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How to convert an exFAT-formatted USB flash drive to FAT32?

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I think a better question is why would you want to do this? It's like wanting to install Windows 98 when you are running Windows XP. – Nathan Adams Sep 30 '12 at 22:05

migrated from serverfault.com May 17 '10 at 15:27

3 Answers

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For more detailed information on exFAT there is a paper in the SANS reading room

Basically, there is no "convert" function between exFAT and other formats. You can't convert to exFAT, and you can't convert exFAT to FAT. Only conversions to NTFS are supported.

In your case, you need to copy all your files to a backup drive, reformat th USB device, and themn copy the files back. But keep in mind that if you have filoes > 4gb, they won't copy onto the FAT32 because FAT32 does not support it.

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The fat32format utility should do the trick.

It's a GUI formatter for Windows users.

enter image description here

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The links for the utility do not mention exFAT format handling. Is this a correct answer? – zero2cx Sep 30 '12 at 22:04
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None of these tools worked for me including the Windows 7 Computer Management Storage utility.

Mac OS users can use Disk Utility to complete this process without any issues whatsoever.

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