Formatting USB to NTFS

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Bought a 32GB USB, I want to transfer files bigger than 4gb without having to split them but I can't seem to get it to format to NTFS. I'm on vista 64 btw.

I've tried:

- Properties > format to NTFS

- Command promt > Convert H: /FS:NTFS

- Device manager > Setting the USB to 'Optimize for performance' instead of 'Optimize for quick removal' and then formatting.

- Making vista see it as a local disk, got as far as making a custom .inf file and install that as my driver software but I get when I go to apply it.

"The folder you specified doesn't contain a compatible software driver for your device. If the folder contains a driver, make sure it's designed to work with windows for x64 bits based system. "

Any advice on fixing the above error message, getting the usb to format to NTFS or a way in which I can transfer files to it larger than 4gb without splitting them?

:confused:
 
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You see this is where I think it might just be my own fault that I got a cheapy unbranded one off ebay and it's just not able to format to ntfs. :p
 
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Try diskpart

1. Load command prompt (start > run > cmd > hit Return)
2. type list disk to list all your drives, it should find it, make a note of the number (important you need to make sure you have the right one, should be identifiable from the size)
3. type select disk N, where N is the disk you identified in Step 2.
4. type Clean
5. type create partition primary
6. type select partition 1
7. type active
8. type format fs=ntfs
9. type assign
10. type exit

Can also be used to boot because this process makes it an active partition :)
 
control panel
admin tools
computer management
disk management

and you should be able to format it to ntfs that way....atleast thats what i did in xp(i think).

just remember once formatted in ntfs then you must click remove drive from your task bar in the bottom right(where the clock is) everytime you disconnect it.
 
Try diskpart

1. Load command prompt (start > run > cmd > hit Return)
2. type list disk to list all your drives, it should find it, make a note of the number (important you need to make sure you have the right one, should be identifiable from the size)
3. type select disk N, where N is the disk you identified in Step 2.
4. type Clean
5. type create partition primary
6. type select partition 1
7. type active
8. type format fs=ntfs
9. type assign
10. type exit

Can also be used to boot because this process makes it an active partition :)

mmm, typed 'format fs=ntfs quick' and it came back with 'Diskpart has encountered an error. The parameter is incorrect. See the event log for more information'

Is this the wrong command to get it to do a quick format? Couldn't find any more info in the event log. I'll try a full format this way in the morning.

control panel
admin tools
computer management
disk management

and you should be able to format it to ntfs that way....atleast thats what i did in xp(i think).

Didn't work :(
 
Give this a try,

Go to device manager
locate the usb pen, right click and select properties
Click on the policies tab and select "Optimise for Performance" click apply
Format as normal.
 
Bought a 32GB USB, I want to transfer files bigger than 4gb without having to split them but I can't seem to get it to format to NTFS. I'm on vista 64 btw.
No need to use NTFS for >4GB files. Just format the USB stick to exFAT (supported in Vista and 7, and MS have KB955704 for XP).
 
No need to use NTFS for >4GB files. Just format the USB stick to exFAT (supported in Vista and 7, and MS have KB955704 for XP).

Yay, never knew what exFAT did. Just doing a little test to confirm that it's moved the file fine. I'll get back to you :)
 
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