[Steve1]

I have finally given up on Windows and bought an iMac G5.
I have been using an external HD I have stored all my mp3 files on (4500). How can I transfer this HD to work under the G% and not lose all my files.
The files are listed under Performer>album>xxxxxxxx.mp3

[mduell]

You can just plug it in and read the files. If the external drive is formatted as FAT32 you can read and write from your Mac; if it's formatted as NTFS you can read but not write from your Mac.

[Steve1]

It is NTFS. If I copy the drive contents to the G5 HD then reformat the external drive and reload the files would there be any problems? How would the Mac recognise the file structure from a Windows HD (there is no operating system on the external drive only mp3 files). Could I then, say, take the HD to a party and play the mp3 files on a Windows based system? Sorry to ask basic questions but as a beginner it's best to ask those who know.

[Goldfinger]

Originally Posted by Steve1

It is NTFS. If I copy the drive contents to the G5 HD then reformat the external drive and reload the files would there be any problems? How would the Mac recognise the file structure from a Windows HD (there is no operating system on the external drive only mp3 files).

Yep, copy-->reformat-->copy back. It'll work flawlessly.

Could I then, say, take the HD to a party and play the mp3 files on a Windows based system? Sorry to ask basic questions but as a beginner it's best to ask those who know.

If you want to this then format it as FAT32.