external hard drive formatting?

Question

I have a new acromedia 300GB external hard drive.
i need to put some files onto it that are bigger than 4GB, but that's the most one file could be on the drive.
How can i format it so the files can be bigger?
it is already formated in NTFS.

Answer 1

Please insure that the External hard drive is actually formatted using the NTFS file system. A lot of external hard drives are FAT 32 formatted so as to allow files transfers from older computers running Windows 98.

The NTFS file system permits unlimited file size. The FAT 32 file system only allows files up to 4 GB.

From http://www.pcguide.com/ref/hdd/file/ntfs/files_Files.htm
The way that NTFS first attempts to store files is entirely within the MFT record for the file. If the file is too big, it extends the file's data using structures such as external attributes and data runs. This flexible system allows files to be extended in size virtually indefinitely. In fact, under NTFS, there is no maximum file size. A single file can be made to take up the entire contents of a volume (less the space used for the MFT itself and other internal structures and overhead.)

Answer 2

First ANY time you're making report equipment differences to acontinual there's a risk of information loss. With this suggested I easily have used here instructions many cases with out ever having a issue. a million(a). while you're working domicile windows XP click start up then Run and style CMD then click ok. this might take you to a command on the spot then bypass to step 2 a million(b) while you're working domicile windows Vista click the beginning up image and style CMD in the quest, precise click the CMD that seems and choose Run as Administrator. you will probable could desire to click proceed in the process the UAC of domicile windows. this might take you to a command on the spot then bypass to step 2 2. style "Convert x: /FS:NTFS" and press enter (do no longer comprise the " marks) the place x: is the letter of your externalcontinual this might artwork for anycontinual this is formatted NTFS or in different codecs. whether it truly is a systemcontinual like your C: this is going to ask in case you prefer to do it the subsequent time you boot. only say sure then shutdown and restart your laptop. warning however this might take the time for the conversion to end!

Answer 3

several options:
- split the file
- reformat drive with file system that supports files larger than 4GB (few linux FSs support that but then again i don't know how it will work in Windows environment

Answer 4

Right click and choose Format