how do i format a wd my passport for use with my macbook?

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Level 1

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how do i format a wd my passport for use with my macbook?

ive only had my macbook for a short time so im a little unfamilar with the system.

i have late 2011 13" macbook pro 2.4, recently purchased a WD my passport essential se 1TB for extra storage.

the external HD will be used for storing photos, movies and music. but im a little unsure how to format it. i understand opening disk utility and erasing the drive, but what format do i select, mac os extended, exfat, ms-dos, etc...?

MacBook Pro, 13"

Posted on May 9, 2012 3:11 PM

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Answer 1

nathan51503 Author

Level 1

0 points

May 9, 2012 3:17 PM in response to nathan51503

think i figured it out. to read and write to the "passport" i need to format it to mac os exteneded, correct?

if this is the correct action and someone please explain to me what it means:

journaled

journaled encrypted

(case sensitive) journaled

??

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Answer 2

Courcoul

Level 6

18,838 points

May 9, 2012 3:21 PM in response to nathan51503

Before even worrying about the format, do the partitioning. Select the device, go to Partition and make sure the partition scheme is GUID Partition Table. That way, you can boot off any partition on the Passport once it contains a system. As for the format, use MacOS Extended (Journaled).

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Answer 3

ds store

Level 7

30,885 points

May 9, 2012 3:28 PM in response to nathan51503

Depends what you intend to do with the drive, if it's for also connecting to Windows PC's then you need to do things a bit differently.

A GUID and OS X Extended Journaled is what you need to work with a Mac, and also be able to boot the Mac from this drive.

Drives, partitions, formatting w/Mac's + PC's

Most commonly used backup methods explained

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