How do I determine the default format of my External SSD?

There are two types of Integral External Solid State Drive (SSD). One is pre-formatted for the PC and the other is pre-formatted for Apple Macintosh computers:

External SSD retail box (PC&Mac)

PC/Mac FAT32 formatted as standard

 

External SSD retail box (Mac edition)

Apple HFS+ Formatted as standard

 

The Quick Start Guide included with your SSD includes the information on the format type used by the drive. Use the instructions below for your operating system if you are not sure which format type your SSD is formatted to.

Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000
  • Connect the drive to your computer following the Quick Start Guide instructions included with the drive.
  • If the drive is not recognized by Windows, the drive format is likely to be Mac OS Extended. Refer to FAQ “How to reformat my SSD or change the format type”.
  • If the drive is recognized and assigned a drive letter, the drive format is either NTFS or FAT32. Continue to the next step.
  • Right click on the drive letter for your Integral SSD in “My Computer”.
  • Select “Properties” from the right-click menu.
  • The format type will be listed next to “File system” on the “General” tab.
Mac OS X
  • Connect the drive to your computer following the quick install instructions included with the drive.
  • Click on the drive icon on the Mac desktop.
  • Select “Get Info” from the File menu.
  • The format type will be listed next to “Format” under the “General” section.