Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-19

How to Fix: 'Device not configured' error with cp and rsync (NTFS volume on Mac)

Backup data from external hard drive to another using cp and rsync on Mac with NTFS volume

Quick Answer: Use the -H option with cp and rsync to preserve extended attributes, or use the --preserve-attrs option with rsync.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 🛑 Root Causes of the Error
  2. 🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps
  3. 💡 Conclusion

The error 'Device not configured' occurs when trying to copy files from one external hard drive to another using cp and/or rsync on a Mac. This issue affects users who have mounted their external drives on their Mac's file system.

This error can be frustrating as it prevents the user from completing their backup process, which is essential for data preservation and security.

🛑 Root Causes of the Error

  • The primary reason for this error is that the NTFS volume on the Seagate external hard drive has not been properly configured to allow file system access. This can occur due to various reasons such as incorrect disk partitioning or missing necessary configuration files.
  • Alternatively, the issue might be caused by a permissions problem or a misconfigured user account.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Mounting the NTFS Volume Using Disk Utility

  1. Step 1: Open Disk Utility on your Mac and select the disk containing the Seagate external hard drive (e.g., /dev/disk3).
  2. Step 2: Click on the 'First Aid' tab and then click 'Fix Disk'. This will attempt to repair any errors on the disk.
  3. Step 3: After fixing the disk, go back to the 'Partition' tab and click on the '+'' button to create a new partition. Select 'NTFS' as the file system type.
  4. Step 4: Click 'Apply' to apply the changes and then 'OK' to close Disk Utility.

Using Third-Party Tools to Mount NTFS Volumes

  1. Step 1: Download and install a third-party tool such as HFSExplorer or NTFS for Mac. These tools can mount the NTFS volume without requiring administrative privileges.
  2. Step 2: Launch the installed tool and select the Seagate external hard drive (e.g., /dev/disk3) from the list of available disks.
  3. Step 3: The tool will attempt to mount the disk, allowing you to access its contents.

💡 Conclusion

To complete your backup, once the NTFS volume is properly configured or mounted using a third-party tool, you can proceed with copying files using cp and/or rsync. Make sure to verify that the destination directory exists and has the correct permissions before attempting the copy operation.

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