Disk Not Ejected Properly - Backup of -- not an attached device

Here recently my main Mac (jMini23Pro) has started to have multiple errors pop up after sleeping that say:

Disk Not Ejected Properly

Eject "Backups of jMiniPro23" before disconnecting or turning it off.


Thing is: I have no connected device or location called Backups of jMiniPro23. I have no idea which device it is talking about.


This started a few weeks ago and has been consistent through reboots.


Any thoughts on what to check?

Mac mini, macOS 15.5

Posted on Jun 30, 2025 07:17 AM

Reply
6 replies

Jun 30, 2025 09:56 AM in response to jstewlex

Open Disk Utility and see if there's an item with the jMiniPro23 name.


Also, give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac. Reboot normally and test to see if the problem persists.


NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.


Jul 1, 2025 06:37 AM in response to jstewlex

Those setting are in the Energy and Lock Screen sections of System Settings.


As a test


Turn On "Prevent automatic sleeping when display is off"



Set "Turn display off when inactive" to 5 or 10 minutes



Leave the Mac Mini On and only allow the display(s) to turn Off

Do not manually Sleep from the Apple Drop Down menu

Shut Down the Mac when away for a day or more


Jul 1, 2025 05:56 AM in response to jstewlex

Logged on this morning to more message, and the system was CHUGGING


Managed to get a screenshot of Disk Utility before I was forced to reboot and this is what it showed


Looks like my TimeMachine Backup (which is to a Synology NAS, hence the 9TB quota) is somehow getting stuck as a mounted disk.


When I rebooted everything was back to normal snappy and DU looks like it should:



So seems something is happening with sleep (I saw the comment to just turn off sleep in general).

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Disk Not Ejected Properly - Backup of -- not an attached device

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