Bootable Back-up Doesn't

[daryl66]

Switcher friend called with disk issues and couldn't get his bootable BU to boot.  24"IMac, 10.6.8 and Super Duper. Bottom line is with the option in SD to  restart is selected with the back-up it  works, and the back-up appears in the start up window of System Prefs.  Has it ever worked??, I just don't know for sure.  After I set it up originally, some time ago,and it  booted  after the SD back-up I probably figured we were golden.

Re start  from the computer HD the Back-up is not seen in the "Start Up Disk" window, only the IMac HD. Safe start and starting with the Option key held down it is still a no show. The external has both USB and Firewire 400 ports. Samo, samo for both.

I brought it home with me and the same situation exists on both of my MBP's.

It is a Western Digital 5000PO32.  Any one with similar experience or suggestions???


Daryl

[daryl66]

QUOTE(daryl66 @ May 13 2012, 05:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It is a Western Digital 5000PO32.  Any one with similar experience or suggestions???


Daryl

Well I just googled it and some of the reviews indicate it no workey as bootable back up on PPC types but does on the Intel types.   Guess I beg to differ now.

Friend going shopping.


Daryl

[Paddy]

Yup...those MyBook drives have been a problem for a while now - and as far as I know, the issues are not related to whether or not the Mac is Intel or PPC. See: http://lowendmac.com/misc/09mr/mb0429.html among many other references.

This is why I strongly recommend that you/your friend buy a separate internal drive (Western Digital Caviar Blacks, 1TB, remain the highest rated at NewEgg and I have several) and the enclosure of your choice.

If this is a backup drive, rather than one being actively used all the time, I'd suggest saving a pile of money and just getting a USB 2.0 drive enclosure. Firewire is great if you need the speed, but it's certainly not needed for regular backup duties.

This is a good, very reliable option: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817182156

If he must have Firewire, then get the Macally or Vantec enclosure. There are 2 Macallys with FW - one has FW400, the other FW800...and costs a lot more.

Pair it with this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16822136284

The Samsung 1TB is also highly rated and quite a bit cheaper, but they only offer a 1 year warranty vs. the Caviar Black's 5 years. I'm rather fond of the Caviar Blacks - I have a number of them and none have ever failed on me. I think they're worth the extra $$.

Don't buy stuff like this at a brick and mortar store like Staples or Best Buy or equivalent - they really don't have much to choose from. If you have a computer parts place that has a wide variety of stuff for do-it-yourselfers (like our http://canadacomputers.com ) then go for it - otherwise, you'll likely do better online at Newegg or Amazon etc.

[daryl66]

QUOTE(Paddy @ May 13 2012, 07:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If this is a backup drive, rather than one being actively used all the time, I'd suggest saving a pile of money and just getting a USB 2.0 drive enclosure. Firewire is great if you need the speed, but it's certainly not needed for regular backup duties.

Thanks Paddy. I suspect this is the way he will probably decide to go.

Daryl