how can i format a usb harddrive to work with my dvd recorder

i have already connected it and it do appear but, the recorder cant format it and its pc based format is incompatible with the recorder. how can i give it a format that is compatible with the dvd recorder.

By using google to read up what format the DVD recorder needs and then formatting it so.

There might be a special program that can format disks in the way the DVD recorder expects.

However, I cannot give you any specific information as you have given us none. Such as what is the make/model of the DVD recorder.

Usually devices like these need you to format it in FAT32. At least all the DVRs I know do. Try that and see if it works.

Usually devices like these need you to format it in FAT32. At least all the DVRs I know do. Try that and see if it works.

Click to expand...

Correct. Your HDD most porbebly comes pre-formatted into NTFS. This format is usually not recognised by DVD recorders, DVD players, etc. The most compatible file system is FAT32. One thing to note about FAT32, is it will not handle single files larger than 4GB. So if you have a large blueray movie thats 4.5GB big, it will not fit on your HDD.

Note:

Windows Vista or 7 won't format a memory stick or HDD with FAT32 thats bigger than 32GB. This is a silly limitation that Microsoft put in to promote more modern file systems. You will need to download a formatting program. I haven't used third party formatting programs, but I'm sure a quick google will get you what you need.