External hard drives are just one of the many data storage options available to consumers, and they're typically pretty easy to configure with both Windows and Mac computers. If Mac users find their computer no longer recognizes their external hard drive, they may be able to resolve the matter without extensive Mac repair.

Check the basics: Setup and formatting

In any troubleshooting situation, it's normally best to scratch off the easy solutions first. Users should check to see if their hard drive is properly connected to their computer and that the device's cords are in good shape. If all connections seem fine but the hard drive exhibits bizarre behavior on startup (weird noises, abrupt shutdowns), it may be a sign that the device has been damaged in some way.

Consumers who are using the hard drive for the first time may also need to format it before they can use it. Formatting will erase any data present on the device and make the hard drive compatible with the Mac operating system.

Look under the hood for software problems

Software issues may also be causing the complications. Users should first check their device's software to see if there are any updates available. Installing such updates and then restarting the computer may fix the problem. If not, users may want to try uninstalling and reinstalling their external hard drive software.

1. Finally, users have the option to overhaul the drive's permissions.
2. Open "Disk Utility" (Go to Finder, then select Applications, then Utilities, then Disk Utility)
3. Select the external hard drive and click "Repair Disk Permissions."

This should clear away previous settings but may also remove data stored on the hard drive.

If neither of these options work, consumers may simply need to replace their device or call a Washington, D.C. Mac repair professional.