How to Convert a Mac Diskette to a PC

A Mac diskette is a floppy disk used on older Mac desktop computers from the early 1980s and 90s (before the system went completely based on CD-ROMs). These floppy disks are similar to the IBM-based disks and although the data on the Mac disk may not be understood by a Windows computer, you are able to convert the actual floppy disk to be used on a PC. You just need to reformat the disk.

Instructions

1. Connect a floppy disk drive to your Windows computer, if one is not already installed. External drives are available and connect directly to the computer via USB data cable. When installing an external drive, make sure to install any drivers provided with the hardware.

2. Insert the Mac diskette into the floppy disk drive.

3. Click "Start," "(My) Computer" and right-click the "A:" drive icon.

4. Choose "Format" from the pull-down menu. A new window appears with the diskette format information. Click "OK" and the Mac diskette is formatted. Once complete it is ready for use on the Windows computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Formatting a disk will delete the information stored on it. Make sure there's nothing on the disk you want to keep before formatting it.

References

• My Old Mac: Apple Disk FAQ
• Geekware: Mac Diskette