Why can't I format with 64k Clusters?

MERRICKMERRICK In the studio or on a stage
edited August 2003 in Science & Tech
On a 10GB (C:\) hard drive with no partitions using Format.com (DOS 7.0):

A:\ Format C: /z:128

I get a message that it can't be done.

No problem for 32k clusters:

A:\Format C: /z:64

But I was told here and elsewhere that this can be done.

DO a need a third party format.com??:confused2

Comments

  • primesuspectprimesuspect Beepin n' Boopin Detroit, MI Icrontian
    edited August 2003
    Yep, you need partition magic or something of the sort. Format.com is not gonna cut it.
  • MERRICKMERRICK In the studio or on a stage
    edited August 2003
    Hi Prime!

    I have Partition Magic 7. Is there a file/command/switch I can add to my regular (FAT32) boot disk that will enable the 64k Cluster format or is it more complex?
  • primesuspectprimesuspect Beepin n' Boopin Detroit, MI Icrontian
    edited August 2003
    Not sure, it's been about 2 years since I've used PM.. I'm going to defer to high powers here.....

    Powers?
  • MERRICKMERRICK In the studio or on a stage
    edited August 2003
    :D:D:D

    Thanks! Calling Higher Powers!
  • MERRICKMERRICK In the studio or on a stage
    edited August 2003
    From Partition Magic .pdf:

    "IMPORTANT! Because DOS, Windows 3.x/95/98/Me do not support cluster sizes larger
    than 32K, you cannot access a 64K partition using these operating systems.
    You should only use 64K partitions with Windows NT/2000/XP. If you are
    using multiple operating systems, PowerQuest recommends not using 64K clusters."

    Well that's that :wave:
  • EnverexEnverex Worcester, UK Icrontian
    edited August 2003
    If you open Partition magic in DOS (there should be a DOS subfolder in the PM folder, best to copy it to a CD so you can read it under DOS when you cant read the drive). It can then function the same under DOS, i.e. Format with 64k Clusters, or anything else that you need to do, but as you noticed, Only Windows XP and 2000 can read drives with 64k Clusters, and the amount of slack is phenominal. So if you are running Windows9x, you wouldn't be able to do it anyway otherwise Windows couldn't read it's own drive, and thats never good.

    NS
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