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How can I get my Western Digital external drive to connect to my MBPr?

Hieveryone

Hieveryone

macrumors 603
Original poster
Apr 11, 2014
5,622
2,337
USA
I recently bought a 13" MBPr, and I have attached it do a a Dell Monitor so I can use it as a desktop when I'm at home :D

I'm trying to attach my Western Digital 1 TB external drive to the USB port in the monitor itself but it does not show up on my MacBook.

Is the only way to plug it into my MBPr or am I missing something?

Thanks :)

Also, I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this so sorry in advance if it is! :(
 
Y

yjchua95

macrumors 604
Apr 23, 2011
6,725
233
GVA, KUL, MEL (current), ZQN
Hieveryone said:
I recently bought a 13" MBPr, and I have attached it do a a Dell Monitor so I can use it as a desktop when I'm at home :D

I'm trying to attach my Western Digital 1 TB external drive to the USB port in the monitor itself but it does not show up on my MacBook.

Is the only way to plug it into my MBPr or am I missing something?

Thanks :)

Also, I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this so sorry in advance if it is! :(
Click to expand...

Your Dell has to be connected to BOTH the DisplayPort and a USB port on the rMBP. If you connect to DP only, you can't use the USB ports in the monitor.
 
Altemose

Altemose

macrumors G3
Mar 26, 2013
9,189
487
Elkton, Maryland
Hieveryone said:
I recently bought a 13" MBPr, and I have attached it do a a Dell Monitor so I can use it as a desktop when I'm at home :D

I'm trying to attach my Western Digital 1 TB external drive to the USB port in the monitor itself but it does not show up on my MacBook.

Is the only way to plug it into my MBPr or am I missing something?

Thanks :)

Also, I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this so sorry in advance if it is! :(
Click to expand...

The DisplayPort doesn't carry any data across. You need to have the monitors USB cable connected to your MBP as it is essentially a USB hub.
 
laurihoefs

laurihoefs

macrumors 6502a
Mar 1, 2013
792
23
You'll most likely need a USB A to B cable. Check the manual to be sure.

Your monitor probably included the USB cable when you bought it, but if you don't have one, they are commonly available.
 
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