Windows 7: how can i format my external HD drive into FAT32 format

hi,

i've purchased a seagate 1TB external hard drive and need to format it in FAT32 format.

how can i go about doing this using windows 7?

Hi and welcome

um, why do you need to? there are several 3rd party apps that can but since win 7 knows NTFS, it will not format fat32. Just checked to be sure.

KEn J+

Right click my computer>manage>disk management>right click the disk in question click format then change ntfs to fat32 if it allows you, can use fat32 on flash drives usb sticks etc not sure about HDDs though

Be aware that formatting a disk will delete all files on the disk and fat32 cannot support any files larger than 4GB

You sure? my disk management snap in only allows NTFS.

K

I got a 16GB usb stick that i formatted fat32 so i can transfer music and movies to my PS3 as it doesnt see ntfs so it will do it to some things no sure about larger capacity items like HDDs

hi thanks for your help but i'll explain a little more.

I would like to format it in FAT32 so that it is then compatible with my ps3 as well.

I understand that windows only formats in FAT32 upto 32GB.

I would also consider making a partition if need be.

If windows 7 will not allow it is there a software i could download which is compatible with windows 7 that could.

Have searched and found a few 3rd party softwares that could help me but are not available for windows 7 (i.e swissknife)

Again thanks for your help

You can try a smaller partition but i dont know if ps3 will read it though, worth a try if thats what you wanna do, post back let us know if it works

Found a solution!!!!!

Used the following link http://www.ridgecrop.demon.co.uk/ind...at32format.htm and the Windows GUI version of fat32format option to format within seconds and now works fine

What link?
Did the PS3 read the drive when connected

yes, transferred all my videos (over 120GB) and all the ones I've tested about 4 or 5 at random are working absolutely normal.

Will keep you and this thread updated if i encounter any problems.

Thanks again