How to access contents of a Windows-formatted USB-drive in OSX?

Hello. I am wondering how to access the contents of a Windows-formatted USB-drive in OSX?


This is an old USB drive from back in my Windows days and I'd like to salvage the contents since I no longer have any PC's to access it on..


When I insert the USB drive into my MacBook Pro 8,2, I get the message:

"The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer"


User uploaded file


Is there any way around this? I do not want to have to reformat the USB-drive and lose all the information that's on it, but I only have a Mac now and no longer have access to a PC..


**I do not want to have to install Windows or Booty Camp or any of that nonsense either**


Any apps or ways to accomplish moving the contents off this drive? Thanks!

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5)

Posted on Oct 10, 2014 6:09 AM

Reply
2 replies

Oct 10, 2014 6:38 AM in response to lip5016

OS X reads both FAT32 and NTFS -formatted drives. So I'm guessing there's some issue with the drive.

Maybe it can be repaired on someone else's Windows computer.


If you're adventurous (and an advanced user), read how to use the commandline utility "ntfsfix" that comes with NTFS-3G (free software):

http://hanxue-it.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-to-fix-corrupted-ntfs-drive-on-mac.htm l

BTW - I've never had to do this - try at your own risk.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

How to access contents of a Windows-formatted USB-drive in OSX?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.