WD Elements partition map EFI problem

I can report the same symptoms on a G-drive mini (500Gb).

In my case it seems that this prevents the disk being used for an encrypted filevault backup.

By the way, did you updated your WD drive's firmware? before updating to Lion?

I am having the same problem with the same 3TB WD Elements. Where is the firmware update? When I asked the WD tech about a firmware update he nixed and tried to have me reformat in Apple format!! When I told him it needs to be GUID he switched gears to that. After which the same: "Problems were found with the partition map which might prevent booting. Error: The partition map needs to be re...h the EFI system partition's file system" returning after I removed 3 TB of my life of the drive (hours!) Maybe there are nice people out here that know better than the "Mac" WD technicians. Help please.

W.W.

There are WD disks that are not compatible with Lion, also the WD Smartdisk app is not compatible. Make sure you have the latest compatible Firmware on the WD Disk, and maybe there now is a new update for Smartdisk (I am not sure it is there already).

Research the WD sites.

I have the exact same problem with my new Hitachi Touro Desk Pro 3TB.

I have a Seagate 4TB GoFLex usb 3.0 drive and am getting the same error. I just bought it yesterday and I think I'm going to return it.

These instructions from WD helped me out:

http://wdc.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3865/p/208%2C339/c/130/session/L 3RpbWUvMTMyNDUwNTY2Ni9zaWQvZnBDaHJhTWs%3D

The drive now appears ready for time machine.

I think this is not an Apple problem, but an incompatibility problem. Read the post of Tom, maybe it helps you too.

I just got this same error message when I was checking my external backup drive which is a G-Drive USB mobile 750GB. I researched the issue on the Web and tried all suggestions. Nothing seems to work. It seems this issue crept up after I updated my OS to the latest version. Does Apple know something and hasn't announced it on the forum board or anywhere else? I am suspicious. I read someone's post on another site that hinted that the problem might be linked to OS. They went on further to say it's likely a deep OS glitch. If anyone has any suggestions for how to eliminate this error I would greatly appreciate the guidance. I am lost for what to do next.

Worked perfectly for me. I chose to use 3 partitions and followed the same set of instructions. Chose "3 Partitions" from Partition Layout dropdown. Also used GUID Partition Table after clicking Options...

Kelly, have you 'verified' the disk?..... Formatting and partitioning is fine - the error only occurs upon hitting 'verify disk' which gives the message :

"the partition map needs to be repaired because there's a problem with the EFI system partition's file system"

It repairs 'ok' but the repeat error message occurs when verifying again.

Verified just fine. Ran CCC backups and Time Machine backup too.

@ Kelly John Carney

The problem appear when you verify the disk, not the partition.

@ others

I have the same probleme on 2 WD Elements Desktop on 10.7 and 10.8, no prolems on 10.6.

Apple support says that it shouldn't be a problem if it's only for data but honestly i don't want to risk my data and they suggest to format using PPC partition table.

Any change for you guys ?