How to format external back up drive.?

Discussion in 'Mac Basics and Help' started by vim147, Jun 16, 2016.

Most Liked Posts
  1. vim147, Jun 16, 2016

    vim147 macrumors regular

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2011
    #1
    I have a 1tb 2.5" external drive for my back up music albums. Which format should I choose to format it in?

    I want it to work in my mac and also in my my other windows pc.
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  2. CoastalOR, Jun 16, 2016

    CoastalOR macrumors 68000

    CoastalOR

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2015
    Location:
    Oregon, USA
    #2
    If your Windows PC OS is Windows 7 or later, then use exfat. It should work for backup since it is readable and writeable by Mac & PC.
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
    Weaselboy likes this.
  3. Fishrrman, Jun 17, 2016

    Fishrrman macrumors G3

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2009
    #3
    If you're going to put important Mac files onto it, I suggest that you initialize it "for the Mac" using HFS+.

    Things just work out better that way.

    For cross-platform (Mac to PC) compatibility, use a DIFFERENT drive of some sort, such as a higher-capacity USB flash drive.

    One last thought:
    If the files you put on it are valuable, then you MUST also keep a copy of those files on ANOTHER drive.
    One copy is not enough...
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)

Share This Page