How to format seagate backup plus for mac backup

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How to format seagate backup plus for mac backup pro#

One of the biggest differences between the two machines is the fact that the MacBook Air has USB 3.0 ports while the MacBook Pro has the slower USB 2.0 ports. Both machines are configured the same, running the latest version of OS X El Capitan. We tested the Seagate Backup Plus Hub on a current MacBook Air and an older (mid-2009) MacBook Pro. We ran into one other issue that may have an even bigger decision on what format to use.

How to format seagate backup plus for mac backup driver#

While the Paragon driver works well, unless you have a regular need to share this, or any drive between a Mac and a PC, we suggest reformatting the drive to the default HFS+ format for regular use. Seagate also provides a Paragon driver for Windows users that need to read and write from a Mac formatted hard drive to a Windows PC. But be aware that the software provided by Seagate will only work with a Seagate drive. We installed the Paragon driver and it does exactly what it says it does and provided write access to the drive. The software is normally $19.95 but Seagate provides a version on their support site for free. There is a commercial solution from Paragon Software called NTFS for Mac (read about it here), which adds a driver and a Preference Pane to the System Preferences that allows you to seamlessly read and write to NTFS drives on a Mac. (Technically, FAT32 will support partitions larger than 32GB but Microsoft has set that limit in Windows to promote the more modern NTFS format.) The Seagate Backup Plus Hub (Windows version) comes formatted in the more current NTFS format which a Mac can read but cannot write to.Р вЂќР вЂћlthough there are some Terminal commands and Open Source software solutions to get a Mac to write to a NTFS drive, they are not easy or reliable.

But FAT32 is designed for older operating systems and is not really practical for an 8TB drive since its maximum partition size is 32GB. Until now, every external hard drive weР Р†Р вЂљРІвЂћСћve looked at was formatted either in the HFS+ or FAT32 format, both of which a Mac can read and write to.

Seagate Backup Plus Hub Р Р†Р вЂљРІР‚Сљ Format Decisions Once the drive is connected to your computer and powered on, it is ready to use, almost. The Mac version shares the same case design but comes in a white and aluminum finish and has the same single LED indicator, which, for both models, gives the same details as outlined below. Our unit is a high gloss black plastic case with a single LED indicator that is also the Seagate logo on the front edge of the drive.

How to format seagate backup plus for mac backup how to#

Seagate Backup Plus Hub Р Р†Р вЂљРІР‚Сљ Set-upР вЂќР’В®ven without the Quick Start Guide or User Manual, someone with little to no experience can probably figure out how to get the drive connected to your Mac since it only requires connection of power and the USB cable. The Seagate Backup Plus Hub is rated for use with OS X 10.7 or higher. The drive can be used either lying flat on the desktop or shelf but also has four small rubber feet on one side to allow the drive to be positioned vertically and still get some airflow through the vents which are now the bottom of the drive. The two-year plan must be activated by June 30, 2017.Р вЂќР’В¬onsidering this is an 8TB drive it is somewhat smaller than we expected it to be, measuring 4.7 x 1.6 x 7.8 inches and weighing just 2.3 lbs.

How to format seagate backup plus for mac backup for free#

Finally, for a limited time, Seagate is including 200GB of OneDrive cloud storage for two years, for free (a $95 value) when you register the drive. The software can be downloaded from the Seagate site here, as well as its own 17 page User Guide which is available here. Also not packed in the box is the Seagate Dashboard software.

How to format seagate backup plus for mac backup pdf#

There is also a power adapter which connects to the back of the drive and plugs into a standard 110V AC outlet and a Quick Start Guide.Р вЂќР вЂћlthough not packed in the box, Seagate does have a 20 page user guide that is available as a web document or as a pdf download and you can get a copy here. Also in the box is a USB 3.0 cable with a Type A connection on one end for your computer and a Micro-B connection on the other end to connect to the drive. Our evaluation unit was an 8TB Windows version which comes out of the box in the NTFS format (the Mac version comes in the default HFS+ format). The Seagate Backup Plus Hub is available in both a Windows and Mac format as well as several sizes from 4TB to 8TB. Seagate Dashboard software has limited value Of all the products we review, the hardest ones are external hard drives (read our reviews here) because, letР Р†Р вЂљРІвЂћСћs be honest, how much can you say about a hard drive after you plug it in and it works? ThatР Р†Р вЂљРІвЂћСћs why we were excited to hear about the Seagate Backup Plus Hub, which combines a massive 8TB external hard drive with an always on USB 3.0 powered hub.