Western Digital portable jobbies(Format)

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621andy

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I'm thinking about buying one of these things but am slightly confused about the format that it stores stuff:help:

I've read somewhere that it stores things in two diferent ways FAT32 and NTsomething? What is the difference, and does it matter which format you use. Can you select it yourself?

Basically I'm looking to back up my pics. I'm travelling for work a lot and my lappy is getting a bit full, but I need my pics with me.

Ta in advance!

Andy
 
Ive got a mybook 500gb. I reformatted it as ntfs as it gives faster file access. However, I wish i'd done 1/2 fat32 and half ntfs as my xbox 360 can't recognise it now.
 
jerry12953 said:
Yes, but what does all this actually mean.....;)
Click to expand...

I thought the difference was that ntfs can handle file sizes above 4GB and fat32 can't.

I didn't bother changing mine and it works fine. We have another one used as a backup on a buffalo NAS and that one was left as fat32 as well.

We have had no trouble with either of them.
 
That's about the long and the short of it - The default FAT32 format can't save files over 4GB where as ntfs can. NTFS was designed with security in mind as well, specifically for Windows operating systems (I think).


NTFS

1)allows access local to w2k,w2k3,XP,win NT4 with SP4 & later may get access for somefile.

2)Maximum size of partition is 2 Terabytes & more.

3)Maximum File size is upto 16TB.

4)File & folder Encryption is possible only in NTFS.

FAT 32

1)Fat 32 Allows access to win 95,98,win millenium,win2k,xp on local partition.

2)Maximum size of partition is upto 2 TB.

3)Maximum File size is upto 4 GB.

4)File & folder Encryption is not possible.
 
Something else to remember, If you use a Mac as well as a PC do not format as NTFS, leave it as Fat32, as the Mac can read from NTFS but cannot write to it.

I have 3 of these drives, a 250 and 2 x 320Gb and use them in Fat32 with both my Mac and PC's, they work well, just remember DO NOT only have your images held on one of these, if it fails you will lose everything ! Make sure you either have 2 and copy to both, or have the pictures held somewhere else !
 
I realise that there are two different types of format and what the essential differences are, but does the device come with software to convert stuff to either or, or do I need separate software to do this?

Basically, how do I convert files to whichever format:thinking:

It won't be my only method of storage, but I would like to have my photies with me. If it crashes, well so be it. I'll back them up to CD at least as well.
 
621andy said:
I realise that there are two different types of format and what the essential differences are, but does the device come with software to convert stuff to either or, or do I need separate software to do this?

Basically, how do I convert files to whichever format:thinking:
Click to expand...
You don't. Assuming you are using Windows, you'll first need to format the drive from either 'My Computer' (XP) or 'Computer' (Vista) and then select the appropriate File System; either NTFS, or FAT32*.

And you'll take your pick of those two depending on how well you've followed the other advice in this thread.

*Although I think Vista will only give you NTFS and exFAT.
 
621andy said:
I realise that there are two different types of format and what the essential differences are, but does the device come with software to convert stuff to either or, or do I need separate software to do this?

Basically, how do I convert files to whichever format:thinking:

It won't be my only method of storage, but I would like to have my photies with me. If it crashes, well so be it. I'll back them up to CD at least as well.
Click to expand...

As I recall it is something you can do in the setup.

I seem to remember something about being able to go one way after you have started but not change back.

As I said, we use them for exactly the same reason you got it and have never felt the need to change.
 
glitch said:
You don't. Assuming you are using Windows, you'll first need to format the drive from either 'My Computer' (XP) or 'Computer' (Vista) and then select the appropriate File System; either NTFS, or FAT32*.

*Although I think Vista will only give you NTFS and exFAT.
Click to expand...

perhaps things have moved on, but when we bought ours they were already formatted fat32
 
That may well be, but I'd always advocate a complete format of any new HD, especially one that's an external drive. Most of them have some sort of software pre-installed on them which is basically useless so a nice clean format makes for a long and happy life.

And I'd probably pick NTFS purely for the ability to go over 4GB in filesize. But that's possibly down to my personal needs and not necessarily suitable for all.
 
Many thanks for the answers. Now it makes sense!

Have ordered a 360GB one from Amazon in Germany for 83€.

Andy.
 
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