Benefit being that they're free to use, have no usable limitation to file size.
#Wd external hard drive mac reformat install
You will have to install the appropriate drivers to use then on OSX and Windows. If you disconnect an EXT3 drive in the middle of a read/write, it will only try to repair the section that was being read/written to.Ī note with EXTx file systems though. If you disconnect an EXT2 drive in the middle of a read/write, you must scan and repair the entire file system. What journalling does is keep your file system in shape, even if it is disconnected in the middle of a process. Just something to keep in mind when moving archives and videos.Īnother idea is to look into EXT2 or EXT3.ĮXT2 is better supported, but dangerous (especially for a portable drive) to use because of the lack of journalling.ĮXT3 is less supported, but safe to use on a portable device. OP, the only limitation of FAT is that file sizes must be kept below 4GB. It can be natively read and written by all common operating systems. I have had kernel panics from it, and I have not used it since. Highlight ' Disk Utility ', then double-click it. You can find disk utility by clicking on the spotlight search button, then type 'Disk Utility'. Formatting a WD external hard drive does not require any additional software the computer’s operating system provides the software that is needed. Make sure you tick the checkboxes 'Hard Disks' and 'External Disks.' Your WD My Mac Passport drive should now be running on your screen. It has the potential to cause kernel panics because it's not fully developed and supported by Apple.ĭo a Google search on "ntfs write snow leopard kernel panic." A Western Digital (WD) external hard drive can be used with any computer once it has been formatted by the computer's operating system. I bought WD Passport external hard drive 5 years ago, loaded it with important information and put aside in a safe place.
#Wd external hard drive mac reformat for mac os x
It seems to only occur with Snow Leopard.Īlso, as for the built in Apple NTFS support. Formatted NTFS for Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 Requires reformatting for Mac OS X Leopard or Snow Leopard, or Lion Note: Compatibility may vary depending on users hardware configuration and operating system. If the OP has 10.5 Leopard, then by all means, use it. Choose your external drive from the left sidebar and click Erase. It's more of a headache than a convenience in my opinion. Click the Go menu, select Utilities from the drop-down menu, and open Disk Utility. I've always had an issue of the processing using 200% of my CPU time (both cores 100% utilized.) I've done reinstallations, etc. NTFS-3G has caused me problems, and I cannot recommend it.