You can then completely erase the disk and restore it so that you can use it again without remaining files. You do not need an extra application for this, because you can do this with ‘Disk Utility’. In case of the hdd data recovery you will need to follow strict guidelines. There are manuals and guides alright, but only professional services or professional tools can be the best choices. You can find the best support online now with lots of software by your side.
When using an external drive on a Mac, remember that it must be compatible with macOS. For example, you cannot use all Windows formatted disks on a Mac. The structure of the disk depends on your own wishes, for example you can choose to format a disk so that it works on both Windows and Mac.
Format external hard drive on Mac
- Connect the hard drive to your Mac
- Open ‘Disk Utility’ via Finder – Programs – Utilities
- Select the drive in the left column
- Click on ‘Delete’ in the toolbar
Enter a desired name and click on the drop-down menu at Structure. Choose a desired option below we explain the different options. If necessary, click on ‘Security option’ to overwrite the disk several times during erasure. Then click on ‘Erase’ to format the disc. Depending on disk space, it takes a few seconds for the USB Stick or Drive to be formatted. From that moment you can use the external hard drive or USB as you normally do.
Different structures while erasing hard drive
When you are going to erase and restore a hard disk or USB stick, you have several structures to choose from. If you are only going to use the hard drive on a Mac, you can opt for the Mac OS structures. If you also want to use the hard disk on Windows, you have to choose a different structure below you will find additional explanation.
Mac OS Extended
This is the standard structure for Mac disks (HFS +). The hard disk of a Mac is also formatted according to this structure. Only to be used on a Mac, you have to choose this structure when you want to use the disk for Time Machine.
Mac OS Extended (journal, encrypted)
Same function as described above, however, you must enter a password for this disk to protect it. Files, etc. are also stored encrypted.
The different file structures on a Mac
Mac OS Extended (case sensitive, journal)
Structure specifically for the Mac, but folders and files are case sensitive. This means that for example the ‘appletips’ and ‘APPLETIPS’ folders are considered to be two different folders. You can therefore choose this structure best if you know what you are doing.
Mac OS Extended (case sensitive, journal, encrypted)
Same function as described above, however, you must enter a password for this disk to protect it. Files, etc. are also stored encrypted.
These are the essential steps that one should follow. Proper repairing and recovery options come in motion in this area of work only and that is the reason choosing the best options happens to be a tough job.
