How do you format the drive to exFAT -- is it necesary and does it make a dramatic difference? Thanks much.
1570292
The drive is format in FAT32, limiting the file size to 4GB. I did not format the drive to exFAT, but to NTFS. It was really easy and you can can store much bigger files. That works for me. To format the drive to exFAT : 1. Insert your flash drive into an available USB port on your PC. 2. Click "Computer" from the windows start menu. 3. Right-click on the icon for your USB and select "Format". 4. The format window will come up. From the "File system" menu pick "exFAT", and click "Start".
1570293
The drive is format in FAT32, limiting the file size to 4GB. I did not format the drive to exFAT, but to NTFS. It was really easy and you can can store much bigger files. That works for me.To format the drive to exFAT : 1. Insert your flash drive into an available USB port on your PC. 2. Click "Computer" from the windows start menu. 3. Right-click on the icon for your USB and select "Format". 4. The format window will come up. From the "File system" menu pick "exFAT", and click "Start".
439940
It will work with any machine that supports removable USB storage. If you want universal compatibility across the board, I would recommend use of exFAT over FAT32 if you have 4GB+ filesizes on individual files.You think any of those "Formatted for Mac" drives are any different from their Windows counterparts? Absolutely NOT! They're simply overcharged for being formatted as HFS lol. Also by calling Windows "Windhoes," you tend to make others not want to take you seriously ;)
624648
I've would suggest not installing a previously used drive (assuming you have an old 5400rpm drive lying around, hence your question). When I installed a used drive (not formatted) it crashed the system. It only seems to like new, formatted drives. Mine does happen to be a 7200rpm WD
603307
I'm not sure about FAT32, but I was able to reformat mine to exFAT using Disk Utility on a Mac, and that allowed me to use the drive with both Macs and PCs. I'm fairly certain you could do the same for FAT32, by the same method. Good luck.
1907285
I am unfamiliar with NTFS. What would an example of that be? I'd be happy to help with more information.
668780
Yes, of course. You have to format it in ExFAT, it supported by Win7 and Mac without problem.Also you can format any flash drive in ExFAT, it allows files more than 4Gb
1981111
I did not try formatting to FAT32, but the instructions say to simply use the FAT32 Formatter software that comes on the drive and shows up when you first plug it in. It specifically mentions using it for the PS3. Hope that helps.
838528
I'm running windows 8 and the drive gives the option to format to exFat. This allows you to use the drive on both PC and MAC without the 4GB file max.
881630
I believe one can format flash drives for FAT and this shouldn't be any different. Do a Google search and you'll find many examples.
1985365
Yes it can. Look it up online, (even before you get it) and you can figure it out. Basically using a PC format the drive to FAT or exFAT file system. This can be read on Mac and PC. I did this. Had a Mac, it broke and I switched to a PC, used this to transfer my backed up files afer formatting it correctly. I also have since used it to transfer docs between other's Mac's and my PC. Works great.
534113
Yes it is formatted in Fat 32 but you can reformat to exFAT or NTFS if you would like.
1289057
On a windows 7 pc you simply go to start menu - computer - right click the flash drive - left click "format" - left click the drop down menu - left click NTFS or Ex-FAT - and then press START. If I was going to use as a boot drive for, say restoring my operating system, I'd uncheck the quick format box and do a full format. I think this method works the same or similarly for XP or Windows 8, I haven't tried either in awhile. Cheers!
980738
This flash drive is by default formatted in fat, but which number I am unsure, to my understanding fat formatting is extremely backwards compatible. This flash drive would more likely than not work for you.
427918
Actually, these drives are pre-formated for NTFS. If you use the WD Data Lifeguard Tools software, you can quick format the disk in 60 seconds. And you can format it as either as bootable or as a secondary drive. I don't "think" you got a reused drive.
1719565
Mine arrived formatted as ExFAT, and locked in a weird read-only mode because of it. I eventually had to boot from a Mavericks installer thumb drive to get it read/write so I could finally format it Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
1573880
No. Simply plug in the drive and start copying files. It may be necessary to reformat the drive depending on your preferred file system (I reformat to "HFS+" for my Mac), but you absolutely do not to install software to use this. I believe both Judith and Vitalino are speaking of device drivers (on a Windows system), rather than the software included with the drive.
966538
Actually, you don't have to 'partition' the disk in order to convert it to NTFS from FAT32. Although Microsoft recommends a reformat to change the disk to NTFS, if you have data/programs that you don't want to erase, you can simply convert to NTFS without formatting. See this article if you'd like to read more: http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/choosing_between_ntfs_fat_and_fat32.mspx?mfr=true