Data on external HDD for Mac and Windows?

Question

I would like to transfer some data from a PC to a Mac. I'm thinking of buying an external HDD, and thought this might be the solution I need.

Can format the HDD once, transfer data off my PC then onto the MAC via this kind of device?

Answer 1

Yes, the Macintosh can read/write Windows formatted hard drives (Fat32 & NTFS). You simply need a drive that is compatible with the physical connections on both computers (USB, Firewire, or whatever).

Once you have the new drive, make sure it is formatted for Windows (most are by default). The Mac can read/write PC drives, but Windows cannot read/write Mac formatted drives without additional software.

Use a simple name for the drive (containing only the 26 letters of the alphabet) as the Mac and Windows have different rules concerning the use of special characters (commas and so on) in file names and directories.

If you run into this issue with a file name, you can often simply rename the file to eliminate any special characters (or learn which characters are safe on both computer platforms). But, for a hard drive name, you will likely have to change that using Windows (right-click on drive icon and select "rename").

Finally, when saving a file on the Mac to be transferred to Windows, make sure to add the three character DOS extension (such as .doc, .xls, .txt, etc.). Otherwise, you'll have the extra step of telling Windows how to deal with the file (right-click on file and select "Open With").

Beyond that, the drive will work under either operating system just like any other drive. Drag & drop files to or from either computer's hard drive, or save & open directly to or from the external drive.

Answer 2

A Mac has a 'save to' function and for word processing packages this includes the various Microsoft systems from Widows 6 to XP 2002.
From here you can download and use the same function to change into an Apple product or alternately just open the Microsoft file and it will automatically change it to an Apple file that you can either save or let it remain Microsoft when you finish. A Microsoft keyboard or monitor will work with a Mac too.

If you really want to run Windows you can do that as well but remember when you use a Microsoft system, as you must do, when you open it you will be subjected to all the viruses common to the Microsoft product.

Using an external drive for the transfer then any will do if they have a USB socket and a Alternative Format as most do.

Answer 3

Actually it could be possible to read PC disk format on a MAC and vice versa with many software combinations but in the end it would probably be much of a mess to deal with.

You should make sure to buy a device that uses its own format and not an operating system specific format which would require rather risky software on one of your two computers. Of course make sure it includes drivers for both of your OSs.

Answer 4

Does MAC not accept usb flash memory? I guess due to file size, yes, external hardrive would be best. Wait, will MAC recognize windows file format? Hmm...

Answer 5

FAT32 somewhat. mac can not examine NTFS (even powerPc) without help. and don't even think of of formatting the stress from the mac the two (after u'll choose some thing like Macdrive to verify it below homestead windows) i does not partion the stress except is over 120GB savor the toy ..........

Answer 6

Yes - OSX will read and recognise Windows formatted drives

Answer 7

See this http://www.apple.com/macosx/switch/howto/dvd.html