How to Format: Fat32

Fat32 is a computer hard drive format that is read by operating systems such as Windows, Linux, etc. It is a standardized and fairly simple format in technical terms; this makes it ideal for devices that need to be used between different operating systems. In a way it is kind of universal format for almost all computers. The 32 comes from the fact that it is a 32 bit compatible format, allowing it to send and receive data from various 32 bit capable machines. It was originally developed by Bill Gates and Mac McDonald in the late 1970s.

Problems Associated Fat32

Have you ever defragmented a computer before? If not you will need to with this format. The reason is because of how it stores memory on the hard disc. Often large files become more fragmented then NTFS format increasing seek times. Overall reading and writing can become slowed down with the extend creation and deletion of files.

How to Format Fat32

For many of you this is a simple process because the operating system will do it for you. Either when installing the OS for the first time or when partitioning the hard drive, select the Fat32 format. It should be an option along with NTFS.

For external devices in today's age, this option isn't available if you are using a newer version of Windows. It seems Microsoft now wants everyone to use NFTS and is trying to force the issue. Luckily, due to backward compatibility issues we can still format these kinds of devices in Fat format. You'll have to open up the command/DOS prompt in order to do this. Type the command "format /FS:FAT32 Z:", however, replace the 'Z' in the command with the letter of the drive you are looking to convert.

So that is how to format in Fat32. This, again, is useful for operating system compatibility for external devices and the computer's main hard drive.