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Can't move big file to my HD!

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itaehun92


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Hey, I am facing this problem. I can't move movies or other big files (over 4GB) and some movies with .mkv format to my WD my passport 1TB.

My HD format is FAT32. I found out that this format doesnt allow to transport file over 4GB. also found out about exFAT format, but i don't really understand it.

Please help me to find the solution
1. Can someone give me advice? Should I reformat my HD to exFAT?
I need my HD to be flexible(available to write and read) on both mac and windows. Also I kept many movies sized over 4GB.

2. How about the .mkv movie files?

thanks in advance!;)
 
MightyGem

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My HD format is FAT32. I found out that this format doesnt allow to transport file over 4GB.
Click to expand...
That's correct.

Should I reformat my HD to exFAT?
Click to expand...
If you want to use your HD with OSX and Windows with file sizes over 4GB, but don't want to use NTFS, then yes. However, you will loose what is already on the HD, so make a backup if you can.

How about the .mkv movie files?
Click to expand...
What about them?

See here for more info on exFAT:
exFAT - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 
bobtomay

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Personally, recommend using NTFS for drives that will go back and forth between OS X / Windows and spend the $20 for Paragon's NTFS for Mac.
 
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bobtomay said:
Personally, recommend using NTFS for drives that will go back and forth between OS X / Windows and spend the $20 for Paragon's NTFS for Mac.
Click to expand...

What's Paragon's NTFS for mac? Is it some kind of software install to the HD?
thanks for respons by the way
 
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itaehun92


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MightyGem said:
That's correct.


If you want to use your HD with OSX and Windows with file sizes over 4GB, but don't want to use NTFS, then yes. However, you will loose what is already on the HD, so make a backup if you can.


What about them?

See here for more info on exFAT:
exFAT - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot for answering my quests! I went to ur wiki link, try to find what's exFAT's negative point, but I can't understand any of it!

would u explain to me what's the negative point of exFAT in easy words?
 
bobtomay

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Raz0rEdge

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You have two options:
1) Format external HD to NTFS and buy Paragon NTFS for your Mac
2) Format external HD to exFAT and use it with both Windows and Mac without any additional software

You will need to backup the data on the HD right now with either approach, once you've done that you can choose one of the two options above and move on..

You will need to be using a Mac which is running Snow Leopard 10.6.8 (the .8 matters), Lion or Mountain Lion for it to be able to talk to the exFAT formatted HD..
 
MightyGem

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would u explain to me what's the negative point of exFAT in easy words?
Click to expand...
Sorry, no idea.
 
chscag

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Follow the advice give by Moderator bobtomay. Why? Because exFat like Fat-32 and Fat in general is not a journaling file system. Which means that data loss and the recovery of lost data can be difficult. NTFS like HFS+ is a journaling file system that keeps track of data which is important for recovery. In other words, use NTFS rather that exFat.
 
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THANKS Bobtomay!!

I was struggling, screaming, with new macpro and unable to copy huge DV files to an external hard drive. Your recommendation to get Paragon was THE miracle worker!!
 

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