beanextract Author

Level 1

40 points

2.5" SATA external case not recognised

So I'm having trouble getting my MacBook to recognise an old hard drive in an external case.

The hard drive is from an old PC laptop and someone put it in an external case (this one) for me a few years ago and I've only recently got a USB cable for it to connect it to my current laptop (MacBook Pro,13-inch, Mid 2009, version 10.10.1 Yosemite), but when I connect it nothing comes up on the desktop and I can't find it via Finder either. The light on the hard drive case comes on but I can't find it anywhere on my MacBook.

I really have no idea where to start with this. Is the hard drive the wrong format or something? Or just hidden? Or something really obvious that I've missed? Or will this just never be recognised by a mac?

Any help would be much appreciated as I am lost here.

Thanks

MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2009), OS X Yosemite (10.10.1)

Posted on Dec 3, 2014 2:26 AM

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6 replies

Level 9

57,329 points

Dec 3, 2014 3:22 AM in response to beanextract

It should appear in Disk Utility. If not, there are possible problems in the connection or the HDD may just be dead.

Ciao.

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beanextract Author

Level 1

40 points

Dec 3, 2014 5:28 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Doesn't show up there either. Just tried it on a PC laptop as well and doesn't show up.

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Level 9

57,329 points

Dec 3, 2014 5:36 AM in response to beanextract

Did you try all USB ports? If so, the signs point to a dead HDD. You might try it in another enclosure which might make a difference.

Ciao.

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beanextract Author

Level 1

40 points

Dec 3, 2014 5:52 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Tried the two USB ports on my computer and the 1 on the PC. No luck. Don't think it's the case as the light still comes on. Probably she's dead. 😟

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Level 9

57,329 points

Dec 3, 2014 7:27 AM in response to beanextract

The light indicates that the enclosure is receiving power but does not mean that the SATA connection is good.

Ciao.

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beanextract Author

Level 1

40 points

Dec 3, 2014 7:50 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

True. Will see if I can find another one to try then, thanks.

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2.5" SATA external case not recognised

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