Surely many of you have already come across a format like FAT32. In fact, this designation is a single type of file system that is used on various types of computers. Many experts choose this format due to the fact that it has some advantages over other common file systems. The strengths are that FAT32 is able to work with almost any operating system, and it does not have any built-in security features, and this only greatly simplifies the work. However, it is worth noting that the above file markup is currently not present on a large number of computers. Windows PCs are more likely to use NTFS, and Linux runs on Ext4. If you regularly use a portable hard drive, then you have a question, which system to use - FAT32 or NTFS. Nevertheless, we recommend that you choose the first option. The fact is that the FAT32 system is very easy and quick to format, while at the same time the user does not need to take any action at all. Today we will talk about this technology in detail, and also analyze some of its nuances.
Preservation
Before you engage in formatting a hard disk, the first thing you should decide on the information that is placed on it. If you need to save all the data, then it is advisable to create a backup. Remember that cleaning the media and changing the main file system will result in the loss of all data that was stored on it. If you need to save only part of the information, then you can transfer it to another section of your computer or USB drive.
Guide
Now we will go directly to the instructions that will help you understand how to format a hard drive in FAT32. In fact, this process is simple. You should open a command prompt. We recommend that you format the disk using standard elements of the Windows operating system. In order to open the command line, you can go to the Start menu, and then click the Run tab or use the Windows + R keyboard shortcut. If everything was done correctly, a new dialog box should open before you , in which we enter the command: "CMD". Thus, the command line will appear.
Cleaning
Formatting in FAT32 can also be done at computer startup, only for this you will need to use special software that is present on most boot disks. When the command line is opened in front of you, you should select a disk in it that we will clean, for example, “format / FS: FAT32 X:”, where instead of the last designation you should set the letter of your media. If you don’t know what to enter, then you can go to My Computer and look there. When everything is done, we will analyze in more detail how to format the hard drive in FAT32. You will be asked to confirm your request, after which you will receive a special warning stating that after the procedure all the data stored on the medium will be erased. In order to continue the operation, you will be required to enter the letter “Y”. After that, formatting will begin. This process may take a certain amount of time, depending on the size of the disk.
Conclusion
Now let's look at how to format the hard drive in FAT32 on Mac OS X. First of all, you need to open a special application called “Disk Utility”. You need to launch the Finder window and click on the "Applications" tab, which is located on the left side. In order for the program to be launched, you will need to double-click on it with the left mouse button.
Now in the new window you need to select the external media that you plan to erase. As you can see, the answer to the question of how to format the hard drive in FAT32 is very simple, and in order to prevent serious errors, we recommend that you follow all the steps that are given in the instructions. In conclusion, let's say a few words about the described technology. FAT32 is the latest version of this type of file system. This solution appeared together with Windows 95 OSR2. The technology makes it possible to work with disks up to 8 terabytes.