> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://gitbook.bergelsonlab.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://gitbook.bergelsonlab.com/archive/old-osf-pages/old-general-instructions/flash-drive-management.md).

# Flash Drive Management

How to encrypt and manage encrypted flashdrives

## Encrypting a Flash Drive

#### Mac

1. Insert flash drive into computer
2. Open a new **Finder** window and navigate to **Applications**
3. Go to **Utilities**, then **Disk Utility**
4. MORE HERE **NOTE:** Password encryption in this manner reformats the flash drive to be **Mac-Only**; you will be unable to use this drive on a PC!

## Converting a Mac Encrypted Drive to a PC-Accessible Drive

1. Connect the drive
2. Open a new **Terminal** window and write the following prompts;
3. Run **cmd**
4. Run **diskpart.exe**
5. Run **list disk** and find the disk that corresponds to your drive
6. Select the disk (it will be labeled with a number of letter) by typing in that character
7. Confirm that you are using the correct disk by typing **detail disk**
8. Run **clean** (**Warning:** This command erases the disk's partition information. Any data on the disk will no longer be accessible.)
9. Run **create partition primary**
10. Run **active**
11. Run **format fs=fat32 quick**
12. Run **assign**: this command assigns the drive a letter on your machine
13. Run **exit** to quit this prompt