File size limit in FAT 32?

[Brian Gregory [UK]]

This has *nothing* to do with a file size limit of a memory stick/thumb
drive, FAT32 or the DVD file system - it has everything to do with an
apparent limitation of the *software*, or that they have the same
misconception as you about the maximum file size under the FAT32 file
system.

Once and for all, FAT32 has a 4GB file size limit and the DVD file system
(UDF) can support file sizes of 16EB (exabytes) and thumb drives are only
limited by their size and the file system they happen to be formatted
with.

Most DVD (video) disks seem to have a UDF file system, an ISO 9660 and of
course the separate IFO/VOB system is like yet another file system.

They also very rarely have files large than 1GB.

I don't really know any more than that about it though.

 

[Brian Gregory [UK]]

See my reply to Tim Slattery on the 15th, I misspoke and intended to say
that those partition size limits were FAT16, not FAT32.

I'm pretty certain up to date versions of Windows (including XP SP3) are
very reluctant to let you create and format FAT32 partitions bigger than
something of the order of 32GB using the built in tools but will read and
write much larger FAT32 partitions without problems (I've used a 500GB FAT32
partition myself quite recently).

 

[Gene E. Bloch]

You are welcome, but I'm not sure that is accurate - I've quite
enjoyed they way you communicate in these groups.

You and Char are making me blush, but heck, it's good for me!

But in truth, I meant specifically that I couldn't think of how to reply
tactfully and informatively to me again's post above, and you two did.

 

[me again]

You and Char are making me blush, but heck, it's good for me!

But in truth, I meant specifically that I couldn't think of how to reply
tactfully and informatively to me again's post above, and you two did.

I Just wanted the OP to know that there are s/w limits to 2GB in FAT32 in a number of
situations.

 

[Tim Slattery]

I Just wanted the OP to know that there are s/w limits to 2GB in FAT32 in a number of
situations.

Some *programs* can't handle files larger than 2GB. That is
independent of the file system where the file resides. Such a program
couldn't handle a 3GB file on FAT32 or NTFS. It is *not* a FAT32
restriction.

 

[Zaphod Beeblebrox]

Most DVD (video) disks seem to have a UDF file system, an ISO 9660
and of course the separate IFO/VOB system is like yet another file
system.

They also very rarely have files large than 1GB.

I don't really know any more than that about it though.

As I understand it, even though DVDs use UDF the DVD-Video files must
be no larger than 1 GB in size. Even worse, all filenames must be in
the 8.3 (filename.ext) format. Hello, DVD format specification
committee? 1995 is calling...