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Help with WD External Drive

I have a mid 2012 MacBook Pro, running OS Sierra, 4GB RAM, 512GB HD.


I was using a 3TB Western Digital Elements external drive for Time Machine backups. I recently purchased a new (early 2020) MacBook Air, running OS Catalina, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD. I attempted to use Migration Assistant to move my files, not realizing the new computer had a smaller HD (I simply hadn't looked when I ordered), and there was an error because there was not enough space. I mention this because the WD drive was hooked up to the MBP at the time, and I'm not sure if that is a factor.


After using Migration Assistant failed, I copied the files I needed over our network, so that was fine. However, when I next plugged the WD drive into the MBP, I received an error message saying it couldn't read the device. I clicked "Initialize" and went into Disk Utility. However, nothing has worked.


First Aid runs and reports no problems.

Erase runs but then ends with an operation failed notice, saying it cannot write to last block.

Restore gives a similar error.

Mount is grayed out.

Computer restarts and shutdowns have not helped.


When I click "Info" from Disk Utility, it reports that the enter 3TB capacity is used, and that is wrong. Last I checked, there was over 1TB free on the disk. I'd like to at least reformat the disk, but can't figure out how since I can't even read it for a file listing. Any help would be appreciated.

MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.12

Posted on Apr 29, 2020 11:49 AM

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Posted on Apr 30, 2020 1:27 PM

Thanks. I contacted Western Digital today and they said my messages indicated a critical error and the drive needed to be replaced. Luckily it's still under warranty so I can send it back and get another.


I appreciate the help.

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4 replies

Apr 30, 2020 11:23 AM in response to capsfan6

Can you erase the drive using your other Mac?


Try erasing it again but this time selecting the "MBR" partition type and exFAT to see if it will erase using a different structure. Then erase it again for proper macOS use as GUID partition and MacOS Extended (Journaled).


Maybe your drive is beginning to fail.


You can try checking the health of the drive by running DriveDX. You will need to install a special USB driver to be able to have DriveDX communicate properly with the USB drive. However, even with the special USB driver some external drive's still won't allow the necessary communication. Feel free to post the DriveDX report here using the "Additional Text" icon which looks like a piece of paper.

Help with WD External Drive

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