External HDD write protected in Mac OSX but unlocked in Windows-- how do I unlock it?

MogyBear

Senior member
Oct 21, 2002
515
0
0
The title speaks for itself-- when I connect my external HDD to my MacBook, I can read files, but can't modify the drive's contents whatsoever. When I get info about the drive, it says that I don't have write permission. If anyone could tell me how I can unlock it in Mac OSX, that would be highly appreciated. Thanks a lot!
 

amdskip

Lifer
Jan 6, 2001
22,530
13
81
I may have the same question soon for a friend so I would like to know the answer to this too please.
 

dclive

Elite Member
Oct 23, 2003
5,626
2
81
Originally posted by: MogyBear
The title speaks for itself-- when I connect my external HDD to my MacBook, I can read files, but can't modify the drive's contents whatsoever. When I get info about the drive, it says that I don't have write permission. If anyone could tell me how I can unlock it in Mac OSX, that would be highly appreciated. Thanks a lot!

Reformat it so it's FAT32 rather than NTFS.
 

Dahak

Diamond Member
Mar 2, 2000
3,752
25
91
Was going to mention the same thing, unfortunalty mac os x can only READ ntfs and not write to it. if you want it comaptible with both then FAT32 is the only way, unless you want to format it on mac and get MacDrive 6 for pc to read the mac drive