Q: Can't save files from iMac to external hard drive

Hi. I recently bought an iMac 27-inch 5k retina and i can't save files from the iMac to my external hard drive, which is a 1TB Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex. I formatted the hard drive before so i can use it on both Mac and PC. It works fine with my Macbook Pro. But not on my iMac. What could be the problem and how can i fix it? I don't want the hassle of backing up my hard drive and reformatting since it has a lot of files already on it. Please help

iMac with Retina 5K display, OS X El Capitan (10.11.1)

Posted on Apr 13, 2016 5:54 PM

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Q: Can't save files from iMac to external hard drive

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by Limnos,

Limnos Apr 13, 2016 5:58 PM in response to regene29
Level 9 (53,643 points)

Mac OS X

Apr 13, 2016 5:58 PM in response to regene29

Pray tell what is the format?

What happens when you try to copy files?

Macs can read but cannot write to NTFS without special software.
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by regene29,

regene29 Apr 13, 2016 6:14 PM in response to Limnos
Level 1 (8 points)

Desktops

Apr 13, 2016 6:14 PM in response to Limnos

It says here the format is Windows NT Filesystem.

I can copy and paste files when i plug it in my macbook pro or a PC. But when i use it with the iMac, I can open and copy existing files from the hard drive to my iMac but i can't paste files FROM my iMac TO the hard drive.

So if i can use it with my macbook then maybe i downloaded a software before and just not remember it. Do you know any software i can download? Thanks!
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by Limnos,Helpful

Limnos Apr 13, 2016 6:25 PM in response to regene29
Level 9 (53,643 points)

Mac OS X

Apr 13, 2016 6:25 PM in response to regene29

http://www.macbreaker.com/2014/06/how-to-enable-writing-to-ntfs-hard.html

Drives, partitions, formatting w/Mac's + PC's - https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3044

NTFS drivers for Macs (there may be others):

Paragon NTFS - http://www.paragon-software.com/home/ntfs-mac/ - recommendation: https://discussions.apple.com/message/18708633

Tuxera NTFS 2012.3.2 - http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/33122/tuxera-ntfs

NTFS for Mac OS X 9.5.3 - http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/26288/ntfs-for-mac-os-x

http://macntfs-3g.blogspot.com/ and http://i.vishalagarwal.com/post/30387627819/ntfs-write-on-lion-or-mountain-lion

Mac Drive for PCs - http://www.mediafour.com/products/macdrive
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by regene29,

regene29 Apr 13, 2016 6:26 PM in response to Limnos
Level 1 (8 points)

Desktops

Apr 13, 2016 6:26 PM in response to Limnos

Thank you so much! You've been a big help. Upon checking my macbook, it turns out i downloaded the paragon software.
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by Limnos,

Limnos Apr 13, 2016 7:37 PM in response to regene29
Level 9 (53,643 points)

Mac OS X

Apr 13, 2016 7:37 PM in response to regene29

You're welcome.
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Q: Can't save files from iMac to external hard drive

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by Limnos,

by regene29,

by Limnos,★Helpful

by regene29,

by Limnos,

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by Limnos,Helpful