Removable drive convert from ext2 to FAT32

**gplhl** · 03-05-2006, 01:02 AM

Hi, is it possible to format a removable drive back to fat32? I only changed it so my NAS could see it and didn't realise it was hard to put back. Stupid I know!

Cheers

GHL

**gplhl** · 03-05-2006, 01:03 AM

Sorry, meant ext3 to fat32.

GHL

**Harry Kuhman** · 03-05-2006, 01:04 AM

Copy all files elsewhere.
Delete Partition.
Create FAT partition in it's place.
Copy all files back, at least the ones that are less than 4 gig and will fit.

**gplhl** · 03-05-2006, 01:08 AM

Sorry to sound stupid, but what do I use to convert it back with?

GHL

**Harry Kuhman** · 03-05-2006, 01:35 AM

Originally Posted by gplhl

Sorry to sound stupid, but what do I use to convert it back with?

The word convert is an unfortunate choice here, since you don't really convert. You delete the partition and then you make a new partition in the same space. Any current partitioning software should be able to do this. Old versions of MS Fdisk did refuse to delete non-DOS partitions, but any Linux partitioning software should gladly delete the partition (get your files backed up first) as should the current windows tools. I like Ranish partition manager myself, but use whatever partition software you know and are comfortable with. And, of course, after you define the new FAT32 partition in the partition table you will have to format it. This is usually a seperate step, although some partitioning software will ask you and offer to go ahead and format it also.