---
id: finder-location.finder-cant-find-the-original-but-the-drive-is-connected
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/finder-location/finder-cant-find-the-original-but-the-drive-is-connected
category: "Finding things in Finder"
subcategory: "When the drive isn't connected"
question: "Finder says the original item can't be found, but my external drive is plugged in — what's wrong?"
alt_questions:
  - "Shortcut broken even though drive is connected"
  - "original item can't be found Mac external drive connected"
  - "Moved file won't open with drive attached"
  - "Storage Studio shortcut not working drive plugged in"
  - "Relocated folder opens nothing"
short_answer: "Usually the drive is connected but not mounted or not yet recognised — click Remount fast drive and check Inspect fast drive reads Verified. If it still fails, the Relocated panel flags shortcuts whose data is missing."
tags: ["troubleshooting", "shortcut", "remount"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/finder-location/what-does-a-broken-relocation-mean", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/finder-location/why-is-show-in-finder-greyed-out", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/finder-location/what-happens-to-shortcuts-when-the-drive-is-unplugged"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Finder says the original item can't be found, but my external drive is plugged in — what's wrong?

Usually the drive is physically connected but not mounted, or Storage Studio can't confirm it's your prepared drive yet. Less often, the item's data was moved or deleted on the drive outside Storage Studio.

Try these in order:

1. Look at the popover. If the header is red, click **Remount fast drive**, then check **Inspect fast drive** reads **Verified**.
2. Make sure it's the same drive you set up — another disk with the same name won't do.
3. Open **What's Using Space** → **Relocated (N)** and read the item's warning. A shortcut whose data is gone is flagged there with what you can do about it.

See [what a broken relocation means](https://storagestudio.us/faq/finder-location/what-does-a-broken-relocation-mean).