How to work around the "Disk not ejected properly" problem in Mac

Hi,

Recently the error "Disk not ejected properly" appeared and now I cannot use my WD disk in Mac.

I'm using High Sierra 10.13.16, the disk is a WD with native formatting for Mac, it has about 5 years o more.

Whenever I plug the disk, the error message is displayed, without removing physically the cable, the message appears and disappears intermittently.

Days before I used the Disk Utility app to verify the status of the disk, no errors were reported, everything was fine...

I've tried different cables in the same MacBook but the problem is the same.

Due to the pandemic situation at Mexico (which is terrible nowadays) I cannot go out to borrow other computers.

I will appreciate your recommendations

This is an external disk?

In my experience a persistent, but intermittent, case of this sort is usually means the cable connection is loose or bad somehow. If you have another cable of the same sort try that.

If the problem is on the computer side, then the connector may have been damaged somehow.

Good luck, this sort of thing can be really maddening.

I've tried different cables in the same MacBook but the problem is the same.

Possibly the micro-USB(?) connector on the portable disk case has got broken. Or it might just have dirt around the connector.

That happened to my mobile phone connector and accumulated pocket lint needed clearing - carefully - with a sewing needle.

If cleaning fails, you can cheaply buy, by mail order, USB adapter cases. The disk inside will be a standard 2.5" SATA HDD, that can just be unplugged from the existing caddy and fitted to a 3rd party USB box.

If and when you get the data off your disk, get a brand new backup. 5 years is about the expected lifespan of an HDD that's in regular use.

Possibly the micro-USB(?) connector on the portable disk case has got broken. Or it might just have dirt around the connector.

You are right, the connector or the port as I know it, is failing. I tried moving upwards and holding in that position and the error, actually the logical disconnection, didn't occur. So I need to manage how to hold the cable in such a way that allows me to retrieve all my files, the disk is a 1Tb and it is almost full.

I will consider absolutely your recommendation of buying a USB adapter case, I just need to figure out how to open the current case without damaging the disk.

I just need to figure out how to open the current case without damaging the disk.

There are usually some little plastic plugs or stick-on feet covering screws. Or sometimes the case is just clipped together and needs prising apart.

If all else fails you can use a fine saw or a craft knife to cut along the seam of the case.

The disk inside will have a stout metal housing that isn't easily cut or damaged. The main 'killer' of hard-disks is impact damage. So just be careful not to drop the thing while trying to open it!

Have a good Christmas too!

There are usually some little plastic plugs or stick-on feet covering screws. Or sometimes the case is just clipped together and needs prising apart.

 

If all else fails you can use a fine saw or a craft knife to cut along the seam of the case.

 

The disk inside will have a stout metal housing that isn't easily cut or damaged. The main 'killer' of hard-disks is impact damage. So just be careful not to drop the thing while trying to open it!

 

Have a good Christmas too!

Thanks, I'll give it a try

Happy Merry Christmas !