USB memory stick file system

linmix · 12-02-2004, 09:14 AM

I've read a number of post about how to configure Linux to use a USB memory stick, but I haven't seen any infomation on filesystems. It appears most USB memory sticks come formatted with FAT by default.

Of course, if you want to be able to use it between different systems (W / L) it'll need to be W compatible. Would Fat 32 give better performance?

If it doesn't need to be W compatible, what filesystem would be best? Any experience?

jwhitby3 · 12-02-2004, 10:17 AM

The only fs that I have been able to format my jumpdrive with is the fat 16. Im using mandrake 10.1. Anyone else had any better luck?

geeksunny · 12-02-2004, 05:02 PM

i use fat32 on all three of my 256 thumbdrives. i have used ext2 on one before when i was trying to build a LFS (linux from scratch) on it - that worked good too.

if the fat32 doesnt work for you, you might need to check your kernel configuration - or recompile your kernel if your using the distributions stock kernel. I had some troubles with my kernel recently not mounting fat32. I had it enabled in teh filesystems what i didnt have and needed was support for codepage 437 in the Native Language Support section.

hope this helps