FORMAT the FAT32 partitions???

Pakiman · 09-16-2003, 01:14 PM

i want to know that how one can format the partitions of Windows (FAT16 n FAT32) using Linux (Mandrake 9.0 especially). plzz let me know

Imyrryr · 09-16-2003, 03:41 PM

you can use the mkfs.vfat /dev/hdXy (where X=the drive (a, b, c, etc and y=partition location) (1,2, etc) if needed ) or mkfs.dos command from a command line option or an xterm window.

I'm sure there is another way to do it but this is the way I do it and it works for me. Other's may show you another way; you pick which one is easier for you.

gbell72 · 09-16-2003, 03:51 PM

mkdosfs -F 32 /dev/hdx '-F specifies the type of file allocation used' (12,16,32 bit) If nothing is specified mkdosfs will mkdosfs will automatically select between 12 and 16 bit.
FAT32 must be set explicitly if you want it. If you want to check for badblocks before hand use -c as well.

Imyrryr · 09-16-2003, 04:28 PM

Thanx gbell for the clarification on that.. sorry if I was way too vague on that. but I'm curious about if you use mkfs.vfat doesnt' that setup the partition in fat32 format?

gbell72 · 09-16-2003, 04:48 PM

to setup FAT32 or any other file system you need to use mkfs -t <filetype>

jschiwal · 09-16-2003, 06:12 PM

You could us the diskdrake program if you would rather use a graphical interface.