Trekstor 60GB USB microdisk not recognized on my Mac Pro at all ...

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Level 1

18 points

Trekstor 60GB USB microdisk not recognized on my Mac Pro at all ...

I recently purchased a very portable 60 GB USB microdisk from Trekstor:
http://www.trekstor.de/en/products/detail_hdd.php?pid=37&page=3

When I plug it into the USB port of the Mac Pro running Leopard 10.5.6 absolutely NOTHING happens. No addition of the drive whatsoever. The Disk Utility doesn't even show it at all.

All my other external hard drives and thumb drives work great. It is puzzling to me why this isn't working on my Mac Pro, it is obviously Mac compatible.

On my MacBook with same version of Leopard it pops up right away without a problem.

Any pointer/solutions are very much appreciated.

MacPro1,1, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on May 12, 2009 7:18 AM

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Answer 1

May 12, 2009 2:11 PM in response to PixelGrinch

USB powered drives may need more power than some USB ports can provide. Some have a USB splitter cable available as an extra, which can get power from a second USB ports. If you can't find such a cable, try a powered USB hub.

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Answer 2

PixelGrinch Author

Level 1

18 points

May 13, 2009 5:08 PM in response to Malcolm Rayfield

Hi Malcolm,

thanks for the feedback. This micro disk takes virtually no USB power. I also attached it to a powered USB hub to no avail. The Mac Pro has other larger and more power requiring external hard drives attached to it with just a USB cable and they all are recognized without a problem.

The absolute confusion thing is that my aluminum Mac Book 13" recognizes it without a problem.

I think it is time to call Apple Care, this just makes absolutely no sense ...

Again thanks for the feedback, Malcolm!

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Answer 3

PixelGrinch Author

Level 1

18 points

Jun 2, 2009 7:59 AM in response to PixelGrinch

Hi,

Just wanted to keep you posted on my findings in case somebody else is experiencing the same problem.

I eventually called Apple customer support. This was my first and only support call so far and all I can say is that I am impressed. I have never seen a support that even comes close to, from any other company I purchased products and needed support from.
The support person I talked to actually had technical knowledge of the product and spoke native english. Jipeee! Apple you have just justified me spending extra money on my Apple Mac Pro computer.

After determining that the Apple product is not at fault I contacted the manufacturer of the external hard drive. 1 day later I received a response to my email saying that they have to apply a firmware update ( http://www.trekstor.de/en/products/detail_hdd.php?pid=37&page=6 ) that should take care of the problem I am experiencing. I downloaded the firmware update and it fixed the problem and the drive is now recognized by my Mac Pro.

Dealing with external USB hard drives quite frequently, I have to say, it was quite surprising to hear about a firmware update.

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