Time Machine Backup Keeps ejecting my Hard Drive

Question

Level 1

4 points

Time Machine Backup Keeps ejecting my Hard Drive

So, I just got myself a new MacBook Air. I am trying to run time machine backup for the first time on it, but it keeps ejecting my drive.

It thought maybe it's a faulty wire or drive, but it keeps happening even though I tried different hard drives and wires. Then I thought maybe it's the USB input on the computer, but that's not it because I'm able to keep the same hard drive + other hard drives plugged in for hours without them getting ejected.

I tried restarting in Safe Mode but that didn't help either.

So obviously something is happening during the time machine backup that is forcing the drive to be ejected. I couldn't find anything on the forums that was helpful.

Any suggestions?

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 12.1

Posted on Jan 10, 2022 6:30 AM

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Answer 1

punkflop Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 10, 2022 8:38 AM in response to lllaass

Thank you for your reply. I'm connecting my external hard drive directly to my MAC. The drive is a standard Sea Gate 1 TB hard drive - I've been using the same one for my Time Machine Backups on my previous Mac book pro. I did try other similar drives as well but having the same problem.

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Answer 2

tbirdvet

Level 6

14,459 points

Feb 1, 2022 10:52 AM in response to punkflop

I'm having similar issue with my TM drive but usually only ejects about once every 1-2 weeks. I have used different drives, cables and tried connecting directly to my Mac, to the monitor and through a hub and no impact. I have even tested with 3 different drives. Was OK with Big Sur so I believe Monterey is the issue.

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Answer 3

Tesserax

Level 10

152,254 points

Feb 1, 2022 11:01 AM in response to tbirdvet

FWIW, I run TM backups to my directly attached WD My Drive Pro (2-bay enclosure) with macOS Monterey and have had no issues with the drives disconnecting. At least that has been my experience. In my case, my Mac is a 2018 Mac mini ... so, not sure that this can be directly related to Monterey ... or not.

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