Portable HD File System Choice

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henriJ

I want to set up new portable hard drive for both use with my main
W2K-Pro computer and my old laptop which runs W98SE. I am aware that
W98 does not support NTFS so I have always used FAT32 as my file system
despite its disadvantages.

Can a particular HD be partitioned so that some volumes use NTFS while
other volumes use FAT32?

What is the largest volume that can set up with FAT32?

What is the largest FAT32 volume that can be used with W2K-Pro?

What is the largest FAT32 volume that can be used with W98SE?

Thanks, in advance, and any advice, thoughts, etc.
 
You can use two seperate Partitions, Fat & ntfs
I havent used Fat for some time, I believe its 32gb max - but could be
wrong.
 
See inline replies:
I want to set up new portable hard drive for both use with my main
W2K-Pro computer and my old laptop which runs W98SE. I am aware that
W98 does not support NTFS so I have always used FAT32 as my file system
despite its disadvantages.

Can a particular HD be partitioned so that some volumes use NTFS while
other volumes use FAT32?

Yes, you can create many partitions and format any of them to the file
system of your choice.

What is the largest volume that can set up with FAT32?

In theory up to 2 terabytes, but that would be an insanely large size
for a FAT32 volume! You would run into other problems and issues before
you try to format and use a volume of that size.

What is the largest FAT32 volume that can be used with W2K-Pro?

In theory as large as the volume can be formated. Windows 2000 cannot
FORMAT volumes or partitions larger than 32GB to FAT32 but it can MOUNT
and use much larger FAT32 volumes or partitions formated by other disk
utilities or operating systems. One of the main drawbacks of using
FAT32 on volumes greater than 32GB is that it is inefficient and much
storage space can be lost to slack space.

What is the largest FAT32 volume that can be used with W98SE?

Without the use of third party drivers Windows 98 cannot use FAT32
volumes larger than 127GB. On disks of larger size data loss will occur
at the 127GB boundary. You should post that question to one of the
Windows 98 groups where the subject is often discussed and where the
Windows 98 experts can provide more accurate details and information.

Thanks, in advance, and any advice, thoughts, etc.

You're welcome.

John
 
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