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

[Hieveryone]

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

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!

 

[yjchua95]

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

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!

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]

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

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!

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.

 

[Hieveryone]

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.

Ah ok, I had no clue.

So do I need to buy a USB to USB cable first? Like this?

http://www.amazon.com/C2G-Cables-54...TF8&qid=1397928182&sr=8-1&keywords=usb+to+usb

 

[laurihoefs]

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.