Converting large HDDs to FAT32

Priapus · 23 Jun 2009 at 08:12

Morning guys,

I need to convert a 500GB hard drive into FAT32. So that I can connect it to my Xbox 360's USB port and watch all my movies off there. At the moment I am transferring off the drive to a small 120GB twhich is FAT32 and is working ok.

Any ideas?

( I don't have a PC so can't stream off there to the Xbox. Just have a laptop. )

howler · 23 Jun 2009 at 10:26

Just select FAT32 as the file system in windows when you format it

Priapus · 23 Jun 2009 at 10:44

Nope. Windows will not allow you to go fram NTFS to FAT32. I think Partition Magic, might though.

howler · 23 Jun 2009 at 10:58

Oh sorry you need to convert it didn't read the post properly!

PiKe · 23 Jun 2009 at 11:05

What brand is it? Some manufacturers have utilities to format to fat32.

bledd · 23 Jun 2009 at 11:21

format /FS:FAT32 X: /Q

or use parted magic (freeware bootable cd)

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14340884&postcount=5

PiKe · 23 Jun 2009 at 11:24

bledd. said:
format /FS:FAT32 X: /Q

Doesn't work, it tries to but then fails stating that the disc is too large for windows to format [as fat32].

Burnsy2023 · 23 Jun 2009 at 11:43

I think FAT32 partition sizes are limited to 32GB.

JonJ678 · 23 Jun 2009 at 11:56

I'm pretty certain they're not http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314463
Microsoft think 8tb maximum, but windows won't format them to larger than 32gb

A gparted livecd will certainly do this for you, but is perhaps a touch excessive

If by convert you mean change to fat32 without losing the data currently on it you have a rather tougher job ahead, its far easier to reformat then copy data back on. Safer too

Shaolin Chicken · 23 Jun 2009 at 11:59

I used gparted also, will get the job done for you and is easy to use.

bledd · 23 Jun 2009 at 12:00

Burnsy2023 said:
I think FAT32 partition sizes are limited to 32GB.

they're usable in windows over 32gb, but it doesn't let you create them..

i thought I'd read that the commandline option worked, if not, then just use parted magic boot cd, gparted is on it.

PiKe · 23 Jun 2009 at 12:01

If it's Western Digital use this http://support.wdc.com/product/download.asp?groupid=113&sid=34&lang=en

It works with any WD drive even though it's listed under MyBook.

eXor · 23 Jun 2009 at 12:12

Ice On Fire said:
Morning guys,

I need to convert a 500GB hard drive into FAT32. So that I can connect it to my Xbox 360's USB port and watch all my movies off there. At the moment I am transferring off the drive to a small 120GB twhich is FAT32 and is working ok.

Your best bet is to borrow another drive, back up, format your 500GB to FAT32 ( gparted ), copy the files back.

or

If your 500GB partition isn't full, you could try to shrink it, make a FAT32 partition in the freed space. Then, copy some files to the new FAT32 partition, delete the copied originals, enlarge the FAT32 partition.. repeat ad infinitum. However, there's a significant risk of data loss with this method e.g. power cut, shrink failing and causing corruption. It should only be used as a last resort.

wombraider · 23 Jun 2009 at 12:20

I just use acronis disk director for such things

Its such a shame that xp wont let you format one more than 32G , I mean
why not ? It can read em , why not be able to set them up ???
Shakes fist at sky "Damn you bill gates!"

bledd · 23 Jun 2009 at 13:08

to encourage people to use the far superior NTFS

Burnsy2023 · 23 Jun 2009 at 13:13

bledd. said:
to encourage people to use the far superior NTFS

Indeed, I wouldn't touch FAT32 unless I absolutely was required to for a legacy system.

PiKe · 23 Jun 2009 at 13:21

bledd. said:
to encourage people to use the far superior NTFS

Well it should be as widely supported then, but it isn't.

Priapus · 23 Jun 2009 at 13:50

bledd. said:
to encourage people to use the far superior NTFS

Likewise, however Xbox 360 doesn't support the NTFS file system.

Thanks for all the help guys. Will give it ago tonight.