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[cldocx]

I'm posting this because I spent hours trying to figure out how to make my drive compatible with my computer (NTFS)  and XBOX 360 (FAT32) file systems.  

1. Before you do anything download Disk Wizard from the Seagate website.

2. Backup Seagate files on a drive of your choice.

3. Run disk wizard,  select add new drive and delete all partitions.

4. Select unallocated space and decide how much you might need for music, video, picture or whatever else you have.

5. Select FAT32 file system and choose primary partition and give it a name.

6. Next it will give you the option to format the rest of the unallocated space.

7. Repeat the same process and select NTFS file system and primary partition for the remainder of what is left on your drive.

8. Click next and let the wizard do its job.

You will be ready to go in less than ten minutes plus whatever time it takes you to copy the files you want.  I hope this helps someone out there.  

[MrMatthew]

Hello Chris,

Welcome to the forum.  Thanks a lot for your guide and suggestions.  I'm sure you'll save someone a lot of time.  

[ruKKuS]

Could I make the whole HD FAT32? The Only reason I bought the HD was to store movies and tv series on it so I can move it freely between xbox's and just plug and watch. What are the cons of not having NTFS?

[AlanM]

The main disadvantage of FAT32 is that it will reject any file that is larger than 4 GB.

And yes you can make the whole drive FAT32.

Here is how.

[JMJimmy]

Most of the above is not required. Simply do the following:

1) Right click Computer in Windows 7 (My Computer in XP) and select 'Manage'

2) Under the Disk Management section, select the drive you wish to modify (make sure it's empty/backed up before you make any changes)

3) Right click the drive and use the options there to modify the partition(s) as needed.

The limitations Xbox 360 has are:

- FAT32 or HSF+ filesystem

- Maximum 32gb partitions for external hdds

- Must be a primary partition

It does not need to be Active or Boot or in any specific place on the drive.  FAT32 has the limitation of 4gb max filesize where HSF+ does not.  I'd still recommend FAT32 because there are a lot of devices that will recognize it but not NTFS or HSF+

Partition Magic and other drive tools like the one mentioned in the first post can offer more options and frankly better interfaces but they aren't as 'stupid user' proof as the built in Windows feature (OSX's Disk Utility is similar).