Unable to Format a Removable Storage Device Larger Than 2GB as FAT in My Computer (303582)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition
This article was previously published under Q303582

SYMPTOMS

Under My Computer, when you attempt to format a removable storage device that is larger than 2 gigabytes (GB) to use the file allocation table (FAT) file system, FAT is not an option in the File system box. Only FAT32 and the NTFS file system are available.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because Windows XP does not support this functionality under My Computer.

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, format the device at a command prompt:
  1. Click Start, and then click Run.
  2. In the Open box, type cmd, and then click OK.
  3. At the command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER

    format drive: /FS:FAT /V:label

    where drive is the drive letter for the removable storage device and label is the label for the device.

  4. Follow the instructions on the screen to format the device.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:8/6/2002
Keywords:kbenv kbprb KB303582
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.