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algernonep · algernonep #1 (**permalink**)

02-21-2010, 07:46 PM

I just ordered a 21.5" iMac. My consern is that I have 2 external hard drive and I don't know if they will be compatable with my new iMac. I have heard that I will have to reformat them to either Fat32 or Mac Os extended. Help... What should I do? I also want them to be able to be read on my PC too. Any help appreciated!

hughvane · hughvane #2 (**permalink**)

02-21-2010, 07:50 PM

Welcome to Mac-Forums!

FAT 32 will be compatible with both Mac and Win OS.

You don't need to use MacOS extended (also called 'journaled') unless you wish to use an external as a boot disk - which could be good idea with one of them.

If you've used your two externals as USB only, you might want to consider upgrading to a firewire 400/800 external enclosure. Much faster, especially with Mac.

algernonep · algernonep #3 (**permalink**)

02-21-2010, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hughvane

Welcome to Mac-Forums!

FAT 32 will be compatible with both Mac and Win OS.

You don't need to use MacOS extended (also called 'journaled') unless you wish to use an external as a boot disk - which could be good idea with one of them.

If you've used your two externals as USB only, you might want to consider upgrading to a firewire 400/800 external enclosure. Much faster, especially with Mac.

Upgrade to another harddrive?
So, I don't really need MacOS extended?
Why would I need to book from my external?

hughvane · hughvane #4 (**permalink**)

02-22-2010, 12:12 AM

No, upgrade to a new HD external enclosure, with firewire connection, or combo USB/FW; you can retain the present drives. An example can be found here EZQuest Pro Audio FireWire 800 / USB 2.0 HD Enc... (N52300) at OWC (that's a great deal!).

As said "If you've used your two externals as USB only", which is the usual situation with WinOS machines, you'll find that Mac is not as kind with USB as you're used to. Firewire on the other hand is smooth - and fast. Especially FW 800.

Again, as said, you don't need MacOS extended unless you wish to boot from an external drive. If I were you, I'd format one of those two external HD as MacOS+, so you can use it as a backup, or emergency boot disk. That, I hope, answers your last question.

algernonep · algernonep #5 (**permalink**)

02-22-2010, 02:04 PM

Thank you very much! This clears things up a lot for me... I just ordered my iMac. I should receive it soon...

hughvane #2 (permalink)
Member Since: May 18, 2008 Location: Banks Peninsula, New Zealand Posts: 3,244 Mac Specs: MacMini 2.4, 4 Gb, OS 10.6.8; MacBook 2.4, 2 Gb, OS 10.5.8; G4 eMac 1.25, 2 Gb, OS 10.4.11	02-21-2010, 07:50 PM Welcome to Mac-Forums! FAT 32 will be compatible with both Mac and Win OS. You don't need to use MacOS extended (also called 'journaled') unless you wish to use an external as a boot disk - which could be good idea with one of them. If you've used your two externals as USB only, you might want to consider upgrading to a firewire 400/800 external enclosure. Much faster, especially with Mac. ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Please post your Mac (or other) specs and MacOS version in your post, your profile or your signature. It helps us to help you better. I'm leaving now to go and find myself. If I should return before I get back, please ask me to wait.
	QUOTE Thanks

hughvane #4 (permalink)
Member Since: May 18, 2008 Location: Banks Peninsula, New Zealand Posts: 3,244 Mac Specs: MacMini 2.4, 4 Gb, OS 10.6.8; MacBook 2.4, 2 Gb, OS 10.5.8; G4 eMac 1.25, 2 Gb, OS 10.4.11	02-22-2010, 12:12 AM No, upgrade to a new HD external enclosure, with firewire connection, or combo USB/FW; you can retain the present drives. An example can be found here EZQuest Pro Audio FireWire 800 / USB 2.0 HD Enc... (N52300) at OWC (that's a great deal!). As said "If you've used your two externals as USB only", which is the usual situation with WinOS machines, you'll find that Mac is not as kind with USB as you're used to. Firewire on the other hand is smooth - and fast. Especially FW 800. Again, as said, you don't need MacOS extended unless you wish to boot from an external drive. If I were you, I'd format one of those two external HD as MacOS+, so you can use it as a backup, or emergency boot disk. That, I hope, answers your last question. ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Please post your Mac (or other) specs and MacOS version in your post, your profile or your signature. It helps us to help you better. I'm leaving now to go and find myself. If I should return before I get back, please ask me to wait. Last edited by hughvane; 02-22-2010 at 12:19 AM.
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algernonep #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Feb 21, 2010 Posts: 6	02-21-2010, 07:46 PM I just ordered a 21.5" iMac. My consern is that I have 2 external hard drive and I don't know if they will be compatable with my new iMac. I have heard that I will have to reformat them to either Fat32 or Mac Os extended. Help... What should I do? I also want them to be able to be read on my PC too. Any help appreciated!
	QUOTE Thanks

algernonep #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Feb 21, 2010 Posts: 6	02-22-2010, 02:04 PM Thank you very much! This clears things up a lot for me... I just ordered my iMac. I should receive it soon...
	QUOTE Thanks

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