How to format external back up drive.?

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

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  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.
     
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  2. CoastalOR, Jun 16, 2016

    CoastalOR macrumors 68020

    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.
     
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  3. Fishrrman, Jun 17, 2016

    Fishrrman macrumors P6

    Fishrrman

    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...
     
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