Tech Geeks - NTFS to FAT32

[Swanky]

It's taking forever, 'cause the drive is so big, but will keep you updated.

[David]

I can tell you're serious because you're not swearing.

[gundog]

Might I suggest you check the manual of the device you are connecting to.

Eg My Plasma Tv has a USB port, which I connect a 1TB WD Elements External HDD, and various HDD's with usb adaptors ....the USB port read NTFS and FAT, FAT16 & FAT32.

However my Home theater USB port only reads FAT16 or FAT32.

[David]

Basically the same thing.

FAT usually refers to FAT16. FAT12 wouldn't even be referred to these days.

[gundog]

Ok just ran a test I formated a HDD with exFat and dropped a movie on it, plugged it into the TV and reported a USB Fault, reformatted it to NTFS dropped the same movie on it and the TV read it no problems.

[Swanky]

It works in the TV in the lounge room no problems, just not through the set top box in the bed room.

The 500gb one does, just not the 2tb.

I actually have a special box I can use, but do you think we can find the damn power adapter??!!!

Still would be easier to plug straight in to set top box.

[gundog]

This option should still be in the Format GUI window, but it is not. However, as the other answers suggest, FAT32 is still an option from the command line. Full instructions:

Hit the Windows/Start Button -> type cmd.exe in the search box -> press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to get an Administrator Command Line. If prompted, press Yes or enter administrative credentials in the UAC pop-up box.

At the command line prompt, enter

format <drive letter>: /FS:FAT32
For a list of all command options, enter

help format
EDIT: After performing an experiment in formatting a 60GB "Video" partition to use with a PS3, I have discovered that Windows 2000 and later have an artificial limitation in formatting FAT32 partitions greater than 32GB (though they will mount any valid FAT32 partition). One good solution is the command-line program fat32format.exe available here: Ridgecrop Consultants FAT32 Formatter. It is only capable of quick formats (no zeroing/checking), but it is very fast.

[Brett Kay]

It works in the TV in the lounge room no problems, just not through the set top box in the bed room.

The 500gb one does, just not the 2tb.

I actually have a special box I can use, but do you think we can find the damn power adapter??!!!

Still would be easier to plug straight in to set top box.

Some older set top boxes won't recognise 2tb. Even if you partition it you can run into trouble.
Model of Set Top Box, look at its Manual and find out the max HDD space that it can handle.

Or.... buy a new better even more flashier one.

[Swanky]

That might be the simplest idea yet!

Now I just need a job to pay for it!

any ideas???!!

[666HARPS666]

It works in the TV in the lounge room no problems, just not through the set top box in the bed room.

The 500gb one does, just not the 2tb.

I actually have a special box I can use, but do you think we can find the damn power adapter??!!!

Still would be easier to plug straight in to set top box.

Anyone else get the idea old man Swanky has a lot of porn