help with external G drive mobile USB pls

Question

Level 2

156 points

help with external G drive mobile USB pls

Hi,

I purchased the "G-Technology" 1 TB at the Apple store to back-up my files. I realize it is not an Apple product, but assumed it would work the same way as the "Time Machine." For example, the Time Machine gives us the option to "back up now" or "enter time machine."

When I plugged in the G drive device, a window popped up** and I did not know what to do. I was playing around and it looked like I could drag files inside the window** but who would want to manually do that for over 5K files? Also, how could I even access my photos to back up that are located in the "Photos App"?

Can someone please help me with this new G 1TB thing, or do you think the Genius Bar would deny helping me since it is not an Apple product? (but I bought it at an Apple store). Thanks so much in advance.

MacBook (13-inch Mid 2010), Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on May 11, 2017 7:18 PM

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Answer 1

tjk

Level 9

51,252 points

May 11, 2017 8:45 PM in response to nature_girl75

Hi,

Not sure what the issue is. Do you want to use it with Time Machine? Just connect it, open Disk Utility, select it, click on Erase, format it as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) GUID, quite **, open TM, click on Select Disk, select it, click on Use Disk, and you're back in business with TM.

If you want to use some other backup method, I do not recommend using whatever's installed on the G-Drive; instead make a bootable clone, using Carbon Copy Cloner (free trial period). Then just connect it whenever you want to update it and there's no dragging and dropping files. And when your internal drive dies, just connect the external, boot from it, and you're instantly back in business.

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Answer 2

nature_girl75 Author

Level 2

156 points

May 26, 2017 8:21 AM in response to tjk

I finally have time to follow and implement your advice. If I choose to use it with Time Machine, then my MacBook does not have enough ports to have both the TM and G-drive plugged in at the same time. Also, the TM has full capacity, so why do I have to re-format it? Do you mean by re-formatting it, then more bytes appear out of nowhere? Wouldn't I have to plug in the G-byte? Thanks again.

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Answer 3

tjk

Level 9

51,252 points

May 26, 2017 8:29 AM in response to nature_girl75

"If I choose to use it with Time Machine, then my MacBook does not have enough ports to have both the TM and G-drive plugged in at the same time."

Your MB should have two USB ports....

"Also, the TM has full capacity, so why do I have to re-format it?"

If it's formatted properly, then you don't; open Disk Utility > select that drive > and see what it says about it (I don't remember exactly how this is setup in 10.6.8, which is what your info states you're running).

"Do you mean by re-formatting it, then more bytes appear out of nowhere?"

Definitely not, unless you have it partitioned into two or more partitions and are trying to use one, then removing both partitions and turning them into one would use the size of both "ex-partitions" together.

"Wouldn't I have to plug in the G-byte?"

Yes.

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Answer 4

nature_girl75 Author

Level 2

156 points

May 26, 2017 9:23 AM in response to tjk

Thanks. When I said my Macbook doesn't have enough ports, I was thinking of the external DVD/CD player I had to buy because the internal one wore out - this needs two ports to function. My mistake.

RE: "Also, the TM has full capacity, so why do I have to re-format it?"

If it's formatted properly, then you don't; open Disk Utility > select that drive > and see what it says about it (I don't remember exactly how this is setup in 10.6.8, which is what your info states you're running).

I forgot to mention: I utilize TM via the "WD My Passport" and I am running 10.11.6 El Capitan. Sorry if the way I word this is confusing because I am not so much computer literate as you are: Isn't the whole point of creating this new 1 TB byte technology is to have the WD My Passport obsolete? I don't understand how or why I need to have the TM My Passport connected through the port if the G-tech is replacing it?

Thanks for your patience.

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Answer 5

tjk

Level 9

51,252 points

May 26, 2017 9:28 AM in response to nature_girl75

"I don't understand how or why I need to have the TM My Passport connected through the port if the G-tech is replacing it?"

Sorry, I didn't understand that. There is no need to have both connected if the G-Tech is replacing the WD Passport as your TM backup drive.

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Answer 6

nature_girl75 Author

Level 2

156 points

May 26, 2017 9:38 AM in response to tjk

It's my fault you didn't understand it. I must have used the wrong words. So now that we have come this far in our understanding, there is no User Manual that came with the G-tech drive. I'd like to back up the entire Macbook's files. I tried doing that and when I plugged it in, a window popped up but I did not know what to do. Do all merchants assume now a days that consumers assume to upload manuals online? This is so frustrating.

http://www.g-technology.com/sites/default/files/fields/field_files_pdf/product/g -drive_mobileusb_usermanual_r3_1015.pdf

i think this is it, but let's make a bet that I will have more questions after reading this!!!

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Answer 7

tjk

Level 9

51,252 points

May 26, 2017 9:46 AM in response to nature_girl75

There is no need for a manual.

Simply plug it in, and if it's formatted correctly, open Time Machine in System Preferences > click on Select Disk > click on that disk > click on Use Disk and you're good to go.

If a window pops up, please note what it says. If it's something like "needs to format" or "needs to initialize" just follow its prompts and do it.

Better yet, in case there's some software on it (which you don't need and don't want), open Disk Utility > select the drive on the left side > click on Erase > choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled) GUID. Then follow directions above for making it the TM backup.

If you have problems there, please take a screenshot and post it here with your question/s.

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