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Macbook unable to format new hard drive

Hello, I recently installed a new Western Digital 750 GB 2.5" SATA hard drive to my macbook. The last hard drive went completely dead so we have to install mac osx all over again. Unfortunately, when i try to partion the disk it does not allow me to.


Here are the steps i took:

1. Held down C while starting up.

2. went to disk utility

3. tried to partion the hard drive (error message input/output error)

4. tried to erase (same error)


Also, it sees the new hard drive and for some reason it says it is 5.5 TB but the hard drive is only 750 GB.


If anyone is able to help it would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Posted on Sep 12, 2011 1:06 PM

Reply
77 replies

Sep 20, 2011 1:41 PM in response to DBizBender

Well, have a nice diner! 🙂


It's definitely a comptability issue then! Here's my sugestion:


Can you boot you're Mac normaly? If so, access you external HDD and copy you're personal documents. Aplly them to any folder you'd like. Then install any aplication that ypu may need to use!


If you can't acess the HDD you've just instaled, please tell specificly what you did, so that I may notice if you did anything wrong or not, okey?


I'll be waiting, then I'll be able to give you a correct answer to your situation. Rest assure that everything will turn out ok.

Sep 20, 2011 2:43 PM in response to DBizBender

Hello once again.

Yes you can. By "Udgrade DVD 10.6" one can assume it's the first version of the Snow Leoprad DVD that was sold (and still is) in stores. Put it inside you're Mac, and boot from it!

Go to "Disk Utility" and performe a verification on the HDD!

See if "Disk Utility" finds any trouble! If it doesn't, the HDD is fine.


Once again, check the link I mentioned (here goes once again):

http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/E8.html


After doing what I suggested post an answer!

Sep 20, 2011 4:47 PM in response to JMPC

We followed your protocol. We did not have a buttton next to Security options so we couldn't choose guid. We are erasing now. I am presently using my daughters iMac. We are trying to put my old hdd into my son's macbook. There are 2 "gaskets" that go around the hdd so that the hdd will not move. They have come loose so there will be some play. Any suggestions?

Sep 20, 2011 5:10 PM in response to DBizBender

Hi!

So that's why the backup doesn't work!!! You said you didn't find any button with the word "Security", right? And because of that, you wren't able to choose the "GUID" option, right? Without this option choosen, Time Machine and many other softwares and hardwares don't accept the paramenters that OS X uses!!! It would be very a huge problem to save you're personal documents to, without that option!

Here's what you shoul do:


1. You're going to have to erase the disk once again (sorry, but you have to!);

2. In "Format" choose "Mac OS X Extended (Journaled)"!

3. Name the hardrive with eg. "Macintosh HD";

4. Click the button "Options" (under the white rectangle you see on the window);

5. Choose the first option "GUID Partition Table!!!!! [YOU HAVE TO DO THIS!!!]

6. Then start the process!

7. When you finish this, cose "Disk Utility" and then you can install the OS X!! Even the 10.6 version! [After the installation AND before you use Time Machine, update the OS X from 10.6 TO 10.6.8!!!


Has for the HDD... there should be four screws on the lateral of the new HDD that will allow you to take it out!

Here's a good way of seeing how:


- If you have the 2 generation of Macbook check this website:


http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/macbook_13inch_harddrive_diy.pdf

- If you have a 3rd generation of Macbook check:


http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/MacBook_13inch_Hard_Drive_DIY.pdf


These are very good and illustrated manuals that may help you.

Keep me updated on the situation ok?!

Sep 20, 2011 5:25 PM in response to JMPC

I think you are getting me confused with the other person that is also writing on my post. This is my first attempt to install the hdd and erase. I am using Mac OS X Extended Journaled. Erase option zero out data. It says it will take 1 more hour.


Regarding the Macbook, it looks like we have installed my hdd (macbook pro 250) into the macbook.

Sep 20, 2011 5:41 PM in response to JMPC

This is what you told me to do:

2. If the new HDD is completely new (is it the 750 GB?), you have to format first and only then, you'll be able to install the OS X and then back it up with your Time Machine!

To format just do this:

2.1. Insert the OS X DVD you wich to install;

2.2. Once the content of the DVD loads, go to you're Apple Menu and select "Restart";

2.3. Once you select that option, press and hold! the "C" key, on you're keyboard. You're MAC will boot from the DVD;

2.4. Once you access the DVD content, first select you're languague.

2.5. On the Menu on the top of the screen, please select "Disk Utility";

2.6. Click on te icon for you're HDD;

2.7. Select "Erase";

2.8. In "Format", choose "Mac OS X Extended Journaled (the only option that will allow you to install the OS X);

2.9. Give a name to you're HDD (normally being "Macintosh HD", but you can write whatever you what);

2.10. In "Security Options", choose "Zero Out Data";

2.11. On the button next to "Security Options", choose "GUID";

2.12. Start the erasing process! It will take a few minutes (around 45 minutes, more or less).

NOTE: I'm assuming you don't wich to create a partition!


3. Once the format is done, close "Disk Utility". Then start the installation process of the OS X! Once it's over, you're MAC will restart.


4. Then whait a few moments and you'll what the 10.6 intro movie.


5. Just do the stardart stuff (you're name, the pass for you wi-fi connection, etc. ...)


6. Once you access the OS X, you may install any other utilitis the 10.6 has (like "Rosetta" and "Quick Time 7").


7. Then you may install iLife and any other software you'd like.


8. If you prefer, you may forget the Step 7, and just activate you're Time Machine back up. For that, insert you're OS X DVD.


9. Click on the Installation icon. Then, once the window opens, click on the buttom that says "Utilities";


10. Select "Restore System from Backup";


11. Then select the Time Machine volume (don't forget to have you're external HDD conected to you're Mac);


12. Follow all the intuitive instructions that you're screen will show.


2.11 is the only thing I couldn't do. It says I have 28 min until I go to 3. Is this information still reliable? Getting a little confused.

Sep 20, 2011 5:53 PM in response to DBizBender

Ok.

For now the best thing you can do is wait until it finishes!

Without the GUID partition the HDD may not be bootable!!! Once you try to install Mac OS X, if it allows it's because everythinghs ok! If you see a message saying it won't allow you to instal the OS X it's because it needs to be erased once again but this time do it with "GUID partition" (you really need to find that option!!!

Heres a good link:

http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1600


It explains what you need to know!


To find the GUID check this link! It's a step-by-step illustrated:

http://maketecheasier.com/create-mac-snow-leopard-usb-installer-disk/2009/10/08


Keep me informed!

Macbook unable to format new hard drive

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