Re: FAT 32 vs NTFS query

----Answers inline----

"MB_" <mel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:uOJ1f.2747$3n2.1967@xxxxxxxxxxx
| Chris and Ben:
|
| OK, I did some reading but I am still confused.
|
| Am I correct that:
|
| 1) I can leave the USB External drive as formatted (FAT 32) and still back
| up specific files and/or my entire system for both my laptop and desktop
(XP
| Home).

You will have a problem if any of the files you intend to backup are larger
than 4GB which is the size limit for a single file in FAT32. (Another
conceivable condsideration is that FAT32 does not support file encryption.
How this affects encrypted files (if indeed you have any) in terms of a
backup I'm honestly not sure. Perhaps someone else can speak to that.)

| 2) I might be doing some backup work for a friend who has an older system
| with Windows ME. If I want to back up his system on this drive, then I
MUST
| keep it at FAT 32.

If you intend to plug the drive directly into the Windows ME computer then
yes it must be FAT32. If you intend to backup over a network (Internet) with
it hooked to your computer then it won't matter.

A simple solution would be to repartition the drive while it's still empty
with an NTFS partition for yourself and a FAT32 partition for your friend.

--
Doug

I'm not an MVP a VIP nor do I have ESP.
I was just trying to help.
Please use your own best judgment before implementing any suggestions or
advice herein.
No warranty is expressed or implied.
Your mileage may vary.
See store for details. :)

Remove shoes to E-mail.



.

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