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    Preserving Data While Formatting External Hard Drive

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by katai, Feb 13, 2010.

  1. katai

    katai Notebook Guru

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    I recently purchased a new PS3 and would like to transfer some audio and video files to it from my external hard drive. I ran into a problem, however, in that my hard drive is formatted in NTFS and the PS3 can only read FAT32. I have about 260 of 300 GB filled, and not enough space on my PC to hold the files while I reformat my external. Is there any simple way for me to somehow format the hard drive in FAT32 and still be able to restore all the data that’s on it afterward?

    I’ve considered using Mozy to temporarily and cheaply store my files online while I reformat, but worry both about reliability and the time it would take to backup and restore such a large amount of data. While doing research I’ve read recommendations for the use of programs like Partition Magic in similar situations, but I have no knowledge regarding such things and don’t know if I’d be able to shrink the partition enough for it to fit in the small amount of free space that is available. Would my best bet be to try to temporarily get my hands on another external hard drive to hold all of the data while I reformat?

    Thanks in advance for any responses.
     
    katai, Feb 13, 2010
    #1
  2. Lithus

    Lithus NBR Janitor

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    This. 10char.
     
    Lithus, Feb 13, 2010
    #2
  3. BaldwinHillsTrojan

    BaldwinHillsTrojan Notebook Evangelist

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    uploading them to a cloud is crazy. borrow a friends portable USB or just download Parition Magic. No way you can mess it up.
     
    BaldwinHillsTrojan, Feb 14, 2010
    #3
  4. newsposter

    newsposter Notebook Virtuoso

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    Famous last words.......
     
    newsposter, Feb 14, 2010
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  5. surfasb

    surfasb Titles Shmm-itles

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    I second.

    :yes:
     
    surfasb, Feb 14, 2010
    #5
  6. Dragunov-21

    Dragunov-21 Notebook Evangelist

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    That. Quickest, easiest and safest solution.
     
    Dragunov-21, Feb 14, 2010
    #6
  7. Kyle

    Kyle JVC SZ2000 Dual-Driver Headphones

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    Can you not connect your PS3 and the hard drive to you computer and let the computer do the transfer ?
     
    Kyle, Feb 14, 2010
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  8. swarmer

    swarmer beep beep

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    Yeah, transferring them over a network would be good... I don't have a PS3 though so I don't know if you can do that or not.

    Otherwise... buying another hard drive is probably your best bet.
     
    swarmer, Feb 14, 2010
    #8