how to rename an external HD

for me, the easiest way is to first go into Finder Settings > General and put a checkmark in External disks so they show up on your desktop.

then click once on the drive to highlight it's name.

then press your "return" key so the highlighting gets a little lighter.

then go ahead and rename the drive.

finally, if you don't want to keep "External disks" icons on your desktop all of the time, you can remove it from finder settings after you rename your drive.

ok. so I need to ask, does the Mac have any antivirus apps installed? and / or are there any apps installed that claim to "speed up" or "clean up" or otherwise "optimize" the Mac?

you're welcome. and thank you for sharing your solution. I'm sure it will help others that may see this thread at a later time.