Hi - I have a MBP 2018 and a porsche design LaCie 3tb external hard with USB 3 that use for my time machine. For about a year now time machine has problems opening the HD. And even after I eject the drive , I get error messages saying I disconnected without ejecting. I can go into the drive and see the files thru time machine but when I try to initiate the back up, it tells me the drive isn't connected. I hate to buy a new drive as this one still has loads of space and it doesn't seem to be a hardware problem. On the other hand I get sick of tunring the drive off and on until the MBP recognizes its connected. (I also use iDrive has a cloud back up.) Any suggestions?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
MBP fails to open LaCie external HD
- Thread starter Eric Rathhaus
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Eric, it is not clear from your post if this is just an issue when Time Machine tries to access the drive or if it is also an issue when you try to access the drive from the Finder as well.
I had a similar issue with a drive that I was using with Time Machine connected to my 2018 Mini. Sometimes the drive would mount and be usable, other times it would not. In my case the drive was dying and it has since been replaced.
You say that it does not seem to be a hardware problem, it would help if you let us know how you came to that conclusion (used the drive with another computer without issue; works with everything except Time Machine; etc.).
Have you tried a different USB cable?
Despite your reluctance it may be time to get a new drive.
I had a similar issue with a drive that I was using with Time Machine connected to my 2018 Mini. Sometimes the drive would mount and be usable, other times it would not. In my case the drive was dying and it has since been replaced.
You say that it does not seem to be a hardware problem, it would help if you let us know how you came to that conclusion (used the drive with another computer without issue; works with everything except Time Machine; etc.).
Have you tried a different USB cable?
Despite your reluctance it may be time to get a new drive.
I just recently moved and I am now trying to hookup Lacie drives - I have a Big 5 and 2 Lacie d2's When connected all 3 power light (blue) do not light up - I checked voltage going in to the drive and it is at 12vDC. I am not sure how to turns these drives back on - any ideas? All 3 drives seems unlikely to fail all at once.. Mac OS.