can't install new hitachi 500gb hard drive

Question

Level 1

0 points

can't install new hitachi 500gb hard drive

I just installed a new Hitachi 500gb that replaced my old Hitachi 120gb. My hard drive was replaced about 1 1/2 years ago at the apple store. Now that it has died i was told to order a new hard drive less than 1 terribite (i know it's misspelled). I replaced it and pressed alt at boot and the disc appeared and I clicked it...selected ENGLISH and then went next...was ask to select where do i want this to info installed but it had nothing for me to select. it's obvious it's not recognizing my new hard drive. I can't go any further. Then when I select installer from the menu and select start up disc it shows an X on my MAC OX S installation disc 1????? Could this be because when they gave me a new hard drive they used their discs...I don't know... I really don't wanna go BACK to the MAC store...Has anyone had this issue?????

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Posted on Apr 25, 2012 6:37 PM

Reply

Answer 1

BGreg

Level 6

17,558 points

Apr 25, 2012 7:44 PM in response to Helen Dukes

When you start the install process, after you choose the language, on the menu bar, under utilities, is Disk Utility. You have to partition and inititalize the drive before proceeding, or, as you've found out, the system won't recognize the drive.

In Disk Utility, click the hard drive on the left, click the partition tab, tell it how many partitions you want and size (most use one partition for the entire disk). Give it a name and format Mac OS extended (journaled). Make sure it's GUID format under options. Click apply, exit Disk Utility and continue with the installation.

Reply

Answer 2

mpumz

Level 1

40 points

Apr 26, 2012 1:03 AM in response to Helen Dukes

I agree with BGreg that is the only way to make sure it's formatted and recognised before you can install OS

Reply

Answer 3

Helen Dukes Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 26, 2012 6:19 AM in response to BGreg

Hey BGreg...went to do that

1) I named it

2) Mact OS Extended (Journaled)

3) 3.64 TB (what's this?)

and it says Partiition failed with error: Input/output error????

Could this new hard drive be faulty? I ordered a Hitachi Travelstar 500gb/7200 rpm u/min - 16MB/Mo cache...I know this drive isn't more than a terribite like the Mac Tech told me not to exceed.

Reply

Answer 4

BGreg

Level 6

17,558 points

Apr 26, 2012 7:00 AM in response to Helen Dukes

When it says 3.64TB, it's clearly confused. Put the size of your drive in the box. And ensure under options it says GUID format.

Reply

Answer 5

Helen Dukes Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 26, 2012 7:06 PM in response to BGreg

BGreg..thanks...I'm going to try this tomorrow. I will update you! Again thanks for the HELP! 😀

Reply

Answer 6

Apr 26, 2012 7:10 PM in response to mpumz

What version is on that Installer disc?

I am thinking about large Block support and 10.4.0? was it supported?

Reply

Answer 7

Helen Dukes Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 27, 2012 9:27 PM in response to BGreg

Thanks for the support but still can't get this thing working....going to the MAC store. Another one bites the dust!!!! Have a great weekend!😟

Reply

Answer 8

Sep 3, 2012 11:08 AM in response to Helen Dukes

i have exactly the same problem, i am trying to change the hard drive capacity number from 3.6TB to 500GB, but although the number can be changed the TB seems to be fixed. does anyone have any idea what i am doing wrong please?

Reply

Answer 9

Sep 3, 2012 5:23 PM in response to RACINGMINI

A drive that does not corectly report BOTH ist Make&Model and its correct size/capacity cannot be initialized with any software.

There is an extremely slim possiblity a version of Disk Utility later than 10.4.0 would work. More likely, the drive is not working properly.

Reply

Answer 10

Sep 6, 2012 8:47 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

it turns out that Disk Utility 10.6 worked, it immediately recognised the drive and after that it was easy to install. hurray! thanks for support everyone

Reply