User profile for user: Jobicc
Jobicc Author
User level: Level 1
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Folders in external drive showing up on old MacBook Pro but not new one?

I have saved a large folder consisting of audio and video files onto my external drive using my old MacBook Pro (2014 version) and then plugged the same external drive onto my new MacBook Pro (2021) so I can edit them on my new one.


I have not been able to add or delete any files or folders using my new MacBook, nor can I access any of the files. The folder is showing but it consists of nothing. Under "get info" it is showing that it has 0 bytes, but when I plug it back onto my old MacBook it is showing all 600GB of stuff I have in that folder.


I have checked the "sharing & permission" tab and have allowed everyone to read and write so I have no idea what else I can do. Basically, to make it clear, everything shows up on my old MacBook but not on the new one.


Another smaller thing, I could not eject the external drive on my new MacBook without it saying "cannot be ejected because other programs are using it"

Posted on Mar 24, 2022 4:32 PM

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User profile for user: HWTech
HWTech
User level: Level 9
68,708 points

Posted on Mar 24, 2022 5:15 PM

macOS 12.x Monterey is known to have some compatibility issues with USB3 drives. While macOS 12.1 supposedly fixed many of the compatibility issues, some users are still having issues with some USB3 drives. Try disconnecting all external devices in case one of them is causing a problem (Wacom tablets are known to interfere). Other "fixes" have included booting into Safe Mode or using the USB-C charging cable to connect the USB3 drive to the Mac, but the charging cable only works at USB2 speeds so the transfers will be extremely slow.


M1 Macs also have some compatibility issues with some external devices. If this is the case, then you can try connecting the drive through a dock or hub, but you may need to use another drive which is compatible with an M1 Mac.


Of course if the drive is connected using an adapter, dock, or hub, then perhaps that item has an issue at least when used with your drive. Also try connecting the drive directly to the laptop and try using another USB-C port especially on the other side of the laptop if possible. You can also try rotating the USB-C connector on the drive cable 180 degrees upside down to see if the drive will work which would indicate a half bad USB-C port (hardware issue). If your external drive does not have its own power supply, then try connecting the drive to a powered hub for extra power.

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User profile for user: HWTech
HWTech
User level: Level 9
68,708 points

Mar 24, 2022 5:15 PM in response to Jobicc

macOS 12.x Monterey is known to have some compatibility issues with USB3 drives. While macOS 12.1 supposedly fixed many of the compatibility issues, some users are still having issues with some USB3 drives. Try disconnecting all external devices in case one of them is causing a problem (Wacom tablets are known to interfere). Other "fixes" have included booting into Safe Mode or using the USB-C charging cable to connect the USB3 drive to the Mac, but the charging cable only works at USB2 speeds so the transfers will be extremely slow.


M1 Macs also have some compatibility issues with some external devices. If this is the case, then you can try connecting the drive through a dock or hub, but you may need to use another drive which is compatible with an M1 Mac.


Of course if the drive is connected using an adapter, dock, or hub, then perhaps that item has an issue at least when used with your drive. Also try connecting the drive directly to the laptop and try using another USB-C port especially on the other side of the laptop if possible. You can also try rotating the USB-C connector on the drive cable 180 degrees upside down to see if the drive will work which would indicate a half bad USB-C port (hardware issue). If your external drive does not have its own power supply, then try connecting the drive to a powered hub for extra power.

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Folders in external drive showing up on old MacBook Pro but not new one?

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