How do I format a WD HD to use on a Mac??

[spoodinski]

Hi

I have a 600GB HD that is currently configured to a Windows system. So it won't allow me to "modify" it on my mac - if I try to use it I can only use the files that have been put on through another Windows computer and can't put any more on or delete what's there. I have looked at all the help sites but I simply don't understand any of the vocab they're using!! I just want to be able to "modify" it on my Mac (ie. put/use/delete/transfer files ) - I don't know what partitions and journals are so please help!!

Can anyone please tell me how to change it so I can use put files, transfer and delete them on my HD at ease on just my mac. I don't need it for Windows.

Thanks!!

 

[Hellhammer]

It's currently formatted as NTFS which Snow Leopard can read but not write. To enable reading, download and install NTFS-3G. If you don't need it with your PC anymore, you can just format it to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) with Disk Utility (deletes ALL files)

 

[416049]

Also when you wanna reformat it, insert your Mac OS X install disk start/restart the mac and press C on startup then chose Disk Utility and format it in the GUID partition for use with mac

 

[ahm]

If it's an external drive, you can just do that from Disk Utilty in your operating system. No need to use the disk.

 

[dravenrocks]

Similar problem.

I have a terrabyte external HD and i've formatted it for use with my Mac. I moved litterally all my pics,videos and music onto it,so i could play it through my 2 USB enabled DVD players.......neither of them can read my hard drive. It just shows empty.

I'm guessing this is something to do with it being formatted for Mac?

 

[spinnerlys]

Similar problem.

I'm guessing this is something to do with it being formatted for Mac?

Yes, as HFS+ (Mac OS Extended) is most likely not supported by those players, You need to have it formatted with FAT32 or maybe even NTFS, just take a look into the manuals of those players.

 

[dravenrocks]

Yes, as HFS+ (Mac OS Extended) is most likely not supported by those players, You need to have it formatted with FAT32 or maybe even NTFS, just take a look into the manuals of those players.

Cheers. Can i format it with FAT32 or NTFS from my Mac?

 

[Bengt77]

Be aware of the fact that FAT32 is an immensely old and stupid file system that can only hold files of up to 4GB in size. A file with a size above that just won't copy over. Many newer media files are above that size. No luck for you then! And Mac OS X can't write natively to either NTFS or FATX, which do accept file sizes above 4GB. There are software solutions to make Mac OS X write to NTFS disks, though.