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is windows "picky" about which file system to select
In making a recovery drive on my external hard drive (in Windows 8.1), is it mandatory to choose the FAT32 file system? During my first attempt to make a recovery drive, Windows said it couldn't complete the task, so I changed the file system option to FAT32.
Windows then completed the task, but my 500GB external hard drive only has a 32GB total capacity now in Properties.
To acquire use of 218GB more (250 minus 32), the vendor of the external hard drive suggested creating a New Simple format (Computer Management>Disk Management>New Simple) and then deleting the old partition. What do you think? Is this an unconventional way to acquire use of the 218GB I lost -- on reformatting with FAT32 file system?
I just reformatted with NTFS and still have only 32GB free space.Philip_Yip
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Posted March 20th, 2014 13:00
To acquire use of 218GB more (250 minus 32), the vendor of the external hard drive suggested creating a New Simple format (Computer Management>Disk Management>New Simple) and then deleting the old partition. What do you think? Is this an unconventional way to acquire use of the 218GB I lost -- on reformatting with FAT32 file system?
I just reformatted with NTFS and still have only 32GB free space.That should work.
Philip_Yip
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Posted March 20th, 2014 05:00
I have moved this to the Microsoft OS Forum as its a software issue.
I assume this is using the Dell Backup and Recovery Program.
It seems that you are trying to use an external hard drive to create a recovery USB. You should use a 32 GB US flash stick opposed to an external hard drive, make sure the USB stick is certified for Windows 8. Formatting an external hard drive into FAT32 is a waste.
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