Re: Can You Partition External Hard Drive

Tim879 wrote:
Is it possible to partition an USB External HD to have both a FAT32
and NTFS partition? My TV only recognized FAT32 and I want to play
MP3's / show pics on the TV but use the more stable NTFS file system
to store my other files.

Will Windows XP recognize both drives? If its of any help I use the
USB interface.

<snipped>

Anna wrote:
<snip>
There's still another way to get around the 32 GB FAT32 partition
limitation, i.e., a method whereby you could create a FAT32
partition of virtually any size (without the need of an extra-cost
third-party program), but it involves using a DOS floppy disk
containing the FDISK & FORMAT commands (as in a Win9x/Me Startup
floppy disk) together with the ability of removing the HDD from the
USB external enclosure and installing it in your PC as a secondary
HDD. (Programs for creating a DOS floppy disk are available all
over the net). The process is relatively easy but I don't know if
it is practical for you based upon the machines you're presently
using.

Extra cost?
Why do things always have to 'cost' or be made more difficult than needed?
heh

Limitations of the FAT32 File System in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314463

If you are attempting to format with the native utilities in
Windows XP - and the drive/partition is larger than 32GB - the
FAT32 option will not be available. You are welcome to utilize a
third-party utility - some are free.

Examples:
Format larger than 32GB FAT32 within Windows XP with this utility:
http://www1.mager.org/mkdosfs/

Or this one (with GUI):
http://tokiwa.qee.jp/EN/Fat32Formatter/index.html

Good luck!

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html


.

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