Externat HDD Format compatible with Os X and Win

Question

Hello.
I've recently bought an external HD for my macbook, and formatted it in order to use time machine, but now I don't need to use it for time machine backups, only for moving files around to other macs/pc's. How can I format this drive to be able to use it in Win and Os X ? I've formatted it with Disk Utility to MS-DOS (FAT) but i can't move files larger than 4 gb..
Is there another formatting app for osx, preferably freeware ?
I could format it directly from my PC, but what format to choose ?
Thanks !

Answer 1

Hi vibralucs,
sadly FAT32 is the only file system, that both OSX and Windows can read and write to without additional help.
NTFS is a modern file system for Windows, but OSX can only read from it.
For write access from OSX you can use either NTFS-3G http://www.ntfs-3g.org/ or buy Paragons NTFS for Mac http://www.paragon-software.com/home/ntfs-mac/
OSX uses Mac OS Extended (Journaled) as file system, which Windows can't see nor use without the help of MacDrive http://www.mediafour.com/products/macdrive/
Since FAT32 is no option for you, because of the implemented singel-file size limitation of 4GB, I personally would propose NTFS in combination with NTFS-3G or Paragon.
When formatting/partitioning the external harddisk you should make sure to set the Partition Table to be MBR (Master Boot Record) which is the common one on Windows PC.
Since some Windows PCs have difficulties recognizing/using n external harddisk that uses GPT (GUID Partition Table) which is common on Intel-based Macs.
Hope it helps
Stefan