External HD formatting for use on mac and pc..

crpm0043 · crpm0043 #1 (**permalink**)

12-31-2008, 04:33 PM

i know it should be formatted to FAT32 to be able to use an external hard drive on both mac and windows OS... but i did format it to FAT32 already using Disk Utility on my macbook pro, and i can write/read files fine on it when im on my mbp, but my windows pc doesn't even recognize it when i connect it.. what should i do?

louishen · louishen #2 (**permalink**)

12-31-2008, 06:22 PM

are you sure it is FAT32, right click on the disk icon on the mac, select Get Info, what format does it say

JGruber · JGruber #3 (**permalink**)

12-31-2008, 06:29 PM

Might want to try doing a Format on the PC in FAT32, then plug it into the Mac and see if it works.

bobtomay · bobtomay #4 (**permalink**)

12-31-2008, 06:32 PM

I'd verify the format as louishen suggested. If it is and your PC is not recognizing the drive at all, would suggest trying a different USB port.

louishen #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 22, 2007 Location: London Posts: 8,682 Mac Specs: Mac Mini Core i7 2012 \| White 2009 MacBook 2 Ghz \| 733 Mhz G4 Quicksilver	12-31-2008, 06:22 PM are you sure it is FAT32, right click on the disk icon on the mac, select Get Info, what format does it say Member of the Month September 2008 & August 2012 \| Found advice useful? – use the rep system Last edited by louishen; 12-31-2008 at 06:35 PM.
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bobtomay #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 22, 2006 Location: Texas, where else? Posts: 22,036 Mac Specs: 15" MBP 2.33 C2D 256 4GB, MBA 13" i7 1.8, MB 2.0 2GB, Nano 4th, 3GS, iPad 1	12-31-2008, 06:32 PM I'd verify the format as louishen suggested. If it is and your PC is not recognizing the drive at all, would suggest trying a different USB port. I cannot be held responsible for the things that come out of my mouth. In the Windows world, most everything folks don't understand is called a virus.
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External HD formatting for use on mac and pc..

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crpm0043 #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 31, 2008 Posts: 1	12-31-2008, 04:33 PM i know it should be formatted to FAT32 to be able to use an external hard drive on both mac and windows OS... but i did format it to FAT32 already using Disk Utility on my macbook pro, and i can write/read files fine on it when im on my mbp, but my windows pc doesn't even recognize it when i connect it.. what should i do?
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