sparklybella

Q: I recently configured an external HD to use with Time Machine and now I can't use it on a PC anymore.

I can't use the HD (1T) on a PC anymore after erasing it and backing up. is this reversible or do I have to buy a new HD for PC use only? Could I try erasing the Time Machine archives?

MacBook Air, null

Posted on Nov 23, 2015 7:05 AM

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Q: I recently configured an external HD to use with Time Machine and now I can't use it on a PC anymore.

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Niel,

    Niel Niel Nov 23, 2015 7:10 AM in response to sparklybella
    Level 10 (312,936 points)
    Mac OS X
    Nov 23, 2015 7:10 AM in response to sparklybella

    You need to either reformat or repartition the drive, or install a product such as MacDrive on the PC.

     

    (136498)

  • by Vishal2014,

    Vishal2014 Vishal2014 Nov 23, 2015 8:27 PM in response to sparklybella
    Level 2 (202 points)
    Mac OS X
    Nov 23, 2015 8:27 PM in response to sparklybella

    I advise you to repartition the hard drive with HFS and NTFS file system. Your HFS will run Time Machine backup and NTFS will surely help you use it on Windows.

  • by BobHarris,Apple recommended

    BobHarris BobHarris Nov 24, 2015 7:23 AM in response to sparklybella
    Level 6 (19,479 points)
    Mac OS X
    Nov 24, 2015 7:23 AM in response to sparklybella

    Is the disk going to also be used for Windows backups?  If so, I would lean towards giving Windows its own dedicated backup disk.

     

    Disks are cheap compared to the cost of loosing your unique data.

     

    But if you do want to share that disk with Windows, I would go with 's idea and partition the disk with a large partition Mac OS Extended (Journaled)  for Time Machine, and an exFAT partition for Windows if you intended to use the disk to transfer data between Mac and Windows, or NTFS if the Windows partition is Windows ONLY and going to be used for Windows backups.