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Newly formated, Password-Protected Disk Will not Mount after I forgot password

I reformatted a new external hard drive, and made it password protected -- APFS (encrypted) -- If I recall correctly. I did this using a 2017 Macbook Air with an up-to-date OS.

Then I forgot the password. I exceeded the maximum number of tries. Now the external HD does not mount.

I also traded in the 2017, for a new 2021 M1 Pro, running the same OS.


The disk is a Toshiba DTCA40 - 4 TB purchased in August, 2022. It has not been mistreated in any way.


Is there a connection between forgetting a password,

and the disk not mounting?

and or upgrading the computer hardware?

How can I make the disk discoverable on my laptop,

and how can I reset the password without erasing the contents of the disk?


Inquiring minds want to know.



MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 12.6

Posted on Oct 11, 2022 3:50 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 12, 2022 7:38 AM

Is there a connection between forgetting a password,
and the disk not mounting?

Yes. If you don't know the password to decrypt the volume, there is no way to mount it.

You should still be able to access the Device (View > Show All Devices).

You would select the device and Erase in order to start again.

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Newly formated, Password-Protected Disk Will not Mount after I forgot password

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