Jul 18, 2012 - Using an external drive between Mac and Windows computers can be a. With Macs and PCs without third party software| MacTip via Reddit. Aug 25, 2009 Install this update to add support for the exFAT file. Download Update for Windows XP x64 Edition (KB955704). Windows Server 2003 Service.
Using an external drive between Mac and Windows computers can be a hassle, since you constantly have to reformat it to fit which computer you're using it on. Instead of reformatting it all the time, just use the much more platform-independent exFAT and never format it again.
Windows' default NTFS is read-only on OS X, not read-and-write, and Windows computers can't even read Mac-formatted HFS+ drives. FAT32 works for both OSes, but has a 4GB size limit per file, so it isn't ideal. You can always install drivers for those other OSes, but that doesn't help when you're sharing files with your friends' computers. Besides, it's kind of a hassle. The exFAT file system is a much simpler option.
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Read more ReadexFAT has been around for awhile, but we've never really talked about it. Essentially, it's a file system that's both readable and writable on any modern Mac or Windows machine (sorry, Leopard users). All you need to do is format the drive on a Windows machine and you're good to go. Note that you can't format it on OS X, you have to format it on Windows for it to be compatible with both platforms (Update: A lot of you are noting that OS X formats these just fine, so your mileage may vary). To do so, just:
- Open up Windows Explorer and right-click on your drive in the sidebar. Choose 'Format'.
- In the 'File System' dropdown, choose exFAT instead of NTFS.
- Click Start and close this window when finished.
From then on, that drive should work fantastically between Mac and Windows machines. It won't work with Linux unless you install Linux's exFAT drivers, but for most people, exFAT is just about perfect.
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Overview of Exfat.sys
What Is Exfat.sys?
Exfat.sys is a type of SYS file associated with Windows 7 Home Premium developed by Microsoft for the Windows Operating System. The latest known version of Exfat.sys is 1.0.0.0, which was produced for Windows. This SYS file carries a popularity rating of 1 stars and a security rating of 'UNKNOWN'.
What Are SYS Files?
SYS files such as exfat.sys are third-party (eg. Microsoft) device drivers or critical system files that come as part of the Windows operating system. Most SYS files allow internal PC hardware or attached hardware, such as a printer, to communicate with third-party software programs (eg. web browsers, word processors, Windows 7 Home Premium) and the operating system (eg. Windows).
Driver Windows 7 Ultimate
Other SYS files are critical system files called 'kernel mode device drivers' which are used to power the Windows operating system. Files such as 'CONFIG.SYS' contain configuration settings and specify what device drivers should be loaded by the operating system. Without driver files such as exfat.sys, you wouldn't be able to do simple tasks such as printing a document.
Why Do I Have SYS Errors?
SYS file errors are typically caused by faulty hardware or corrupt device driver files. Because of the importance of Exfat.sys in the functionality of Windows 7 Home Premium and other Windows functions, any corruption or damage to this file can create critical system errors in the form of a 'blue screen of death' (BSOD). Please see 'Causes of Exfat.sys Errors' below for more information.
When Do SYS Errors Occur?
SYS errors, such as those associated with exfat.sys, most often occur during computer startup, program startup, or while trying to use a specific function in your program (eg. printing).
Common Exfat.sys Error Messages
The majority of exfat.sys errors that you encounter will be 'blue screen of death' errors (also know as a 'BSOD' or 'STOP error') that occur in Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10:
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- 'A problem has been detected and Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer. The problem seems to be caused by the following file: Exfat.sys.'
- ':( Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We’re just collecting some info, and then we’ll restart for you. If you would like to know more, you can search online later for this error: exfat.sys.'
- 'STOP 0x0000000A: IRQL_NOT_LESS_EQUAL – exfat.sys'
- 'STOP 0x0000001E: KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED – exfat.sys'
- 'STOP 0×00000050: PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA – exfat.sys'
Exfat Driver Windows
In most cases, you will experience exfat.sys blue screen errors after you’ve installed new hardware or software. These exfat.sys blue screens can appear during program installation, while a exfat.sys-related software program (eg. Windows 7 Home Premium) is running, while a Microsoft driver is being loaded, or during Windows startup or shutdown. Keeping track of when and where your STOP error occurs is a critical piece of information in troubleshooting the problem.