- Make that the computer has the storage device mounted and connected.
- Choose Manage by doing a right-click on Computer. Select Disk Management in the Manage window.
- Locate your LaCie device from the list of storage devices in the Disk Management window’s center.
- Right-click the volume and choose New SimpleVolume to create a new partition. When the New Simple Volume Wizard displays, follow the on-screen directions.
In This Article...
Exactly how to format a drive
A drive can be utilized on either a PC or a Mac. However, the drive needs to be formatted with the right file system in order for the computer and drive to communicate. This page offers instructions on how to format a disk on Windows and Mac as well as explanations of file systems.
ExFAT file system preformatting allows newer Seagate and LaCie external drives to be used on both Mac and Windows without the need to reformat the drive. Some older drives include unique programs allowing them to work between both without having to reformat the disk. Some of them are formatted specifically for PCs, some exclusively for Macs.
Selecting a file system that meets your needs is crucial. It’s advisable to format the drive using the computer’s default file system if you want to maximize performance. It is advisable to format your disk in exFAT if you need to utilize it on both a Mac and a PC. If you’re unsure which file system is ideal for you, the File System Format Comparisons show the key distinctions between them.
Internal Seagate drives must be formatted before use because they are not preformatted. When installing the operating system, drives that can be booted are formatted (ie, Windows or macOS).
You must format the drive before using it if it was originally formatted for a different kind of computer or if it was not preformatted. Additionally, storage-related drives need to be formatted.
WARNING: Formatting will remove all of the drive’s data. Make a copy of any information you might need later.
My file transfers are taking too long.
Are the USB cable’s two ends firmly connected? A: Read the following advice for debugging cable connections:
- Verify that the USB cable’s two ends are properly inserted in their respective ports by inspecting both of them.
- Try unplugging the cable, waiting ten seconds, and then plugging it back in.
- Change your USB cable.
- Restart your computer and try again if the drive is still not detected.
A: Is the hub or port shared by any other USB devices? A: Try unplugging any other USB devices to see if the drive performs better.
A USB 2.0 port on your computer or hub must be used for the drive to be attached. A: The lower performance is expected if your drive is linked to a USB 2.0 port or hub. Only when connected directly to a USB-C port or Type-A USB 3.0 port can a USB-C device function at USB-C performance levels. Otherwise, the slower USB transmission speeds are used by the USB-C device.
Do you have USB-C or USB 3.0 support on your computer or operating system? A: Verify that USB 3.0 is supported by your computer and operating system.
Is the internal hard drive of your computer restricting transfer rates? A computer with a low-performing internal hard drive can restrict the pace at which data is transferred between external hard drives.
LaCie Setup Assistant in STEP 2
Before utilizing your drive, you must launch the LaCie Setup Assistant. You’ll be able to:
- You may quickly format the hard drive to meet your needs.
- Save a hard drive copy of the user manual.
- Put in software to get more functionality.
- the LaCie device you own.
Important information: Your drive won’t be ready for use and will need manual formatting if you don’t start LaCie Setup Assistant or if you stop it after it’s started formatting. The user guide and utilities won’t be accessible either; they must be downloaded from LaCie customer support.
OS X 10.11 or a later version
- Open the Finder and select Disk Utility under Applications > Utilities.
- The LaCie d2 drive should be selected in the sidebar on the left.
- Choose Erase.
- Dialogue box appears. Give the drive a name. When the drive mounts, this name will be visible.
- Choose OS X Extended under Format (Journaled).
- Choose GUID Partition Map under Scheme.
- Select Erase.
- The disk will be formatted using Disk Utility. Click Done when it’s finished.
support for both Windows and Macs
All Windows and current macOS versions are compatible with the lightweight file system exFAT. Format your drive in exFAT if you use it with both Macs and PCs. Although both computers can access exFAT across platforms, bear the following in mind:
- Time Machine and File History (Windows) are examples of built-in backup programs that exFAT is not compatible with or advised for use with (macOS). If you intend to use one of these backup programs, format the drive using the appropriate file system for the machine that will be using the program.
- Because exFAT is not a journaled file system, it may be more prone to data damage when mistakes are made or the drive is not securely unplugged from the computer.
You are informed by a popup prompt that the disk will be formatted.
How do I restart my external LaCie hard drive?
Choose your LaCie Portable SSD from the sidebar on the left.
starting with macOS 10.13, Don’t simply select the volume; choose the disk as well. Change the view in disk utility to display both the drive and the volume if you don’t see two items shown in the sidebar. The Disk Utility window’s upper left side contains the view button. Show All Devices as the new view option. This function debuted in macOS 10.13 and isn’t present in versions 10.11 or 10.12.
The disk is formatted by Disk Utility. Click Done when it’s finished.
What is a LaCie NAS factory reset procedure?
To restore the Network Space to its default settings, follow these instructions:
- Activate the OFF position on the power switch. Hold off till the drive turns off.
- Activate the drive.
- Immediately after 3 seconds, turn the switch OFF once more.
- Just turn it on now.
The device is self-resetting if the light flashes rapidly. After roughly a minute, try connecting to the drive once more with the default login and password (by default, they are both admin.)
On a Mac, how do you reset an external hard drive?
Fortunately, reformatting an external drive on a Mac is a rather simple procedure. Apple even includes a built-in program for this purpose with Macs. It’s crucial to note that formatting a disk will delete everything on it, so transfer any important files before completing the instructions below.
- Connect your Mac to your external disk.
- Activate Disk Utility. Using Spotlight (Command + Space) or by navigating to Finder > Applications > Utilities, you can look for the software.
- Under the External Drive subheading on the left-hand side, choose the external drive. Make sure the drive you want to reformat is the one you want to use if you use more than one disk because the process is essentially irreversible.
- Click Erase when you’re ready to do so.
- Enter the drive’s name and choose the desired format from the Format dropdown menu.
- The time it takes to reformat your drive will depend on the type of drive you’re using and the quantity of your storage, but it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. Before deleting the drive, you will also be asked if you want to run First Aid on it. This is mostly for people who have corrupted drives, so feel free to avoid it if you choose.
If you chose ExFAT, you can now use your external drive with Windows, Linux, and your Mac. See additional information about maximizing the use of your Mac and its accessories at
How can I get my LaCie backup back?
- Launch “External Devices Recovery” by selecting it. Hard drive recovery with Recoverit.
- Scan the external hard disk from LaCie. Your LaCie hard drive will undergo a short scan by Recoverit Data Recovery.
- data recovery for LaCie drives. You can examine all recoverable files following the scan.
Why is the light on my LaCie hard drive blinking?
You can determine the general status of your LaCie d2 by using the list of colors below.
The USB-C cable is not linked to a powered computer, the power cable is not connected to a live power outlet, or the product is off.
The host computer is in sleep mode, thus the product is in power-saving mode. Technical note is provided below.
Some devices may give off erroneous warnings about failing fans. Even though there are no issues with the fan at this point, the red LED will turn on. Please refer to this page for further information if the LED on your device occasionally or consistently turns red.
Technical information about Windows and power-saving mode: On computers running Windows 8 or higher, the LaCie d2 can be put into power-saving mode. It is possible, nonetheless, for the LED to turn off permanently as opposed to flashing blue every 10 seconds.
On my LaCie hard drive, how do I access the files?
Double-click LaCie Setup after opening the LACIE SETUP volume on your desktop. The LaCie hard drive may be recognized by Windows AutoPlay as soon as it is connected to your computer. Double-click LaCie Setup if the AutoPlay dialog displays, then select Open folder to see files using Windows Explorer.
How can I install LaCie again?
You can upgrade the firmware on the LaCie LaCinema Classic by putting downloadable firmware updates in the Update folder. Introducing new firmware:
- The most recent LaCinema Classic firmware download should be chosen. Your PC and LaCinema Classic should be connected. Drag the firmware file you just downloaded into the LaCinema Classic’s Update folder. The LaCinema Classic should now be connected to your TV instead of your computer.
- from the main menu, select Browser view.
- Press the Play button to access the Update folder after selecting it.
- Press the Play button after selecting the update.bin file. You will need to confirm the action before the firmware upgrade can start. It will take around 2 minutes to complete the update.
- The product will 6. automatically restart after the firmware upgrade is finished, displaying the main menu.
Why is the hard drive indicator on my LaCie Rugged flashing?
LED power behavior The power LED below the protective shell blinks if Rugged RAID Pro isn’t receiving enough power to function. Connect the power supply to a live power outlet after connecting the power cord to Rugged RAID Pro if the power LED light is blinking.
How is an external hard disk reformatted?
Performing a drive reformat in Windows
- Connect the drive, then launch Windows Explorer.
- Select Format from the drop-down menu by performing a right-click on the drive.
- Give your drive a name under “Volume label,” choose the file system you want, and make sure the Quick Format option is checked.
- The computer will reformat your drive when you click Start.
When the procedure is finished, you can launch Windows Explorer and access the external drive.
On my Mac, how can I install LaCie?
- Enter diskmgmt.msc in the Search box. Double-click Disk Management in the search results.
- To format the partition, it must be accessible. If it is already formatted, choose Delete from the context menu when you right-click the partition.