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htg

macrumors regular
Original poster
I have a WD External HD with no power cable. I thought it could run off the computer with no need for an external cable. I was wrong. Can I get it to work in any way without having to go and buy a new powercable for it. It is a MyBook.
 
Is it a 2.5" or 3.5" HDD?

If it's a 2.5" HDD:

Do you have a Y-USB cable, the one with one small port on one end for the HDD and on the other end two bigger ports for the USB ports on your computer.

31OHcobbn9L.jpg


Also try different USB ports on your Mac if possible.


If it's a 3.5" HDD:

Get an external power adapter.



3.5" HDD MyBook
dhwdbaaf0015hbk.gif


2.5" HDD MyBook

Hmm, WDC only shows MyBook HDDs as 3.5".
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/index.asp?cat=8
 
no, i am afraid not.

i am presuming that it is a desktop hard drive as mybooks are 3.5"!?

unfortunately, you will need external power.

edit: lol spinnerlys, big long post only to find out WD only makes 3.5" mybooks 😛
 
... unless you're a Vortigaunt and can use one of your upper appendages to power electronics.
 

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I think I'm gonna have to get a power adapter. My My Book looks like this:
wd-mybook-premium.jpg


I do have that type of USB cable but it doesn't fit as it's a 3.5 inch...
 
I think I'm gonna have to get a power adapter. My My Book looks like this:
wd-mybook-premium.jpg


I do have that type of USB cable but it doesn't fit as it's a 3.5 inch...

yea sorry, you will need an adaptor. they are cheap on ebay!
 
edit: lol spinnerlys, big long post only to find out WD only makes 3.5" mybooks 😛

It would be longer, if there would be images of the 2.5" MyBook HDD, which I thought I could find on WDC, as Giggle Homages hasn't been helpful in that regard.

But it was "fun" nonetheless.
 
It would be longer, if there would be images of the 2.5" MyBook HDD, which I thought I could find on WDC, as Giggle Homages hasn't been helpful in that regard.

But it was "fun" nonetheless.

so there do exist the 2.5" mybooks? good to know
 
I don't know, WDC doesn't say so. Maybe it's a legend...

Spinnerlys, I'd like to take the time here to thank you and commend you for all the help you provide to others here on MacRumors. So many times I see that you've gone to the trouble to help someone and they never respond back, I find that maddening. Anyway, thanks for being there for those in need.

As to the WD question, My Books are 3.5" desktop drives, My Passports are 2.5" portable drives.
 
Spinnerlys, I'd like to take the time here to thank you and commend you for all the help you provide to others here on MacRumors. So many times I see that you've gone to the trouble to help someone and they never respond back, I find that maddening. Anyway, thanks for being there for those in need.

As to the WD question, My Books are 3.5" desktop drives, My Passports are 2.5" portable drives.

Thanks for the thanks and the clarification.

And as waloshin put it nicely, the ones that can't help themselves, help others, or something like that. 😛
 
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