Using external hard drive (Tuxera), already have TM backup drive

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Level 1

4 points

Using external hard drive (Tuxera), already have TM backup drive

Hi

I am considering signing up for a cloud service as my photos and music collection is getting so large. I've a 2010 iMac running OS X 10.9.1 and I keep getting messages about my start up disc being full

Before I sign up for the cloud, which I'm still investigating, I also want to keep a spare back up copy of my photos which are very precious to me, and I recently picked up a 500gb Toshiba HD (Tuxera) in a sale

I'm not tech literate so my question is before setting up the Tuxera NTFS for Mac, is there anything I need to do with my TM Backup which I run off a Lacie external HD?

Many tnx

Posted on Apr 6, 2014 7:13 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Apr 6, 2014 1:01 PM in response to BAC

The only reason why you would need that software is to be able to write to a drive formatted for Windows. If the drive doesn't need to be used with a Windows PC, erase it and format it for OS X in Disk Utility.

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Answer 2

BAC Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 7, 2014 10:30 AM in response to Linc Davis

Many thanks

So when i use Tuxera to run the Toshiba HD, I can just plug it in and there's nothing I have to worry about in relation to the Lacie HD which I use for TM Backup?

🙂

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Answer 3

Eric Root

Level 10

684,063 points

Apr 7, 2014 10:43 AM in response to BAC

It shouldn't interfere with your Time Machine drive, but why not format the drive for OSX as Linc suggested.

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Answer 4

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Apr 7, 2014 10:45 AM in response to BAC

The Tuxera software modifies the operating system at a low level. Such modifications sometimes cause problems, and you shouldn't use them unless they're necessary. If the drive came formatted for Windows and you don't want to use it with Windows, just reformat it.

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Answer 5

BAC Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 18, 2014 1:27 AM in response to Linc Davis

Thaks for the response, I've been travelling for a few weeks so not had time to attend to this

Not decided yet whether I should use the external drive (which is Toshiba) after reformatting for OSX using Tuxera, If there's potential problems I may just avoid doing that

thanks again

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