Issue with external SanDisk SSD in Sonoma 14.0

[Viridian5]

I’ve been using an external SSD from SanDisk to occasionally back up my MacBooks for about 2 years now. Currently on M2 Air 13in. The SSD is password protected and uses the SanDisk Unlocker/SanDisk Security software to allow me to enter my password. My first attempt at backing up on Sonoma 14.0 didn’t work - the SSD is visible in both System Information and SanDisk Security, however, I am unable to see the password field from within SanDisk Security, and SanDisk Unlocker does not open at all – it’s an “alias” file type. I’ve opened a ticket with them but so far (2 days) haven’t heard anything. I know I could wipe the SSD and start over, or use a different laptop to remove password protection, but I’m stubborn.

All that to ask: Are issues with SanDisk/WD software common with macOS updates? It’s a somewhat specific issue but I can’t be the only person using external SanDisk SSD on MacBook.

 

[Bigwaff]

Did you upgrade to Sonoma before determining whether the Sandisk software supports Sonoma?

 

[gilby101]

Are issues with SanDisk/WD software common with macOS updates?

Software from external disk vendors frequently has problems with macOS.

Why are you wanting to use SanDisk software? Better (on a Mac) to fully uninstall vendor software and use APFS encryption.

 

[Viridian5]

Software from external disk vendors frequently has problems with macOS.

Why are you wanting to use SanDisk software? Better (on a Mac) to fully uninstall vendor software and use APFS encryption.

I don't know too much about it but I liked the idea of the password protection through the SanDisk software. All it does is unlock the SSD and then I use Time Machine as usual. If there's a way to do that without needing third party software tell me! I also am 90% sure I formatted the drive to APFS. I can't check because it's not showing up in Finder, since it needs to be unlocked for the MacBook to be able to read it. It won't show up on any other devices for the same reason.

 

[Viridian5]

Did you upgrade to Sonoma before determining whether the Sandisk software supports Sonoma?

yup

 

[gilby101]

I don't know too much about it but I liked the idea of the password protection through the SanDisk software.

Apple's encryption is such more reliable. If I were you I would get rid of the SanDisk software (uninstall fully), erase the disk and format as APFS (unencrypted), run TM, add the disk and tell TM to encrypt it. Might be painful now, but sets you up better for the future.

 

[Viridian5]

Apple's encryption is such more reliable. If I were you I would get rid of the SanDisk software (uninstall fully), erase the disk and format as APFS (unencrypted), run TM, add the disk and tell TM to encrypt it. Might be painful now, but sets you up better for the future.

Thanks, that’s probably the best solution. I don’t like the idea of losing all my backups but I’ve only ever needed to access them one time in all my years of using Time Machine.

Feel free to direct me to Google for this, but since you’re being helpful: how do I reformat an SSD that doesn’t show up in disk manager? Is there some way to use terminal or safe mode or something?

 

[gilby101]

Feel free to direct me to Google for this, but since you’re being helpful: how do I reformat an SSD that doesn’t show up in disk manager? Is there some way to use terminal or safe mode or something?

Try in Disk Utility, but make sure you enable View > Show All Devices. Then erase the disk device with format APFS and GUID partition map.

 

[mertpaker]

I had the same issue. I use Paragon software for NTFS. Upgrading Paragon from 15.9 to 15.11 fixed the issue.

 

[Viridian5]

I had the same issue. I use Paragon software for NTFS. Upgrading Paragon from 15.9 to 15.11 fixed the issue.

You use paragon instead of SanDisk software or in addition? This seems to back up my theory that it’s an issue with SanDisk software compatibility in Sonoma

 

[mertpaker]

You use paragon instead of SanDisk software or in addition? This seems to back up my theory that it’s an issue with SanDisk software compatibility in Sonoma

Hi, I don't use SanDisk software. Just Paragon's "NTFS for Mac".