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Thread ID: 68644 2006-05-06 05:55:00 usb flash drive storage cap. decreasing helpmeout (10357) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
452597 2006-05-06 05:55:00 Hi,
I have a kingston 128 mb data traveller flash drive. For the few days, it was all right. One day I formatted it on xp as xp wasnt able to read data in it. The storage capacity reduced to 120 mb then. I thought it was b'coz of the format and to confirm it, I again formated the drive which then had the storage capactiy of just 119 mb left. Can anyone help me out how to regain the lost capacity and can it be done ???
Any help greatly appreciated.
helpmeout (10357)
452598 2006-05-06 06:23:00 You'll never get the full capacity when u format.

There's also a bit that XP uses for something.
Speedy Gonzales (78)
452599 2006-05-06 06:34:00 You'll never get the full capacity when u format .

That's true of course - we are talking binary capacity so if I am correct 128/1 . 024 = 125 .

But that does not explain why it is different each time you format it!!
johnd (85)
452600 2006-05-06 08:19:00 It may have some failed RAM areas on it?

Flash drives are formatted in different manners depending on the maker.

One of FAT12, FAT16, FAT32 usually.

When you "formatted it on XP" you may have used either FAT32 or NTFS, but what was the original format for which it was designed? The drive maker usually supplies (or has available for download) the correct formatting utility for thir flash drive. Is that how you formatted it?
godfather (25)
452601 2006-05-06 08:26:00 Hmm, if its like this USB flash drive, it doesnt give u the option to format in NTFS.

Only FAT/FAT32.

At the mo, its formatted in FAT.

And 1.86 of it is used, and 247mb is remaining.. (a 256mb key).

So, it used 7mb for something.
Speedy Gonzales (78)
452602 2006-05-07 03:50:00 That loss is the FAT 32 or NTFS format files.
A new flash drive is normally formatted in a different way. Unless the makers provide a utility - Macally do but I can't find anything on Kingston's site - you're stonkered.
If possible, flash drives are best left in their original format which may be a specific type of FAT the name of which I can't remember!
Vallis (8886)
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