How to Read Mac Files on a PC

If you use both a Mac computer and a Windows PC, sharing files between them is actually very easy. You don't need to transfer files back and forth through an external hard drive if both computers are connected to one router. The latest OS X versions can quickly configure your Mac's networking service to link up to the PC. With your Mac's IP address (or computer name) and your username, you can open its folders on the PC and use any files whose formats work with both systems.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Make sure your router is properly connected to the modem and that both your Windows-based PC and Mac are connected to the router with Ethernet cables.

2. Access the System Preferences application on your Mac and click on the "Sharing" icon. In the Sharing window, select "Windows Sharing" in the list of check boxes to the left. Write down the Mac's name, which is in the Computer Name text box at the top.

3. Look for the message at the bottom of the window stating that Windows users can access the computer. The Mac's full IP address and user name are in this message, which will be two backslashes, a series of numbers and periods (the IP address), another backslash and your username. Write this whole thing down also.

4. Switch to your PC and go to the "Run" command from the Start menu. Input the Mac's full IP address with username in the Run text box, including the backslashes. You can type in the Mac's name in place of the IP address (the numbers and periods---you still need the slashes and username).

5. Click "OK" and look for an Explorer window to open, which will show all the folders from your Mac. You can open these folders and then open, save and copy any files that are PC compliant. (If "show hidden files" is enabled, you'll also see the Mac's "." hidden folders and files, which won't be useful.)

Tips & Warnings

• The computer name might be better to input in "Run" instead of the IP, as the IP can change every once in a while---especially if you change any of the connections on the router.