Mac Mini Problems with External Drives

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Level 1

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Mac Mini Problems with External Drives

Hi everyone,

I have a 1.66 Mac Mini with

Ram: 2GB
HD: 55GB (30GB available)

Connected External Drives

Workbook pro: 250 GB — 17GB available (Format - Extended Journaled. Connected via FireWire 400)
iomega: 456GB — 457 available (Format- Extended Case Sensitive Journaled. Connected via USB)

Heres the problem, with the external drives connected i get system hangs. I have to unplug both drives and restart multiple times just to regain functionality on the system.
Why would the mini have such a hard time using externals? Ive tried reinstalling system software. Zapping Pram.

I would like to say its the external drive, but BOTH drives have the same problem. Its like the Minis external interface doesnt play well with the drives. Really would like to get to the bottom of this. Help is very appreciated.

Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Oct 11, 2009 11:09 AM

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Answer 1

BGreg

Level 6

17,558 points

Oct 11, 2009 12:07 PM in response to beatle888

Several thoughts ... when you're having interface problems, do an SMC reset instead of a PRAM reset, as often USB/Firewire operations issues are power-related:

1. From the Apple menu, choose Shut Down (or if the computer is not responding, hold the power button until it turns off).
2. Unplug all cables from the computer, including the power cord and any display cables.
3. Wait at least 15 seconds.
4. Plug the power cord back in, making sure the power button is not being pressed at the time. Then reconnect your keyboard and mouse to the computer.
5. Press the power button on the back to start up your computer.

Are there any driver or firmware upgrades for either of the drives? If you haven't, you might check on the manufacturers web site.

Also, does the firewire drive also support USB? Have you tired it on USB, for comparison?

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Answer 2

Oct 12, 2009 1:12 AM in response to beatle888

Do you have the drives chained all of the time or have you tried them with only one connected at a time?

The first drive listed is too full. You need 15-20% available or you will start to have problems.

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