Should I format my external drive to MS-DOS (FAT) or ExFAT ??

Hi ,
Which format would be most appropriate for reformatting my external drive whilst keeping it compatible across platforms (mac and windows)??
Thanks.

FAT:
Works natively with all Macs & PCs, but can't handle files larger than 4GB.
exFAT:
Works with large files, but requires OS X 10.6.6 or later, & Vista SP1 or Windows 7 or later. Don't use your Mac to format exFAT, as Windows machines won't be able to use the drive. Must be done on a PC.

Similar Messages

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    biddymon wrote:
    Snip snip...........and I appreciate your sense of humor.  Unfortunately mine is in the sleep mode at this stage of the game.
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  • Format an External HDD - Cannot see DOS ( Fat 32 )

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  • Format an external drive from mac to pc

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    kwnola wrote:
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  • Is it safe to format ANY external drive to Mac OS Extended?

    Some Seagate tech told me a while back that Seagate drives should ONLY be formatted with their proprietary formatting and that my data is vulnerable if I use something else.  (I may have misunderstood this, but I'm 98% certain that's what he said.)  I do remember him saying not to use the Mac's Disk Utility to format the drive.
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    Formatting a drive simply will remove any data currently stored on it. There is no such thing as "proprietary formatting." Drives come out of the factory with no formatting.
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  • How to format an external drive for mac AND pc use

    i want to format my external drive so i can use it on my mac and on pc's as well. i've gathered that the MS-DOS format is the way to go. my question is this: would this create any problems for my mac then?
    can i partion one part for ms-dos and part for macos extended?
    cheers
    -j-

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    Look at this page for more information on a dual partition drive for Mac and Windows.
    http://macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20030613121738812
    iFelix

  • How do I format an external drive with mountain lion?

    How do I format an external drive with mountain lion?

    Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility
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  • How to format external drive in MS/DOS

    Hello. I have formatted my external drives in the past using MS/DOS. Today, Disk Utility does not have this option! I only have two Mac OS options and the Unix file system option.
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    What is the Unix file system? Do I have to use this one now?

    Hello. I have formatted my external drives in the
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    this option! I only have two Mac OS options and the
    Unix file system option.
    What gives?
    Is this a new drive?
    How big is the external drive?
    iFelix

  • Mac novice needs to know how to format an external drive

    How do I format a memory stick or external hard drive?  I remember in PCs you could right click and click on format.
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  • Do i need to re format my external drive if i am planning on using super duper for my  bootable backups or does super duper do that for me?

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    success1975 wrote:
    Thanks
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    2) Is 'MAC OS Extended' format, only for MAC computers?
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  • Formatting an external drive for both 10.4 & windows?

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