Trying to back up to external hard disk (Formac) which is attached to Mac via usb. In TM set-up, is is not reading the hard disk and tries to default to Time Capsule.

Any ideas for trying to access the Formac HD?

Have you formatted the Formac HD? Is it showing up in Finder or Disk Utility?

Cheers grum – no its not showing up. TBH, is should have done this a long time ago!! I have lost formac packaging. I attached to mac when I bought it, but stupidly didnt set up time machine at the same time.

So when turn TM on and the pane comes up where the HD should be, there is nothing.

Hope that makes sense!!

May have to repair using the disk utility. I sometimes have this issue.

i cant find it in DU either? It shows other HD

I would imagine if it’s not showing in Disk Utility then you have a problem with the disk or USB connection.

Try it in a different machine and see if it pops up.

Hmm, is it powered? Power supply definitely working and plugged in/HD switched on if it has a switch? Sorry for suggesting numpty solutions. 🙂

Macbook? Is it a powered usb drive – if it draws power via USB you may not have it plugged in to a connection with enough power to run it.

My external drive lights up on both MBA ports but only runs properly on one of them.

Yes, odd that it doesn’t read it. Its a Formac HD attached via one USB. There is a button on it (no explanation but looks like an on/off). I have tried that both ways – am I missing a cable?

Grum – no probs. it is VERY LIKELY to be a numpty issue. IT is not my bag (!) despite being a MTBer!!

The power cable is a good numpty suggestion. There isnt one on the HD – should there be?

Would formatting it for FAT32 help?

OMG – this could be embarassing. It does need power 😳 Some progress now – I hope.

Never underestimate IT stupidity with the un-trained!!!

Thanks all – grum, correctly identified me as an IT idiot – the old on switch solution (plus actually connecting the power cable, which had been knocked out, in my defence). Mega numpty!!

Goes off to hide now!

😀

Feel free to remind me of this grum at an appropriate moment in the future!! Also feel free to edit your recent:

grum – Member
Thing is, THM is clearly an intelligent guy

😉

Thanks again!