trying to put a virtual machine onto an external drive

[kasuke06]

This has probably been posted before, but i could really use some help.

I'm running a macbook(2ghz, 2gb,10.5.7) and quickly running out of space(500-ish mgs left) and have parallels 4.0.3848 and have tried dragging and dropping the folder from documents on to the external drive, but it gives me error code 0 "Sorry, the operation could not be completed because an unexpected error occurred" have also tried dragging it while holding command and get the same error

also tried dragging the .pvm file onto the drive and still got the same error

the external drive is a hitachi, uses usb cables(2 connection to the computer, 1 to the drive itself) fat32 format, and has more than enough space for the files

 

[simsaladimbamba]

The FAT32 file system (format) will limit you to a maximum file size of 4GB. Either partition it via Disk Utility and add an HFS+ (Mac OS Extended) partition or find another way.

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

Guide on how to use Disk Utility from the restore / installation DVD.
Format Your Hard Drive Using Disk Utility
Partition Your Hard Drive With Disk Utility

 

[kasuke06]

I'm trying to partion the drive now, 2 partitions with with mac os extended(journaled) format? that sound right for this? also, will it wipe the rest of the drive out?

 

[simsaladimbamba]

I'm trying to partion the drive now, 2 partitions with with mac os extended(journaled) format? that sound right for this?

Yes.

also, will it wipe the rest of the drive out?

Partitioning will not erase any data you have on the HDD, if that is what you worry about.

 

[kasuke06]

thanks, and i should have been more specific,my bad. I was trying to ask if it would wipe the external.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

thanks, and i should have been more specific,my bad. I was trying to ask if it would wipe the external.

It will not wipe the external HDD, but Disk utility gives you a warning if it does, as it displays status messages after you hit "apply", which explain what will be done.

 

[balamw]

Partitioning will not erase any data you have on the HDD, if that is what you worry about.

???

By default if you select a new partition scheme in disk utility it will wipe the HDD.

B

 

[simsaladimbamba]

???

By default if you select a new partition scheme in disk utility it will wipe the HDD.

B

I should have clarified I guess.
If one selects the HDD and then the PARTITION tab, one can click the little "+" button below the partition diagram to add another partition.
I did it yesterday, twice, and no data has been deleted.

 

[kasuke06]

finally finished copying away the files, and when i tried to partition it gave me an error saying it could not unmount the disk on the external drive,

 

[kasuke06]

never mind, i just neded to restart the computer(run out of battery by accident) everything is partitioned and copying properly so far, thanks for all the help