genericstud87
Level 1 (4 points)
Mac OS X

Q: unable to format external hard drive to mac format without losing data on el capitan

Hi All,

 

I have 600 GB of stored files on my HDD from my windows PC but now I want to use the external HDD to copy files from my macbook. But unfortunately there is no option of doing it.

I can imagine many others have face similar situation so ther must a solution to this problem from Apple.

When I go to disk utility and choose my external HDD(Seagate) I only see 2 options first aid and erase , the partition option is greyed out.

Can you please help how can I partition it partially for OS X format to write files , otherwise I have no other option to buy another HDD to copy data as my mac doesnt have 600GB space to copy the existing data and erase and copy it back again.

Any help is much appreciated.

 

Mac version : OSX El Capitan 10.11.6

 

Thanks

Subho

MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.6), null

Posted on Sep 18, 2016 5:09 PM

by Kappy,Apple recommended
Kappy Kappy
Level 10 (271,323 points)
Desktops
A:

You cannot reformat any drive without erasing all the data on the drive. You would need to backup the data onto another drive, reformat, then restore the backup. This is all you can do regardless of the OS.

Posted on Sep 18, 2016 5:22 PM

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genericstud87

Q: unable to format external hard drive to mac format without losing data on el capitan

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  • by Kappy,Apple recommended

    Kappy Kappy Sep 18, 2016 5:22 PM in response to genericstud87
    Level 10 (271,323 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 18, 2016 5:22 PM in response to genericstud87

    You cannot reformat any drive without erasing all the data on the drive. You would need to backup the data onto another drive, reformat, then restore the backup. This is all you can do regardless of the OS.