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    Format Fat32 on External HD

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by NetBrakr, Sep 23, 2008.

  1. NetBrakr

    NetBrakr Notebook Deity

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    Hey all,

    This is very annoying...I tried to format my 160GB (partition 2 80GB) external HD to Fat32. I tried to use the command line...but it still won't work, it said the drive is too big. I tried to use CompuApps SwissKnife, it works but it's annoying to me to have a program just to format a drive.

    Any more ways to format?

    TIA
    (XP Home SP1)
     
    NetBrakr, Sep 23, 2008
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  2. Everway9

    Everway9 Notebook Consultant

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    Can you not boot using a Win98 Floppy then format it using fdisk? Tou could also go to the website of the maker of your hard drive and download a drive prepartion utility that when executed on your computer will make a floppy that can be booted to prepare your drive.
     
    Everway9, Sep 23, 2008
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  3. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    Try GParted. I think the USB controllers are initialised and the external drive should be detected.
    (Which cmd line did you use ?)
     
    Andy, Sep 23, 2008
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  4. NetBrakr

    NetBrakr Notebook Deity

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    One problem, I don't have a floppy drive.

    Also, Gparted is a program.
     
    NetBrakr, Sep 23, 2008
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  5. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    No, it is not exactly a program. GParted liveCD, independent from Vista/XP.

    Which partition/how many partitions did you try to format using CMD ?
     
    Andy, Sep 23, 2008
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  6. NetBrakr

    NetBrakr Notebook Deity

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    Only one. H:
     
    NetBrakr, Sep 23, 2008
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  7. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    Try this cmd line -> format H: /FS:FAT32
     
    Andy, Sep 23, 2008
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  8. Everway9

    Everway9 Notebook Consultant

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    Everway9, Sep 23, 2008
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  9. Everway9

    Everway9 Notebook Consultant

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    I'm afraid that if you really do need it in FAT32 then a 3rd party program might be the only thing you can use? Or buy a MAC LOL!
     
    Everway9, Sep 23, 2008
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  10. Shyster1

    Shyster1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Why is it annoying to have a separate program for formatting a drive? You're trying to do something quite out of the ordinary, for which you need software that is out of the ordinary - the default internal formatter on Win is only meant to deal with ordinary, garden-variety situations, not the one you're trying to accomplish.

    Think of it this way - if you've got a broken arm, do you go with the usual first-aid kit, or do you go to the specialist - the doctor - to get the arm set?
     
    Shyster1, Sep 23, 2008
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  11. NetBrakr

    NetBrakr Notebook Deity

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    MAC...Hey, that's a great idea. lol

    Anyway, thanks for trying to help me, guys. But looks like I will have to go to NTSF.
     
    NetBrakr, Sep 23, 2008
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  12. Everway9

    Everway9 Notebook Consultant

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    As said you could use a 3rd party tool, you do not have to go NTFS but FAT32 would not be reccomended. Your choice at the end of the day. Hope you get things sorted to your satisfatction.
     
    Everway9, Sep 23, 2008
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  13. NetBrakr

    NetBrakr Notebook Deity

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    Thanks Everway9.
     
    NetBrakr, Sep 23, 2008
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  14. Everway9

    Everway9 Notebook Consultant

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    I'll always try to help if its within my little knowledge.
     
    Everway9, Sep 23, 2008
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  15. olyteddy

    olyteddy Notebook Deity

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    I had a WD 250 GB external, it shipped in FAT 32, I changed it to NTFS. To change it back I had to D/L a program from them. It only works for WD, but maybe the maker of your drive has a similar prog.
     
    olyteddy, Sep 24, 2008
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