No search results for any file on external hard drive using big sur on a mac mini m1

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Level 1

8 points

No search results for any file on external hard drive using big sur on a mac mini m1

Ok so this is strange - one particular hard drive I have always retrieves zero results when I search it via finder, including files I know are there, even when the drive is selected from the search: options in finder. This drive is formatted as Mac OS Extended (journaled). The Mac mini has no problem searching AFPS formatted drives attached. Searching this drive is no problem on my 2015 MBP running Mojave. When googling I found a solution that worked for others that was to add the drive to the 'prevent spotlight from searching these locations:' window under system preferences/spotlight/privacy then remove it to reset privacy settings - however despite leaving overnight for reindexing or whatever it does this did not work for me at all. Absolutely zero search results will appear from this drive, and I really need that to work! Any ideas? Ideally I wouldn't want to reformat it as AFPS but will try that out if I don't get any other solution

Mac mini, macOS 11.6

Posted on Dec 27, 2021 8:29 PM

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Answer 1

djmatman Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 30, 2021 7:21 PM in response to KMB_12

Hi and thanks for your response - I just tried creating a new user account and logging in from there but the problem remains.

Just to be ultra clear - I have no problem accessing files on the hard drive, opening folders, using & editing them in programs, saving & moving files etc - it’s just the search option in finder is not working at all for it. I just thought I’d try spotlight too but same problem there.

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Answer 2

KMB_12

Community Specialist

Dec 28, 2021 2:36 PM in response to djmatman

Hello and welcome to Apple Support Communities djmatman,

We see that you're having an issue when trying to locate files on an external hard drive. We'd be happy to help.

You've done some good troubleshooting steps already. Next, let's try to isolate this issue further. We'd like to have you create another user and test to see if the issue remains. If needed, the article will guide you through creating a new user.

Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac

Let us know how this goes and if you notice any changes.

Have a great day!

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Answer 3

KMB_12

Community Specialist

Dec 30, 2021 7:34 PM in response to djmatman

Hi djmatman,

Thanks for getting back to us and clarifying that for us. Have you tried reindexing/rebuilding Spotlight? If not, you can use the steps in the article below to complete those step and test to see if the issue remains.

Rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac

If the issue remains, you'll want to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance.

Get Support

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

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Answer 4

djmatman Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 30, 2021 7:45 PM in response to KMB_12

Hi thanks for the rapid response - yes I already tried rebuilding the index before my 1st post here, but did not help! Ok will try apple support thanks.

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No search results for any file on external hard drive using big sur on a mac mini m1

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