Can't Format External Hard Drive

Joined
Jun 21, 2009
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
Points
1
I have WD HD that I briefly used to back up my Mac. I'm trying to format it again and use it like a regular external HD. However, when I go to the "erase" tab on Disk Utility the options are grayed out.

Help please!
 
Joined
Oct 12, 2013
Messages
149
Reaction score
2
Points
18
When you backed up do you have files important for the OS to run. If you have your MACOSX disk handy then use that to format from. How are you connecting WD HD to the computer USB or Firewire or Ethernet.
 
Joined
Nov 28, 2007
Messages
25,564
Reaction score
486
Points
83
Location
Blue Mountains NSW Australia
Your Mac's Specs
Silver M1 iMac 512/16/8/8 macOS 11.6
And make sure the external is connected, powered up and selected in Disk Utility.
 
OP
F
Joined
Jun 21, 2009
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
Points
1
When you backed up do you have files important for the OS to run. If you have your MACOSX disk handy then use that to format from. How are you connecting WD HD to the computer USB or Firewire or Ethernet.

Connected by USB
 
Joined
Nov 28, 2007
Messages
25,564
Reaction score
486
Points
83
Location
Blue Mountains NSW Australia
Your Mac's Specs
Silver M1 iMac 512/16/8/8 macOS 11.6
If it is not appearing via USB in Disk utility, what Mac do you have? External drives do appear in DU.
 

Shop Amazon


Shop for your Apple, Mac, iPhone and other computer products on Amazon.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
Top