Moving files to an External HD

[BlakeBrattina]

So when I initially purchased my MBP ,I had an old desktop (HP). I purchased an external HD to copy all of my files, mostly music to transfer to my new computer. I had transferred everything successfully, however, now with some new downloads (movies/music), I cannot put anything back to the external HD? When I go to drag it shows the circle with a slash (obviously not allowing the transfer). Any reason why? The hard drive is compatible with both PC and Mac

 

[simsaladimbamba]

It is using NTFS as file system, which Mac OS X can't write to.

FAT32 (File Allocation Table)

• Read/Write FAT32 from both native Windows and native Mac OS X.
• Maximum file size: 4GB.
• Maximum volume size: 2TB

NTFS (Windows NT File System)

• Read/Write NTFS from native Windows.
• Read only NTFS from native Mac OS X
• To Read/Write/Format NTFS from Mac OS X: Install NTFS-3G for Mac OS X (free)
• Some have reported problems using Tuxera (approx 33USD).
• Native NTFS support can be enabled in Snow Leopard, but is not advisable, due to instability.
• AirPort Extreme (802.11n) and Time Capsule do not support NTFS
• Maximum file size: 16 TB
• Maximum volume size: 256TB

HFS+ (Hierarchical File System, a.k.a. Mac OS Extended)

• Read/Write HFS+ from native Mac OS X
• Required for Time Machine or Carbon Copy Cloner backups of Mac internal hard drive.
• To Read/Write HFS+ from Windows, Install MacDrive
• To Read HFS+ (but not Write) from Windows, Install HFSExplorer
• Maximum file size: 8EiB
• Maximum volume size: 8EiB

exFAT (FAT64)

• Supported in Mac OS X only in 10.6.5 or later.
• exFAT partitions created with OS X 10.6.5 are inaccessible from Windows 7
• Not all Windows versions support exFAT. See disadvantages.
• exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table)
• AirPort Extreme (802.11n) and Time Capsule do not support exFAT
• Maximum file size: 16 EiB
• Maximum volume size: 64 ZiB

If you will not use that HDD with Windows further, copy all data off the HDD, reformat it using Disk Utility and copy the data back.
If you will use the HDD with Windows (from XP SP3 onwards), use exFAT as file system, thus copy the data off the HDD and then format it and copy it back.

Format Your Hard Drive Using Disk Utility
Partition Your Hard Drive With Disk Utility

Using Disk Utility - Formatting, Partitioning, Verifying, and Repairing Disks
​

 

[BlakeBrattina]

So before I erase all of the old Windows based files, I just want to make sure I am reading this tutorial correctly.

It wants me to delete everything that is on the HDD at the moment (meaning I have to put it all on the MacBook first. And then, I will have to re-place it on, while making it a different file?

 

[-tWv-]

What is your hard drive formatted as? If it is NTFS you don't have to reformat it, you can just install ntfs-3g in order to give your mac NTFS read/write capabilities. This has worked great for me and I have been using it for over a year now with no issues.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

So before I erase all of the old Windows based files, I just want to make sure I am reading this tutorial correctly.

It wants me to delete everything that is on the HDD at the moment (meaning I have to put it all on the MacBook first. And then, I will have to re-place it on, while making it a different file?

File systems are like languages. The information stays the same, but how it is stored is different. As Mac OS X is not able to write to the format Windows uses (natively, if we talk about NTFS), you either need additional software or you have to change the language of the HDD.
By doing so, you will not alter the content or the file types.

Anyway, once you have copied all the data of that HDD and performed the re-format and copy the data back, the data will be the same and not be different files.
If you choose Mac OS Extended as file system, Windows will not be able to read or write to the HDD without additional software.
If you choose exFAT, Windows and Mac OS X will be able to write and read the HDD.

Here is some information about file systems.

 

[BlakeBrattina]

It's a Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex purchased about a month ago. Not sure what format it runs with to be honest. I will read about all of the formatting in the mean time

 

[simsaladimbamba]

It's a Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex purchased about a month ago. Not sure what format it runs with to be honest. I will read about all of the formatting in the mean time

To find out the format (it will most probably be NTFS, otherwise you would be able to write to it), right click on the HDD icon and select GET INFO and look under FORMAT.

 

[BlakeBrattina]

And just for kicks, here is the link to the exact model.

http://reviews.cnet.com/external-ha...goflex-pro/4505-3190_7-34083308.html?tag=also

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Image

And just for kicks, here is the link to the exact model.

http://reviews.cnet.com/external-ha...goflex-pro/4505-3190_7-34083308.html?tag=also

Okay, now I am confused.
You are able to read or/and write to the HDD in Mac OS X?
OR
You are able to read or/and write to the HDD in Windows?

As the HDD is formatted, you should be able to WRITE to the HDD in Mac OS X, or did I understand you wrong in your first post and you meant, you can't write (copy) to the HDD in Windows?

What does it say under SHARING & PERMISSIONS in the GET INFO window of that HDD?

 

[BlakeBrattina]

In all honesty, it has now been converted regardless which is probably why it has read that way. Prior that screenshot however, I was UNABLE to write to the Hard Drive when attempting to drag and drop into the HDD menu.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

In all honesty, it has now been converted regardless which is probably why it has read that way. Prior that screenshot however, I was UNABLE to write to the Hard Drive when attempting to drag and drop into the HDD menu.

You mean you have used Disk Utility already to re-format the HDD I guess?
Anyway, you don't seem to have a problem anymore I guess again?

In the meantime, if you haven't clicked on it yet:

Helpful Information for Any Mac User by GGJstudios​