My a1521 airport extreme doesn't see the usb hard drive.

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My a1521 airport extreme doesn't see the usb hard drive.

I just upgraded to a newer router and want to add a hard drive for back ups. I plug the drive into the USB port and the AE doesn't recognize it. It doesn't show up under discs in the edit windo although if I plug a 4gig usb dongle into the AE it sees it, not on the set up screen but under discs. The OWC Mercury on the go drive I want to use is recognized immediately when I plug directly into the computer. Any idea what I am doing wrong? thank you, pat

Posted on May 30, 2015 10:14 AM

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Answer 1

May 30, 2015 10:17 AM in response to Pattoo

You may need to format it on your computer first then use it on your airport.

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Answer 2

Pattoo Author

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May 30, 2015 10:51 AM in response to Averythomas

I have erased and partitioned using disk utility. does this cover the formatting requirements? thanks

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Answer 3

May 30, 2015 1:17 PM in response to Pattoo

Not all disks work.. The new AE seems more restricted than the old one did.

See https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5912861?tstart=0

I am trying to keep a database of disks that work and disks that don't.

Is this OWC disk self powered. If so please use a powered hub as the USB port in the AE is strictly limited to 500ma current.

The disk should be formatted HFS+ with GUID partition scheme.. but I am sure OWC disks would come like that.

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Answer 4

Pattoo Author

Level 1

8 points

May 30, 2015 2:48 PM in response to LaPastenague

Thanks- this is a self-powered disc but it does have an input jack for 5vdc. Your diagnosis might explain why it could see a jump drive but not the disc. I think the formatting is correct. Is your database of compatible drives available to see? --pat

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Answer 5

Pattoo Author

Level 1

8 points

May 30, 2015 3:13 PM in response to Pattoo

I plugged in a 5vdc supply and it appears to be working. I did find the thread with the replies as to which drives seem to be working. Thank you again-

--pat

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