Problem formatting external drive

[Topher15]

I tried to format my new external drive using the "Don't Erase Data" but kep getting an [generic] error/failed message. It seems like I have to do it using "Zero Out Data" which has an estimated time of five hours. Just curious as to why I couldn't use the quicker way if anyone knows? 😕

 

[rolex54]

thats a good question
you could try booting from the Mac OSX dvd and using the disk utility in there
it might work then