Question about formatting external hard drives...

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Question about formatting external hard drives...

Hi guys,

I recently ordered my first MacBook Pro which is on it's way! Was reading up on the best way to transfer my files from my Windows laptop to my Mac and got a little confused when it came to the whole formatting of external hard drives.

I needed an external hard drive anyway as I have A LOT of music which I'd like to back up for safety, so I have no issues with paying for one. So I at first need to use it to transfer files from my Windows laptop to my Mac, and then be able to use it as backup for the Mac.

When trying to work it out for myself I thought FAT32 was the way for me to go, but I then read the maximum size of a file can only be 4GB, and my iTunes folder is 42GB itself, so I'm guessing that won't work.

I've exhaused myself trying to work out what it all means and I don't feel like I've got anywhere with it. I just want to be able to transfer from my Windows laptop to my Mac and then use it to backup my music from my Mac. Can anyone help me figure this thing out and advise me on what I need to do? Which one do I buy?

Thanks guys,

Craig

Posted on Sep 3, 2013 6:54 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

PlotinusVeritas

Level 6

14,872 points

Sep 3, 2013 6:59 PM in response to CReckless

the answer youre looking for is format in ExFat

ExFat you can read and write to/from BOTH Mac and PC

AND put files on same larger than the 4gig max limit otherwise.

As to what you buy, get a nice Hitachi/Toshiba (both made by Hitachi) 1TB HD (or larger).

steer away from WD. Seagate is a perfect choice in 3.5" HD, but expert consensus in 2.5" is Hitachi/Toshiba.

1TB quality USB 3.0 HD now are running $65 per terabyte in 2.5" and $50 per TB in 3.5" external

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Answer 2

CReckless Author

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Sep 3, 2013 7:03 PM in response to PlotinusVeritas

Thank you for the quick reply! Do any of these external hard drives come formatted as ExFat out the box?

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Answer 3

Sep 3, 2013 7:11 PM in response to CReckless

None that Ive ever seen, however formatting in same takes all of about 5 seconds inside disk utility once attached to your macbook.

I have 4 or 5 HD formatted in Exfat for file transfers between Mac and PC and for large PDF portfolio files and Video files in the 5gig + range.

Read this tidbit for some of the details, very informative:

http://digitalunion.osu.edu/2012/08/07/exfat-formatting-your-flash-drive-for-bot h-pc-and-mac/

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Answer 4

nbar

Level 5

7,019 points

Sep 3, 2013 7:22 PM in response to CReckless

I would suggest formatting the drive as exFAT in Windows, then transferring the data. Disk Utility is known to cause issues when using the drive in Windows and subsequently transferring data to OS X after formatting drives as exFAT.

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Answer 5

CReckless Author

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Sep 4, 2013 3:20 AM in response to PlotinusVeritas

Ahhh ok so formatting it to exFAT is an easy click of a few buttons? Can any hard drive be formatted to exFAT or is it only particular ones?

Also, my dad said he'd like to back up some of his own files from his windows computer. If we had a hard drive formatted to exFAT, would we both be able to use it? (Providing it was big enough)

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Answer 6

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Sep 4, 2013 3:25 AM in response to CReckless

CReckless wrote:

Can any hard drive be formatted to exFAT or is it only particular ones?

Any HDD that is labeled as a SATA drive.

Also, my dad said he'd like to back up some of his own files from his windows computer. If we had a hard drive formatted to exFAT, would we both be able to use it? (Providing it was big enough)

Yes, but I do not recommend it on general principle. What if your dad has to take it away for some reason. You then are left without it for your purposes.

Ciao

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Answer 7

CReckless Author

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Sep 4, 2013 3:54 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Thank you! Are SATA drives harder to find or should most of them be like this?

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Answer 8

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

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Sep 4, 2013 4:05 AM in response to CReckless

Most HDDs will be SATA,

Ciao.

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Answer 9

CReckless Author

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Sep 4, 2013 10:23 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

I came across this external hard drive in my local Maplins store today. It says "Use it interchangeably on your PC or your Mac computer without reformatting." Is it really as simple as it says?!

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Answer 10

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Sep 4, 2013 10:29 AM in response to CReckless

If it is formatted correctly then yes. There are formats that are common to both, ExFAT being one. Most External HDDs are formatted for PCs, not Macs. Even if the advertising is bogus, you still should be able to format it for your MBP.

Ciao.

Message was edited by: OGELTHORPE

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Answer 11

CReckless Author

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Sep 4, 2013 10:39 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Are we allowed to post links here? It's called the Seagate Back Up Plus...

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Answer 12

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

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Sep 4, 2013 10:46 AM in response to CReckless

Yes you certainly may post links here, but no xxx ones please. 🙂

Ciao.

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Answer 13

CReckless Author

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Sep 4, 2013 11:17 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Hahahah I'll bare that in mind! How does this look? http://www.seagate.com/external-hard-drives/portable-hard-drives/standard/backup -plus/

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Answer 14

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Sep 4, 2013 11:28 AM in response to CReckless

It looks good. I will take Seagate at their word.

I note that they provide some backup software. I would personally recommend using Time Machine or Carbon Copy Cloner. The former is integral with the Apple OS and is very easy to use. The latter allows you to have a boot drive if the situation requires it. (having both is the best option) The final decision is yours.

Ciao.

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Answer 15

CReckless Author

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Sep 4, 2013 1:02 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

Thank you very much I appreciate your time! Fingers crossed.

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