Format FAT32 over 32GB on XP/Vista

NTFS is great we all know, but there is still need for FAT formatted drives (ie: in embedded media players, cross platform compatibility). But since windows 2k/XP Microsoft introduced an limitation on FAT32 filesystem. As they say here.

You cannot format a volume larger than 32 gigabytes (GB) in size using the FAT32 file system during the Windows XP installation process. Windows XP can mount and support FAT32 volumes larger than 32 GB (subject to the other limits), but you cannot create a FAT32 volume larger than 32 GB by using the Format tool during Setup. If you need to format a volume that is larger than 32 GB, use the NTFS file system to format it. Another option is to start from a Microsoft Windows 98 or Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me) Startup disk and use the Format tool included on the disk.

So the only way to format a drive larger then 32GB in FAT32 is to use third party tools like Partition Magic, Paragon Partition Manager, but these are not free, an often pretty large downloads. An freeware alternative to manage partitions would be the well knows linux app GParted, which also comes as a livecd.

But even better option is fat32format, a small DOS app that will let you format any drive in FAT32.

Usage is pretty straightforward:

Extract the contents to a drive on PC.
Click Start–>RUN and Type CMD.
Navigate to where you extracted fat32format.exe
Type fat32format.exe z: (change z: to the letter of the drive you want to format) and press enter.
Type ‘y’ (without quotes) at the prompt.
An thats it….

If you think the app was useful you can support the author by going to his homepage and donating.