Do I have to format to NTFS for files larger than 4 GB? I just purchased it and my computer is telling me it has 14.5 GB free as a FAT32 drive . Update: I was just now able to copy over 5 GB to it as a FAT32, so I'm not sure why other people are saying you need to format it to NTFS. Do I have to format to NTFS for files larger than 4 GB? I just purchased it and my computer is telling me it has 14.5 GB free as a FAT32 drive . Update: I was just now able to copy over 5 GB to it... » Read More Do I have to format to NTFS for files larger than 4 GB? I just purchased it and my computer is telling me it has 14.5 GB free as a FAT32 drive . Update: I was just now able to copy over 5 GB to it as a FAT32, so I'm not sure why other people are saying you need to format it to NTFS. « Show Less
1389636
A single FAT32 file is limited to 4GB in size, but you can format a 16GB (or larger) drive to FAT32 with no problems when used with individual files smaller than 4GB (each) in size. If you are needing to use individual files larger than 4GB then you should format the drive using NTFS or exFAT (with Win 7 or 8).
465363
It will show as new and will auto format or ask you to format depending on the Operating System you are using.
1389637
My understanding is that NTFS provides more security and increases performance. Here is a link that will help understand the differences: http://www.diffen.com/difference/FAT32_vs_NTFS
101637
If you reformat the drive you'll erase all the present data on it. If it's a brand new drive, just format it for FAT32 and both -Win7 and OS X- can read it. As to the file size limit, there is none.
361573
Mine came formatted with the FAT32 file system so I changed it to NTFS and it did it just fine!
1639670
I checked three of my Flash Drives for you. 1) I have a couple of 64Gb Sandisks: Each showed about 59.5GB Free space. 2) A 128Gb Corsair Survivor: Showed about 119Gb Free Space. 3) A 256Gb Corsair Survivor: Showed about 138GB Free Space. The percentages all seemed to be about the same--- I use NTFS on the Corsairs and Ex-FAT on the Sandisk.
1841457
You didn't say if the drive was formatted with HPFS or NTFS or FAT32. You also didn't say whether Windows prompted to format the drive when you plugged it in. FAT32 is compatible with both Mac and PC so I would recommend converting to that file system. The only caveat is that the largest file size is 4GB in FAT32. Another thing to check is whether enough power is being provided to the drive through the USB port of what I assume to be a laptop PC. You may need to use a powered USB hub.
2210799
Technically, YES, it can be formatted to FAT32, but with the filesize limitations, as well as the cluster size for the filesystem, I must beg the question of WHY format it to FAT32? If you want it to be read/write with Mac/PC, then format exFAT. If you want to install DOS/95/98/ME on it, why? Truly, your best option would be exFAT if NTFS is not suitable for your needs.
2099598
These usb flash drives are supplied with FAT32 file system format which has a 4GB size limit for file transfers. It is very easy to change the format to one without the size limit. As soon as I got the drive I used windows to change the format to exFAT. It only takes a minute to complete. Before changing the format consider that some people keep FAT32 because it offers the best compatibility for transferring files between Windows, Mac OS and Linux systems. Also consider that some car stereos and other USB media players with USB input might only be able to read FAT32 formatted USB drives.
2099597
This been formated in FAT32, so 4gb is a maximum to transfer for 1 file. But you can still change its type to NTFS then everything will be OK.
534113
Yes it is formatted in Fat 32 but you can reformat to exFAT or NTFS if you would like.
1185050
Recently I added a drive with data to mine. and I was able to restore the data, Back it up and format the drive for a new use. it worked well. I was using windows 7, I am not sure of the format I believe it was NTFS.
763036
No limits on file size for transfer. None reported and none encountered!Can't say the same if you reformat it in fat32 yourself.
633415
The drive must be formatted with the FAT file system and then it works. This mean nothing over 32GB.
1289057
On a windows 7 pc you simply go to start menu - computer - right click the flash drive - left click "format" - left click the drop down menu - left click NTFS or Ex-FAT - and then press START. If I was going to use as a boot drive for, say restoring my operating system, I'd uncheck the quick format box and do a full format. I think this method works the same or similarly for XP or Windows 8, I haven't tried either in awhile. Cheers!
1813387
Thanks for the info, guys. I use Windows XP, plan on downloading well over 4GB in musical CDs, audiobooks, and mp3's, so, if I'm reading you right, I SHOULD reformat to NTFS. Is this correct? And thanks again for your help.
847661
as long as you leave it formatted in NTFS,(which is the format that mine came in with) there really isn't a size limit. If you re-format to FAT32,then it's 4gig.
710861
The drive can only be formatted in FAT32, so the size of the file determines if it can be stored on the drive. If you are looking at files over 4Gb, it wont work.
609320
FAT32 can create files 4GB or smaller. NTFS became standard with Windows 2000 and is used by XP and I'm sure Vista will use it. So unless you don't need to store files that are 4gb or more in size you probably dont need to worry about it. Personally I do a lot with video creation and saving uncompressed videos can get huge with only minutes of footage, so its useful for me.