Detailed instructions: how to format a hard disk in FAT32

Surely, many of you have already faced such a format as FAT32. In fact, this designation is a single type of file system that is used on various computer variants. Many experts choose this format because it has some advantages with respect to other common file systems. The strengths lie in the fact that FAT32 is able to work with almost any operating system, and there are no built-in security tools in it, and this only makes it much easier. However, it's worth noting that the given file markup is not currently present on a large number of computers. PCs with the Windows operating system often use NTFS, and Linux runs on Ext4. If you regularly use a portable hard drive, then you have a question about 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 fast to be formatted, and throughout the process, the user does not need absolutely no action. Today we will talk in detail about this technology in detail, and also we will analyze some of its nuances.

Preservation

Before formatting a hard disk, first of all you should determine 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 primary file system will result in the loss of all the data that was stored on it. If you need to save only a part of the information, then you can transfer it to another part of your computer or USB-drive.

Management

Now directly go to the instructions that will help you understand how to format the hard drive in FAT32. In fact, this process is simple. You should open a command prompt. We recommend formatting the disk using standard Windows operating system components. To open a command prompt, you can go to the Start menu, and then click the Run tab or use the Windows + R shortcut. If everything was done correctly, you should open a new dialog in which you enter the command: "CMD". Thus, a command line will appear.

Cleaning

Formatting in FAT32 can also be performed when the computer is started, only for this you will need to use the special software that is present on most boot disks. When the command line is opened before you, you should select the disk that we will clean, for example, "format / FS: FAT32 X:", where the letter of your media should be replaced instead of the last one. If you do not know what to type, then you can go to My Computer and see it there. When everything is done, let's take a closer look at how to format the hard drive in FAT32. You will be asked to confirm your request, after that you will receive a special warning stating that after the procedure all data that was stored on the media will be erased. In order to continue the operation, you need to enter the letter "Y". After that, the formatting starts. This process may take a certain amount of time, depending on the size of the disk.

Conclusion

Let's now look at how to format the hard drive in FAT32 on Mac OS X. The first thing to do is to open a special application called Disk Utility. You need to start the Finder window and click on the "Applications" tab, which is located on the left side. In order for the program to run, you need to double-click on it with the left mouse button.

Now, in a new window, you need to select the external media that you plan to clean. As you can see, the answer to the question about how to format the hard disk in FAT32 is very simple, and in order to avoid serious mistakes, we recommend that you follow all the steps that are given in the manual. 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 in conjunction with Windows 95 version of OSR2. The technology makes it possible to work with disks up to 8 terabytes.