Formatting; What Is Formatting; For Windows Users; For Mac Users - Buffalo HDW-PU3 Guía De Referencia

3. Formatting

What is Formatting?

Formatting is an operation that enables a hard drive to be used on your computer.
This unit is formatted with FAT32 by default, and so it can be used without any additional formatting procedure.
However, due to the restrictions of the FAT32 format, this unit cannot save files that are 4 GB or larger in size.

For Windows users

Reformatting with NTFS is recommended for most Windows users. This will let you save files that are 4 GB or larger.
However, Macs will not be able to write to the dive if it is formatted with NTFS.

For Mac users

Keeping the default FAT32 format partition is recommended for Mac users. If the MiniStation Air is reformatted with
HFS+, files on it will no longer be accessible from your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Android phones, or other portable
device. If you have already reformatted the MiniStation Air with a different partition, use the procedure in this
manual to reformat it with FAT32.

Formatting Notes

Never unplug, reset, or turn off the computer during the formatting process. This could result in damage to the
drive or other problems. Proper operation cannot be guaranteed if the format process is interrupted.
Formatting will erase all data on the hard drive. Before formatting, back up any data.
The user is responsible for any data lost due to formatting of the hard drive.
Don't format the wrong drive! Check the drive letter and partition name carefully. If you format the wrong drive, all
data on it will be lost.

Formatting with NTFS (Windows)

If you use a Windows computer primarily, you may reformat the MiniStation Air with NTFS. This will allow files larger
than 4 GB to be saved.
Note:
Most Mac computers cannot save data to an NTFS drive.
1
Use the supplied USB data cable to connect this unit to your computer.
10