Use of FAT32 for documents, photos, etc

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  1. Posts : 34
    win 10 64 pro
       #1

    Use of FAT32 for documents, photos, etc


    Win 10 Ver 21H2 OS Build19044.1348

    I much prefer working in Linux (Ubuntu 21.10) than Windows. However, some of my clients want my work done under WSin 10 using Office and MS Teams. I have done this in the past so that the SSD has both NTSF and EXT4 file systems. With ext2fsd loaded on the Win 10 side, it did not matter where the documents were. However, the current Win 10 build on my hp laptop (eb841g1) will not work with ext2fsd. Since both Win 10 and Linux will work with FAT32, I took a new Win 10 install on my laptop and expanded out the FAT32 to 60 GB using EaseUS Partition Master, and renamed the FAT32 parition MYWINDOCS.

    Are there any problems with this? I am my own IT support and own my own business.

    John
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 21,421
    19044.1586 - 21H2 Pro x64
       #2

    Hello John

    Difference: FAT32 vs NTFS vs ExFAT - Appuals.com

    NTFS is more robust, but since you have a need for FAT32, it should be fine.

    If you don't make regular backups, we suggest Backup and Restore with Macrium Reflect
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 15,442
    Windows10
       #3

    smoketoxdoc said:
    Win 10 Ver 21H2 OS Build19044.1348

    I much prefer working in Linux (Ubuntu 21.10) than Windows. However, some of my clients want my work done under WSin 10 using Office and MS Teams. I have done this in the past so that the SSD has both NTSF and EXT4 file systems. With ext2fsd loaded on the Win 10 side, it did not matter where the documents were. However, the current Win 10 build on my hp laptop (eb841g1) will not work with ext2fsd. Since both Win 10 and Linux will work with FAT32, I took a new Win 10 install on my laptop and expanded out the FAT32 to 60 GB using EaseUS Partition Master, and renamed the FAT32 parition MYWINDOCS.

    Are there any problems with this? I am my own IT support and own my own business.

    John
    For documents, fat32 is fine but it has a limitation of a maximum filesize of 4GB.

    For data partitions, why not use exFAT as it does not have that limitation and works on Linux and Windows. It also works on those other pcs with a Scottish sounding name.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 13,898
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #4

    My take on the question is basic, stored files take on the format of where they are stored, limited only by the program that created them and the operating system. I regularly exchange documents between Windows and Linux, used to with Mac OS X that died during install of the newer macOS, also store on a NAS drive on my Network. Another limit will always be what the recipient can use, what program/s they have. Most universal is the .pdf and the .rtf formats or is text only the .txt format. Another choice would be the Web page, .html that browsers use.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 13,898
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #5

    cereberus said:
    For documents, fat32 is fine but it has a limitation of a maximum filesize of 4GB.

    For data partitions, why not use exFAT as it does not have that limitation and works on Linux and Windows. It also works on those other pcs with a Scottish sounding name.
    Mac OS X and probably the newer macOS can use exFAT, got 2 x 4TB WDC USB drives that came as exFAT and the package said they were for PC and Macintosh.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 7,606
    Windows 10 Home 20H2
       #6

    The default cluster size is different:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...f-73169155af95
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 6,247
    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP - Lubuntu
       #7

    The Fat32 you have on the laptop is for the boot manager. This partition has the UEFI boot managers (Windows and Linux) and if it is damaged you won´t be able to boot. Better not use it.
    I also have Windows and Linux and I use a NTFS partition to store Windows and Linux data.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 34
    win 10 64 pro
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Yes Fat32 is for boot manager, however, I was adjusting another partition and win 10 boot filed. I used my win 10 recovery USB to get the system back running at IT INSTALLED A NEW partition for the boot manager. Moreover that failure showed that my idea was sound. i can put the data files on a partition that is not invovled with the Win OS. John
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 9,765
    Mac OS Catalina
       #9

    You can do Office and Teams through the Web Based interface and your clients would be none the wiser. File storage format has zero to do with how the file is created on what OS the end user is using. Unless you are exchanging physical media which is archaic and ancient at besr, placing the info into a online Storage cloud does not care what OS is used.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 34
    win 10 64 pro
    Thread Starter
       #10

    I have been in chemistry R&D and testing since entering graduate school in June 1966. I am a firm believer in redundancy and off-site commercial backup. I have had my own business for more than 17 years, and operate with multiple PC's and most are dual-boot Windows -- Ubuntu. I don't travel without two laptops in my briefcase. With onlu a single OS on a PC, you can be down when you cannot afford to be down, john
      My Computer


 

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