How to format partition to FAT32??

Discussion in 'MacBook Pro' started by Jellezilla, Jan 24, 2012.

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  1. Jellezilla, Jan 24, 2012

    Jellezilla macrumors newbie

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    #1
    Hi guys.

    I have a macbook pro and recently bought a WD Passport Studio.

    First of, I have found out that the WD might have some problems with being found on Windows. It is said that this issue can be solved by trying a shorter USB cable. This, I personally haven't tried because I apparently don't own such a thing. :/

    But what I am trying, and what I wanna ask you, is whether or not it is possible to format half to FAT32. As it is now I have 2 partitions - both Mac journal.
    I have tried to get plugins and use disk utility to format it to FAT32, but here is it only possible to format the whole thing and not just one of my partitions.
    Then I tried to format one of the partitions to NTFS-3g, but due to the first issue above, I can't format it in windows, since I cannot see it. :(


    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    - And please don't suggest other formats or discuss what is best, because I am certain of what I need.
     
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  2. simsaladimbamba, Jan 24, 2012

    simsaladimbamba Guest

    simsaladimbamba

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    #2
    I know, you told us not to suggest anything, but have you considered exFAT yet?
    I assume, FAT32 and NTFS can't be used on an external HDD, which uses GUID as partition map scheme.
     
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  3. Jellezilla, Jan 24, 2012

    Jellezilla thread starter macrumors newbie

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    #3
    Hmm.. Hadn't considered that one. But the issue is, I want it to be compatible with my PS3, and no other than FAT32 seems to do the deed.
     
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  4. heisenberg123, Jan 24, 2012

    heisenberg123 macrumors 603

    heisenberg123

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    #4
    just taking a guess here but would this work

    make the 2 partitions on a windows PC, make one FAT32 make the other(anythign)

    when you plug into Mac can you than format the 2nd partition to Mac Journaled?
     
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  5. Jellezilla, Jan 24, 2012

    Jellezilla thread starter macrumors newbie

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    #5
    I see your point ^^

    So now I just booted in windows. And I can find the WD passport in devices and printers, yet I cannot see or access it. If I view details, it says:
    "Status: Not initialized"

    I tried to upgrade ze drivers, but found that I have the newest.
     
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  6. simsaladimbamba, Jan 24, 2012

    simsaladimbamba Guest

    simsaladimbamba

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    #6
    I don't know if it is called the same in newer Windows version (Vista and 7), but go to Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Computer Management > Disk Management to see your external HDD and format it properly.
    There may be a guide or two on the www on how to do this properly in Windows.
     
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  7. Jellezilla, Jan 24, 2012

    Jellezilla thread starter macrumors newbie

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    #7
    still not able to see the external hdd in windows. not even in disk management.

    Well, I think I'm just gonna have to find a way that windows will recognize my passport studio.
    That would solve the whole thing and be the optimal thing to do. But it is easier said than done. Anyways, thank for your suggestions.
    I guess the steps from here, doesn't regard anything about macs.
     
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  8. heisenberg123, Jan 24, 2012

    heisenberg123 macrumors 603

    heisenberg123

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    #8
    what operating system is the Windows PC using?

    try this guide

    http://ask-leo.com/how_do_i_format_and_partition_my_new_external_hard_disk.html
     
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  9. DavoteK, Jan 24, 2012

    DavoteK macrumors 6502

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    #9
    Was having similar issues and have a few external hds that I access and wanted to use on my iMac without such mundane problems that is always a load of work to get around, so just went and bought an NTFS driver (I went with Paragon, although there are others). Means you don't have to faff about with different partitions to get a Mac and a Windows machine to recognise it and you'll find that the majority of external hard drives are NTFS these days.

    http://www.paragon-software.com/home/ntfs-mac/
     
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