how to format a usb hard drive for use with linux or windows

[p.echols at comcast.net]

----- Original Message -----
> From: "glenn opdycke-hansen" <glennoph at gmail.com>
> To: "Ubuntu user technical support, not for general discussions" <ubuntu-users at lists.ubuntu.com>
> Sent: Friday, July 22, 2011 8:07:53 AM
> Subject: how to format a usb hard drive for use with linux or windows
> Is there a way to format an external hard disk that uses a USB
> connection?
> I want to format it from Ubuntu system and use it on either windows or
> linux.
> Thanks!
> 
> I have been able to format it from Ubuntu and use it on linux, but
> unable to connect to the external storage from windows system.

You will need to format it as NTFS.  Can be done using gparted.  Here is a link about doing it on Hardy.  I imagine it's all still valid.

http://maketecheasier.com/how-to-reformat-an-external-hard-drive-to-ntfs-format-in-ubuntu-hardy/2008/09/29