What does this mean? Write Error: only NTFS file system supports files larger than 4 GB?

Question

I am trying to extract something that is over 4 GB in size with winrar, but I keep getting this error towards the end... My drive has plenty of space to fit the file, but still i keep getting this error... Any awnsers on what to do about this? Thanks in Advance.

Answer 1

For a given drive format must match its intended use and size; in this case the hard drive format does not match its intended use.

This drive is probably in FAT32 format, since it is large drive but have a 4 GB per file limitation. Even though you do have plenty of drive spaces to fit the file the format will not be able to deal with such big file. Then you are being red flaged and stopped before that kind of situation happens.

A little analogy: let's say you are a semi driver; pull up in a rest stop along the highway, even though you immediately see a huge parking lot with room to park your semi the security guard there says you can not park there because those are for small cars like sedans and minivans.

Similar to that, you see a big drive to extract a file but Windows the security guard red flags you for that.

Solution: A separate parking lot being arranged for semis is just to the south of where you are; like a separate drive space formated in NTFS on the same computer.

Answer 2

my guess is you are using windows xp, mounted on a fat32 file system
that's reason it is telling you error & also telling you solution

the fat32 file system has limitations, in that ( 4 gb - 1 byte ) is the largest file size it can handle
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314463

open 'my computer'
right click on c:
> properties

there u should find
type: local disk
file system: fat 32
_____________

take the file on a cd or some media
locate a computer with file system: ntfs
extract the contents by running winrar
extract to a specific folder
check for largest file in that folder
if it is under 4 gb, then your computer can handle it !

copy folder in cd or other media & take to your computer
hopefully u can use it now !
_________

sorry, u can only swich over to ntfs at the cost of all your data & installations on hard drive
windows & entire contents of hard drive will be lost
necessatiating re-installation !

3rd party software like partition magic may do the job at a cost ... let me check
yup, possible !
http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/products/features.jsp?pcid=sp&pvid=pm80
* Converts partitions among FAT, FAT32, and NTFS without losing data
$ 70 ... price to pay !

Answer 3

If the file you want to extract is larger then 4 GB, and your partition is a FAT32, you can't extract it. You can extract this only if you have an NTFS partition (WIN XP, Vista)

The FAT 32 file system can't manage files that are larger then 4 Gb.

Answer 4

some time u get this error in winrar.
instead or dragging the file out of the winrar and dropping it to the destination, try using the extract button on the winrar window and select the path.

Answer 5

Your file system if FAT32. With FAT32, you can not have files that are larger than 4gb. Unfortunately, the only way to make your drive NTSF is to reformat. You will lose everything. I suggest backing up your info, and reformatting to NTSF and reinstall your OS and stuff you wanted to keep.

Answer 6

CDFS(CD,DVD), FAT, FAT16 or FAT32 file system doesn't support to store files larger than 4GB. Use NTFS file system to store the file. This is not available in Win98. Use Win XP to store such large files. Win XP support NTFS file system.

Answer 7

its file system type NTFS, FAT, FAT32,
your configuration doesnt support other than NTFS.
Get back with when you get this message. Accoring to that you will find the solution.

Answer 8

First of all, your destination drive is not allowing any data entry to it, check the properties and change them!! Normally in properties its changed to read only.
Doing this may solve your problem.