I'm trying to back up files from my old MacBook to a new PC. I successfully moved the backup files onto an external hard drive using MacDrive software, but now I can't open the files on my PC. They show as a little white page icon, and when I click on them, it prompts me to select an app but doesn't work with options like Windows Media Player or Notepad. Does anyone know how I can view these files? Do I need to reformat anything?
5 Answers
You can share the files via SMB on your PC, then connect to that share from your Mac to copy the files over. Simple as that!
Try starting the appropriate Windows program first (like Word) and then opening your files one by one. Sometimes, the Mac’s file associations don’t transfer to Windows. You might need to manually add the correct file extensions. Don’t forget to show hidden file extensions in your Windows File Explorer settings!
Format your external drive to exFAT; it’s readable and writable by both Macs and PCs. Also, ensure you're copying the actual files and not just shortcuts.
Mac and PC use different file systems, so you need to ensure the files are compatible. You might want to check out Microsoft's guide on moving files from Mac to Windows for a clearer understanding.
When you mentioned a 'backup,' are you using a Time Machine backup, or did you just copy and paste your user folders? If it's Time Machine, that backup is proprietary to Apple and can only be managed through a Mac. However, if it's a simple copy-paste, ensure your external drive was formatted as exFAT, which works for both systems. Also, remember that Windows might not recognize certain file formats created by Mac apps.
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