How to Write to an External Hard Drive on MAC OSX
Connect your drive., Check the format of the drive., Confirm NTFS formatting., Install third-party software., Restart your computer., Check for successful installation., Do a test write.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Connect your drive.
Using your cable of choice (usually USB), connect your external hard drive to your Mac. -
Step 2: Check the format of the drive.
Make sure your external hard drive is NTFS formatted.
To do this, right click on your external drive, then click Get Info. , In the Info window, select the General tab.
Under this tab should be a Format info field.
This should read "Format:
NTFS"
Mac OS X does not offer native write support for NTFS-formatted drives.
In order to write to drives formatted this way, you will need a third-party application or patch.
One popular example of this type of software is the open source software NTFS-3G.NTFS-3G's developers also maintain a commercial, more stable, standalone application that enables NTFS writing. , The installer will ask you to restart your computer.
Allow it to restart in order to complete installation. , After restarting your Mac, you should see a new icon labeled "NTFS-3G" in your System Preferences.
This may differ if you are using Tuxera. , Copy a file from your computer to your external hard drive.
If it copies correctly, then you may now write files to your external hard drive. -
Step 3: Confirm NTFS formatting.
-
Step 4: Install third-party software.
-
Step 5: Restart your computer.
-
Step 6: Check for successful installation.
-
Step 7: Do a test write.
Detailed Guide
Using your cable of choice (usually USB), connect your external hard drive to your Mac.
Make sure your external hard drive is NTFS formatted.
To do this, right click on your external drive, then click Get Info. , In the Info window, select the General tab.
Under this tab should be a Format info field.
This should read "Format:
NTFS"
Mac OS X does not offer native write support for NTFS-formatted drives.
In order to write to drives formatted this way, you will need a third-party application or patch.
One popular example of this type of software is the open source software NTFS-3G.NTFS-3G's developers also maintain a commercial, more stable, standalone application that enables NTFS writing. , The installer will ask you to restart your computer.
Allow it to restart in order to complete installation. , After restarting your Mac, you should see a new icon labeled "NTFS-3G" in your System Preferences.
This may differ if you are using Tuxera. , Copy a file from your computer to your external hard drive.
If it copies correctly, then you may now write files to your external hard drive.
About the Author
Heather Parker
A seasoned expert in lifestyle and practical guides, Heather Parker combines 22 years of experience with a passion for teaching. Heather's guides are known for their clarity and practical value.
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