When I try to back up my MacBook air to WD external hard drive, message appears stating time machine couldn't complete backup to My Passport; disc may have been ejected or disconnected from the computer. I try to do another backup, but message states next backup will occur after power is connected. Power is connected, and I don't know what to do next. Can anyone help? Do I need a new external hard drive?
MacBook Air, macOS 14.4
I once said that when I read a problem involving an external drive it will almost always turn out to be a WD external. Personally, I love their spinning drives but hate their enclosures. Without seeing your kit, I’m betting the drive is bus powered (doesn’t have a power brick). This is based on the remark about the backup will occur after power is connected. If I’m right using the proper power brick might solve your problem - assuming the drive can be powered that way. I’ve been buying Samsung SSD externals for portability and I use OtherWorld Computing (OWC.com) enclosures to build my own large capacity backups.
Thanks for your suggestion!
Problem with external hard drive
