Partition 1/2 the drive to back up OS X 10.6.8 & 1/2 for Windows 7?

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dutch81

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I just received my 3TB expansion External HD and I wanted to know if I could use 1/2 the space to back up Mac files and 1/2 for PC files. In case I need to reinstall a fresh copy of either OS if my HD fails and I need to reinstall it. Would I have any issues if I wanted to share files from my 3TB to a friend's PC/Mac if I just did it w/o partitioning? I have a 500GB External but never partitioned it because at the time I only had a PC, since then, I purchased a MacBook Pro and only plan to use the PC laptop for certain music DAW's that aren't compatible with Macs so a 50/50 split would not be necessary. Maybe something like 40% Mac stuff, 40% Music/movies and 20% for PC stuff would be better than a 50/50 split. Not really sure what I should do, can someone help with any suggestions? Currently the PC laptop has a busted HD and it will be replaced with a 1TB internal HD. As soon as that's done, I think I will install Windows 7 on it. The stock HD on the Toshiba laptop had Vista originally.

Thank you in advance,
Daniel
 
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elmo2006
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elmo2006

elmo2006

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Instead of partitioning the external drive, why not format as exfat and thus store both MAC and PC files on the entire partition and then create separate folders. Usually one partitions an OS drive to keep the OS and data/app files separate thus if an OS corruption occurs, then all that is required is the restore/install on the OS partition. But in this case I don't see the benefit unless for example you are attaching said hdd as a media device on a television.

As an example, I do photography on the side and though most of my work is performed via a PC, most of my clients use MAC's so with my exfat formatted drive I'm able to transfer/view those images on the macs without issue.
 
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dutch81

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So if needed, I'd be able to copy a fresh install of either OS and the drivers on either a Mac or PC using an exfat formatted drive? As far as ripped BlueRays and mp3's go, those are universal, right?

Thanks again,
Daniel
 
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dutch81

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BTW, will Time Machine work on an exfat formatted drive? If Time Machine will work AND I can share files between Macs and PCs, there is no downside and I will go the exfat route. Until today, I didn't even know what it meant... actually I still don't but if you don't see a point to partitions in my case, I'll take your word for it.
 
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dutch81

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Went ahead and took the exfat route, made folders to categorize programs and files after backing up 1/3 of the 3 TB HD w/ movies and music. Haven't tried to hook it up to a PC yet but I'm hoping it'll be able to read/write off it. Thank you for your input sir.
 
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elmo2006

elmo2006

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Sorry been away for a bit.

Before you actually transfer all the contents over, you may want to perform some simple tests to ensure the desired outcome. Does exFat work with Time Machine, I would think yes but I'm not an Apple user so I'm unable to confirm - at this moment.

;)
 
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dutch81

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Indeed it does, Time Machine worked flawlessly after I moved everything on the external HD. Thank you once again! :D
 
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elmo2006

elmo2006

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NP and enjoy
 
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