• Formatting a flash drive in NTFS. Transferring large files from PC to flash drive

    Users often encounter that when trying to record big file on the flash drive they get an error. This usually happens when you try to write a file larger than 4 GB. The system reports that the file is too large and refuses to write. At the same time, at the time of recording, there may be several tens of free gigabytes on the flash drive, but they cannot be used. If you are faced with a similar problem, then this article should help you. Here you will find out why the system refuses to record large files on a flash drive and how it can be fixed.

    The reason this problem occurs is that most flash drives come from the factory with the FAT32 file system. This file system is quite old and therefore has many limitations that modern realities are very noticeable. In particular, the FAT32 file system does not support files larger than 4 gigabytes.

    In order to get rid of this limitation and write files of any size to a flash drive, you need to change file system Flash drives from FAT32 to NTFS. This can be done in two ways: by formatting the flash drive in NTFS or by converting the file system from FAT32 to NTFS. Next we will look at both of these methods.

    Method number 1. Formatting a flash drive.

    The easiest way to get the ability to write files large size this is on a flash drive. In this case, all files from the flash drive will be deleted. Therefore, before formatting, you need to transfer them to a computer or another flash drive.

    So, in order to format a flash drive in NTFS, you need to open “My Computer” and right-click on your flash drive. In the menu that opens, select “Format”.

    As a result, a small window will open in front of you to format the flash drive. Here, in the “File system” drop-down menu, the “FAT32” option will be selected. You need to open this drop-down menu and select the file NTFS system.

    The remaining settings can be left unchanged. After changing the file system, simply click on the “Start” button.

    After this, you will see a warning about deleting files from the flash drive. In order to continue you need to click on the “Ok” button.

    After this, the system will begin formatting the flash drive to NTFS. Typically the formatting process only takes a couple of seconds. Once everything is ready, you will see a corresponding message.

    Method No. 2. Converting the file system from FAT32 to NTFS.

    The second way to get the opportunity to write large files to a flash drive is to perform. When converting the file system, the files on the flash drive are saved. But, you still need to do backup copy files. Because if the conversion process fails, files may be lost.

    In order to convert the file system, you need to open “Command Prompt” with administrator rights and run the command “ convert X: /FS:NTFS" In this case, the letter “X” must be replaced with the letter that was assigned to your flash drive when connected.

    After executing this command, the system will begin converting the file system. The time required for conversion depends on the size of the flash drive, its speed and the number of files. But, in most cases, the conversion takes place in less than 1 minute. Once the conversion is complete, a message will appear in the Command Prompt indicating that the conversion is complete.

    Now you can try to write a large file to the flash drive. If everything was done correctly, now files larger than 4 GB will be written without problems.

    Large capacity is one of the main advantages of flash drives over other storage devices like CDs and DVDs. This quality allows you to use flash drives also as a means for transferring large files between computers or mobile gadgets. Below you will find methods for transferring large files and tips to avoid problems during the process.

    The moving process itself, as a rule, does not present any difficulties. The main problem that users face when planning to upload or copy large amounts of data to their flash drives is the limitations of the FAT32 file system on the maximum possible size of a single file. This limit is 4 GB, which is not so much these days.

    The most simple solution in such a situation, you will copy everything from the flash drive necessary files and format it to or exFAT. For those for whom this method is not suitable, there are alternatives.

    Method 1: Archiving a file by splitting the archive into volumes

    Not everyone and not always have the opportunity to format a flash drive into another file system, so the simplest and most logical method would be to archive a large file. However, conventional archiving may be ineffective - by compressing data, only small gains can be achieved. In this case, it is possible to split the archive into parts given size(remember that the FAT32 limitation applies only to single files). The easiest way to do this is with .

    The method is time-consuming, but allows you to do without formatting the drive. Let us also add that they have the function of creating compound archives.

    Method 2: Converting the file system to NTFS

    Another method that does not require formatting the storage device is to convert the FAT32 file system to NTFS using a standard Windows console utility.

    Done, now you can write large files to your flash drive. However, we still do not recommend abusing this method.

    Method 3: Format the storage device

    The easiest way to make a flash drive suitable for transferring large files is to format it to a file system other than FAT32. Depending on your purposes, this can be either NTFS or exFAT.

    Updated – 2017-01-25

    How to write a large file to a flash drive. Flash drives come in large and small sizes. Naturally, when buying a large flash drive, a person expects to write large files to it, such as games, movies, programs, etc. Why then do large files (more than 4 GB) not want to be written to it? What's the problem? Was the flash drive really defective? Nothing like that, yours removable media completely fine. After all, you can fill this very flash drive with small files to capacity. So the secret lies somewhere else. It is this very secret that we will talk about now.

    You've probably heard of such a concept as file system. I won’t fool you with all these concepts that you don’t need at all. you in at the moment I'm interested in the question - How to write a large file to a flash drive, and all sorts of abstruse articles are simply not appropriate now. You will need to find out about this very file system, and you will look for the answer to this question.

    But for those who want to know the reason why large files are not copied to a flash drive, I will briefly explain. It's all about the file system your flash drive works with. If the flash drive is formatted in the FAT32 file system, then it cannot support recording files larger than 4 GB. This is an "ancient" system and is not designed to work with large files.

    So far, all flash drives are produced in this system. And in order for it to support recording large files, it must be in the NTFS system, or write to it using special programs.

    We won't bother with any third party programs, but just take it and transfer it to the NTFS file system. Moreover, we don’t need anything for this.

    In the operating system Windows 7 format removable media into a file system NTFS is easier"steamed turnip"

    Before performing the operations described below, you must save all valuable files from your flash drive on your computer. After the formatting operation, all data will be erased!

    Insert the flash drive. Open the menu - Start - Computer(you can simply press the Win + E keys on your keyboard at the same time). Key Win usually indicated on the keyboard by a flag in the form Windows logo. Find your flash drive and right-click on the icon. Select the item from the drop-down menu Format.

    In the Formatting window, select File system – NTFS, and press the button Begin.

    Wait until the end of the operation. Now you can write any files to your flash drive as long as its capacity allows.

    You can store movie collections in high quality, images, games, archives. If you tried to transfer something to such a flash drive, and the “File is too large for the destination file system” window or the message “No disk space” popped up, this does not mean that the flash drive is faulty or damaged. Most likely there is a limitation on it. And you won’t be able to transfer a file larger than 4 GB to it. Even if the media memory is 32 GB. At the same time, you can easily upload 10 videos of 3 GB each to it.


    This occurs due to the file system (FS) and is associated with some of its features. Typically, flash drives have one of the versions of FAT - File Allocation Table. It is this that prevents you from writing a large file to external drive. Even on a 128 GB flash drive.

    There is another FS - NTFS or New Technology File System. It is widely used in Microsoft Windows. And it does not block downloading if the file exceeds 4 GB. In NTFS, the size of each cluster is much smaller - this is a certain area into which information is added.

    To make an analogy, imagine a piece of paper with a tic-tac-toe board on it. One cell equals a cluster. If you put a cross in it, you will fill it out entirely (that is, you will no longer be able to write any data there). Even if there is still room left in it. For both file systems, the total size of this field is the same - for example, one notebook sheet. In FAT, it fits 9 cells (3 by 3 field). And in NTFS - 49 (field 7 by 7). Because in the second case the clusters (cells) are smaller.

    In addition, in NTFS you can configure quotas and set access rights. There is logging, which increases reliability.

    If, when copying, you see the warning “The file is too large for the destination file system,” then the drive is set to FAT. To check this:

    1. Insert the flash drive into the USB port.
    2. Open My Computer. Your flash drive should be displayed there.
    3. Right-click on it.
    4. Select Properties. The information you need will be there.

    It’s easy to find out the file type - to do this, go to Media Properties

    If “FAT” is indicated, it means that only data up to 4 GB in size can be written to the disk. But what if you downloaded a video and want to watch it on TV? Or do you need to transfer an archive of photos?

    You can remove the restriction on maximum volume. Before copying a large file to a flash drive, change the FS. If the drive is a boot disk, you must leave FAT.

    Formatting

    Most easy way- format the USB drive and immediately assign it necessary settings. But absolutely all information, even encoded and hidden, will be erased from it. Therefore, you need to transfer everything that is there to another medium. Then you can return your documents to the formatted drive.

    Here's how to write a large file to a flash drive:

    1. Plug in its USB port.
    2. Open My Computer
    3. Right-click on the name of the flash drive.
    4. Click Format.
    5. Select "NTFS" from the drop-down list.
    6. Click "Start".
    7. Wait.

    This will clear the "File is too large for target file system" warning.

    If there is no “NTFS” line in that menu, do the following:

    1. Open Control Panel. You can enter it through “Start”.
    2. You need "Device Manager". It is in the Hardware and Sound category. Open it.
    3. Expand the "Disk devices" list.
    4. Find your flash drive in it.
    5. Right-click on its name.
    6. “Properties” item.
    7. "Politics" tab.
    8. Place a marker next to the line “Optimize for execution.”
    9. Click OK.

    Try formatting the flash drive to NTFS again. And you can drop a large file on it.

    Conversion

    The drive can be converted to the desired file system. To do this, Windows has an option “File System Conversion Utility” or “Convert.exe”. There is no need to launch it manually. It is controlled through commands.

    Here's how to transfer a large file to a flash drive:

    1. In the input field, write “cmd” without quotes. A window will open with a black background and white characters. This is the command line.
    2. Insert the drive into the USB slot.
    3. Open My Computer.
    4. Find your flash drive there. Look at the name of the disc ( external devices letter names “F:”, “L:”, “H:”) are assigned.
    5. IN command line you need to enter or copy the command “convert [drive name] /fs:ntfs /nosecurity /x”. Instead of “drive name,” write the letter of the flash drive. And after it put a colon. That is, it should look something like “convert G: …”.
    6. Wait until the "Conversion Complete" message appears.

    Now try writing a large file to the drive.

    When converting, nothing is erased from the media. But still, before changing the file system, clean the flash drive and create a backup copy of the data. There must be free space on the USB drive for successful conversion.

    If during conversion the error “Enter a volume label for the disk” appears, write the label (the full name of the disk). Or uncheck it in the “Properties” menu in the “General” section. Just remove what is written in the input field at the top.

    HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool

    To convert a flash drive, use the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool".

    1. Search the Internet and download this utility. There should only be one executable file"HPUSBDisk.exe."
    2. Right-click on it.
    3. Select "As administrator".
    4. Find your flash drive in the “Devices” list. It should already be inserted into the USB connector.
    5. In the field " File system» specify "NTFS".
    6. You can set a label (“Volume Label”).
    7. During the conversion, all data on the drive will be erased. It makes sense to copy them to a PC and then return them to a flash drive.
    8. Click "Start". Before doing this, make sure that you have selected the correct media. So as not to accidentally format something else.

    After this, try writing the necessary data to the drive.

    Now you know how to transfer a large file to a flash drive. We need to transfer it to another file system. Then the size limitation will disappear. Choose any method you like.

    There is still enough on the flash drive free space, but for some reason the file is not written. If this is a large file (more than 4GB), a movie, for example, or a DVD image or archive, then on this page you will find the answer to how to write the file to a USB flash drive.

    Why isn't it recording?

    If everything is fine with the flash drive, i.e. if it is physically intact and there are no problems with the file system, then most likely it is because your flash drive is formatted in FAT32. This file system was developed quite a long time ago and does not support the ability to work with files larger than 4GB (minus 1 byte).

    What to do?

    There are two options to choose from:

    1. Divide long file several pieces less than 4GB.
    2. Use another, more modern file on the flash drive new system.

    Let's look at these options in more detail.

    1. Split a long file into several pieces

    Probably the easiest way. Suitable even if you are using a computer with MS Windows XP or GNU\Linux. All you need is an archiver program that can make multi-volume archives. WinRAR, 7-Zip, WinZip and others are suitable. Using 7-Zip for MS Windows as an example, it looks like this: launch 7-Zip File Manager:

    Select the required file and click the “Add” button. In the “Add to archive” window that opens:

    1. Select the folder where you want it to be located final files. You can immediately select a flash drive or a folder on a flash drive. If you don't select anything, then chunks of the file will be in the same folder as the original file.
    2. Specify the size for file chunks. A size slightly less than 4GB will suit us. You can specify 4000M.
    3. Select the compression level. Here, the higher the compression level, the longer the archiver will work to create the “slice”. Plus you need to remember that often films are already compressed file and trying to apply a high degree of compression to it makes no sense. For films and archives, we recommend choosing either the “High-Speed” mode or “No compression”.


    Next, click “OK” and wait for 7-Zip to complete. You will get several files with the same name, only the extension will be different: .001, .002, .003, etc. If the file was cut somewhere on the hard drive, now you can transfer the resulting pieces source file to a flash drive. The main thing is not to forget that to recreate the original file from pieces, you will again need an archiver.

    2. Another file system on the flash drive

    An alternative to the legacy FAT32 file system is either exFAT, or NTFS.

    File exFAT system was developed by Microsoft specifically for use on flash drives and does not have many of the disadvantages of FAT32, including the 4GB file size limitation. But, unfortunately, not all devices and operating systems can work with flash drives formatted in exFAT. Windows understands exFAT since XP service pack 2+ KB955704, MS Windows Vista- with service pack 1. Mac OS X - starting from version 10.6.5. Linux requires additional installation of a special package, and not everything is clear with the license. Android devices usually do not understand exFAT out of the box. For TVs and other devices, it is better to check the documentation.

    You can format a flash drive in exFAT regular means MS Windows:


    Of course, if you have the necessary files on the flash drive, you need to temporarily copy them to hard drive, because After formatting, the flash drive will be empty.

    However, NTFS- how the more common file system is supported a large number operating systems and devices out of the box, but when used intensively on flash drives, this file system can lead to premature failure of the flash drive due to the increased number of service read-write operations.

    NTFS on a flash drive can be obtained by converting from FAT32. This is done simply: click the “Start” button, select “Run” or instead, press Win + R on the keyboard at the same time and type:

    convert e: /fs:ntfs /NoSecurity /x

    where e: is your flash drive. We are waiting for completion. Before starting the conversion, it is recommended to make a backup copy of the files from the flash drive, but as a rule, the conversion takes place without data loss.

    It doesn’t matter which file system you chose: exFAT or NTFS, now you can easily write files larger than 4GB to a flash drive.

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