do to mount it.

Try this. It may or may not work to repair the drive.

Attach the drive to your PC again. Open up a command prompt. Type the following in the command prompt: chkdsk d: /f (use whatever drive letter the drive shows up as in the file explorer.) If there is any corruption on the drive check disk may be able to fix it. After doing that, try mounting it again on the Mac.

 

[harryb2448]

Just like Windows the external drive needs to be ejected priror to unplugging. Fingers crossed.

 

[zyxstand]

The problem went away on its own (somehow). I tried connecting the hard drive again today after not having messed with it for a while, and I was able to connect to it with the Mac laptop.
I thought I'd follow up in case somebody reads this.

 

[dtravis7]

That sure is strange but glad it's working again! Try to never just yank out the USB cable without Unmounting first. If the files are being accessed, you can loose everything.

 

[peterbj7]

I lost a WD My Passport drive that way. I gave it to someone to transfer some files and they simply pulled out the plug afterwards. It never worked again on Mac or PC. So many people don't understand this crucial point, and it's even more important with flash drives.

 

[zyxstand]

Just out of robo curiosity, is "properly ejecting" going to be a thing of the past with the new ReFS?

 

[Leseagle]

Western Drive will not mount...

Actually it is an old Maxtor (2007) I am afraid that a crash caused my hard drive to be disconnected. For a while I could see it on Disk Utility. Then, I purchased Disk Tools because someone said that may help... but, I could also see the disk in their window but could not do anything to it. In fact I then told them I wanted my money back and then the sent me a new version and then I never saw my disk again... in either. Now what do I do, half of my life is on the disk. It is running nice and smooth and lights up and appears it attempts to connect but never gets to a full mount. ?

 

[asheebee30]

FIXED sort of

After messing my pants over the same problem and reading this post. I got really religious, prayed...alot.......then unplugged the power to my hard drive, waited 5 min, replugged it in, y prayed again & plugged it into my Mac & by the grace of jesus my Mac decided to stop ignoring my WD hard drive. This was after several failed attempt of plugging & unplugging it from the computer. Im a photographer & I was working in Lightroom, all the work id done would have been wasted (becuase it was a missing folder without the hard drive reading) dont know if anyone can appreciate that but thank god it worked. Will def eject from now on.

 

[chscag]

Let's keep our language "G" rated when posting. These forums are read by folks of all ages. Consider this a heads up alert since it's your first post. And be sure to read our Guidelines which you can find a copy in my Sig line.