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Reformatting Question
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Reformatting Question

dj_blueprint 4:54 AM - 24 December, 2006
I recently purchased an external HD (with a fan, another post on that below, lol) and I want to have it work with my Mac and PC.

I've already searched the forums...

My question is that since my external HD can be written over by my PC but not my Mac - is it because it's read only on the Mac?

Do I just need to go to Disk Utility (on the Mac) and reformat to Mac OS Extended (journaled)? (I don't want to just yet in fear of doing something dangerous)

Second, will this affect it's FAT32 status (so that it will be compatible with PC+Mac)

The EXTERNAL: cgi.ebay.com

Seagate 320GB 7200RPM 16MB HARD DRIVE
METAL GEAR BOX USB2.0+1394 Firewire External Enclosure Kit +
dj_blueprint 5:12 AM - 24 December, 2006
..anyone?
MusicMeister 1:06 AM - 25 December, 2006
Are you sure the file system on the drive is FAT32 and not NTFS? NTFS can be read by Mac OS but not written.

However, there are 3rd party utilities that 'fix' this limitation of the operating system.

If you reformat the drive you won't be able to read it under Windows XP without a 3rd party utility.

FAT32 is the only option that would allow you to use it under both operating systems without a 3rd party driver of some sort.