Copying files to a PC

[bcemail]

I think this is correct, but someone then told me different, so I just need some confirmation.

I would like to transfer lots of media from my Mac external HDD to a PC's internal HDD. If I unplug from the Mac, plug into the PC, and drag everything over onto the PC HDD, will everything work OK? I don't need to worry about disc formats? I think this is correct since I'm not going to be writing from both Mac and PC. I just want to transfer over then remove the external HDD from the PC.

Thanks!

 

[Juicy Box]

If I unplug from the Mac, plug into the PC, and drag everything over onto the PC HDD, will everything work OK?

This depends on what you are transferring, but if it is a simple document that can be used on an app on Windows, then yes it will work.

I don't need to worry about disc formats?

You will need your external drive to be formatted with a file system that Windows can read. The standard HFS+ that Macs use cannot be read nor written by Windows (without special software), and NTSF, Windows' standard, can be read by Mac, but not written. FATEX or FAT32 would be a FS that both OS can read and write on. Either would be fine, but FATEX can read/write files larger than 4GB.

Do you know the files system of the external drive you have?

 

[bcemail]

Looks like it's "Mac OS extended (journaled)". Does this mean Windows can't even read it? The PC HDD is still empty if I need to change its format. The PC isn't set up yet but it's a brand new HDD. Maybe format it to FATEX, pop it in an external enclosure, copy using the Mac, then install it back into the new PC? A bit of work but if it gets the job done.
The files are mostly pictures, music, movies, etc. Thanks again!

 

[prisstratton]

Here is another option for you. Paragon Software makes a HFS+ driver for Windows that allows it to read Mac formatted (HFS+) drives. They also have a product for the Mac OS that allows a Mac to read NTFS formatted drives. The driver is FREE to use for ten days, after which you need to purchase a license to continue using it.

Information and download, here:

https://www.paragon-software.com/home/hfs-windows/

 

[bcemail]

Here is another option for you. Paragon Software makes a HFS+ driver for Windows that allows it to read Mac formatted (HFS+) drives. They also have a product for the Mac OS that allows a Mac to read NTFS formatted drives. The driver is FREE to use for ten days, after which you need to purchase a license to continue using it.

Information and download, here:

https://www.paragon-software.com/home/hfs-windows/

Thanks, that looks like what I need! So once the PC can read the external drive with this software, will I be able to copy the files to the PC HDD, and then they will be on a disk with the correct format?

 

[elf69]

I use paragon on the Mac.

I have many external HDD from before I swapped to Mac and still need use these on windows.
my cure was to buy paragon for Mac so I can read and write to NTFS.

this was the external drive can be used on my Mac and friends windows machines.

but yes paragon does it for windows too to read a Mac drive.

 

[prisstratton]

Thanks, that looks like what I need! So once the PC can read the external drive with this software, will I be able to copy the files to the PC HDD, and then they will be on a disk with the correct format?

Yes, you will be all "good to go".......Don't forget that you only get ten days free use out it, after that you need to pay to retain the functionality.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote:
"Looks like it's "Mac OS extended (journaled)". Does this mean Windows can't even read it?"

My suggestion is that you DO NOT attempt to plug this drive into the PC.

Instead, I would suggest this:
- Get a USB flashdrive. Perhaps 64gb or even 128gb.
- Initialize it on the PC. Use exFAT (I think, I don't do Windows)
- Take it to the Mac -- it should "mount right up" on the desktop.
- Now, connect the external drive that has the media on it.
- Copy from the external drive to the USB drive
- Take the USB drive to the PC, and "copy it over".
- Delete the files from the USB drive, take it back to the Mac, and repeat.

Yes, I realize this will take a little more effort.
But it will safely move the stuff over, without endangering the Mac-formatted drive.

 

[ActionableMango]

If the computers are on the same network, I'd just use file sharing which eliminates the file system incompatibility issue altogether.