FAT32: What does it mean? Does it Really Work?


 
FAT32 is one of the main features of Windows 98. However, FAT32 was initially introduced in OEM Service Release 2 (OSR2) of Windows 95 in the Fall of 1996. So if you have a newer version of Windows 95 then you are more likely to have it.

FAT stands for File Allocation Table. It is a system of managing data on secondary storage devices like Floppy Diskettes, Hard Disk Drives, etc. The current system of FAT was invented way back in 1977 with early IBMs with MS BASIC in ROM. FAT, with various enhancements from that period, can support a single Disk Volume up to 2Gb. Also, as the Disk Volume increases, the efficiency of FAT keeps going down. A detailed discussion upon FAT vs. FAT32 in Disk Efficiency can be found at Project 9 FAT32 Resource Page.

Major features of FAT32 are:
Greater Efficiency in Disk Usage
Supports Disk Volumes up to 4 Tetrabytes
Robustness
Flexibility
Better Performance

FAT32 seems like a feature that you will like to use instantly. It is not installed as default in Windows 98. There are few things that you should consider before going in for FAT32:
1. Hard Disk Space:
FAT32 needs a partition of MINIMUM 260Mb. In case you happen to have a partition lower than that, although it is unlikely these days, you cannot use FAT32 on it. Windows98 FAT32 convertor requires at least 512Mb partition to convert.

2. How much will I gain?
Space saved is Space earned. It is important to check what will be the real gain of using FAT32 on your Hard Drive. There is a small utility from Microsoft : FAT32 Conversion Information that will help you calculate how much will you really save by using FAT32. If the gain is not substantial enough then it might not be worthwhile to go in for FAT32.

3. Performance gains:
Performance boost occurs because of more space and efficient handling but its not exactly predictable or very considerable. There might be a moderate degradation in performance in applications involving large sequential writes.

4. Compatibility problems:
One of the most serious problems with FAT32 is the issue of compatibility. MS-DOS APls that rely on intimate knowledge of the file system layout fail on FAT32 drives. For example: GetDPB (Int21 h, function 32h), Int 25/26h Absolute disk read/write, etc. will not work on FAT32. Win32 APIs are generally NOT affected by FAT32.

The copyright of the article FAT32: What does it mean? Does it Really Work? in Windows 98 is owned by Ankan Brahmachari. Permission to republish FAT32: What does it mean? Does it Really Work? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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