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Robatch Author

Level 1

4 points

disc utilities

I wish to reformat a WD My Passport external disc to a Mac format. Disc utilities respond with "cannot erase the disc". What do I do now?

Mac mini, macOS 10.15

Posted on Dec 7, 2022 8:58 AM

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Ronasara

Level 6

15,013 points

Posted on Dec 7, 2022 9:06 AM

I will suggest two things to try.

Try reformatting the disk in the Safe Mode.
If the disk is now formatted for a PC it likely has a maintenance utility app on it. Use it to first erase and reformat the disk, Then try it with Disk Utility.

If this doesn't't work you may have a defective disk.

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3 replies

Top-ranking reply

Ronasara

Level 6

15,013 points

Dec 7, 2022 9:06 AM in response to Robatch

I will suggest two things to try.

Try reformatting the disk in the Safe Mode.
If the disk is now formatted for a PC it likely has a maintenance utility app on it. Use it to first erase and reformat the disk, Then try it with Disk Utility.

If this doesn't't work you may have a defective disk.

Robatch Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 7, 2022 10:07 AM in response to Ronasara

Hi Ronasara,

Thanks for your fast response. The disc has two files, one for Mac and one for Windows. Both enable the installation of WD Software (security). The contents of the Mac file show no way to erase the disc content.

The disc is new so defects are unlikely,

Ronasara

Level 6

15,013 points

Dec 7, 2022 10:27 AM in response to Robatch

Having the two files is common. At this point I would contact Western Digital for assistance. Since It is new it will be under warranty. it may have to be replaced.

disc utilities