xternal Hard Drive for Time Machine Backups and File Storage

[thecoldlezard]

Hi All,

I would like to split my external HD to be used for Time Machine Backups and File Storage together. Apparently this is possible (http://osxdaily.com/2013/05/01/use-single-hard-drive-time-machine-and-file-storage/).
However, I am curious to know if the newly partitioned HD would be always useful on Windows? or it will become mac exclusive ?

Thank you in advance

 

[ColdCase]

The files on the external HD do not need backed up right? If the external drive fails, you would be OK losing both the TM backup and files right?

There are third party apps that make wondose somewhat useful, regardless of disk format

 

[Fishrrman]

"I am curious to know if the newly partitioned HD would be always useful on Windows? or it will become mac exclusive ?"

My suggestion (my opinion only, others' may differ):

If you are going to use an external drive for backing up the Mac and other important file storage, DO NOT use a "cross-platform" format. That is, use ONLY HFS+ for the ENTIRE drive.

You won't be able to connect this to a PC. But I've read reports, again and again, from folks who had a drive formatted "cross-platform", and after hooking up to Windows, suddenly lost all their Mac files. POOF! And they were gone!

Cross-platform formats are fine for stuff you can "afford to lose".
But I wouldn't trust it for "the important files"

Again, my opinon only.

Also, I wouldn't trust my files to Time Machine only.

Get either CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper, and create a _real_ bootable backup. Having that second "boot source" will save your behind in a "moment of extreme need"...

 

[blueroom]

Consider a good NAS instead, like a Synology.