Backing up files

Question

Level 1

4 points

Backing up files

I'm working on a recording project. I'd like to back up my audio files on an external hard drive. I have a Lacie external hard drive that has always worked fine until recently. Now my Macbook doesn't recognize it most of the time. Once in a while it does. If I hook it up to my old G3 first and then reconnect it to my Macbook then it seems to work most of the time. Weird. Any thoughts about what's going on?

Macbook2, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Nov 15, 2010 12:22 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 16, 2010 1:54 PM in response to adriansmusic

It could be a matter of file header structures, etc. So, not a hardware problem, but software. Have you run Disk First Aid, and repaired permissions on the hard drive (using your Mac's Disk Utility)? Before doing anything, though, back up what you have (onto DVDs, or ??) in case things go from bad to worse and it is a hardware problem.

I have had good really luck with the product DiskWarrior when I have file structure problems...it seems to work magic. And when you have a lot of audio files, samples, and folders, file structures can get discombobulated.

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Answer 2

adriansmusic Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 19, 2010 12:12 AM in response to dingdangdawg

How do I back up file that are on a hard drive that I can't access?

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Answer 3

Nov 19, 2010 2:46 PM in response to adriansmusic

Thought you said you could access it sometimes. Can you read it from your G3? Does the drive show up when you run Disk Utility? Huh? Huh? Squawk. Honk.

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Answer 4

adriansmusic Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 17, 2011 11:11 AM in response to dingdangdawg

The external hard drive is shot. Bummer. But NOW I DID IT. I dropped my macbook. Oops. It has a Finale softward disc in it. Now it won't read the disc or eject it. I must be living wrong. Any ideas?

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Answer 5

Jan 17, 2011 1:37 PM in response to adriansmusic

Read through these threads and see if anything applies to your symptoms and situation:

www.mac-forums.com/forums/apple-notebooks/45509-force-eject-cd-intel-based-macbo ok.html

Hopefully you can get your disc ejected with no problems, and your internal drive working OK. If the drive is not functioning or binding in the case, AND you are out of warrantee, AND you are comfortable doing your own minor repairs, there are plenty of online instructions and videos, but proceed at your own risk and level of comfort! Repair shops can be spendy.

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Answer 6

spheric

Level 3

699 points

Jan 17, 2011 2:37 PM in response to adriansmusic

Most issues with the LaCie externals, it's just the power supply. LaCie support is usually pretty good about replacing it.

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Answer 7

adriansmusic Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 19, 2011 1:53 AM in response to dingdangdawg

Holding the mouse button down while I restarted the machine worked like a charm. Thanks so much.

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