You cannot format a Memory Stick removable media device by using the FAT32 file system on a Windows XP-based computer (906472)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

SYMPTOMS

On a Microsoft Windows XP-based computer, you cannot format a Memory Stick removable media device by using the FAT32 file system because there is no option to for FAT32 in the Format Local Disk dialog box. The only available option in the File system list in the Format Local Disk dialog box is FAT.

Additionally, you cannot format a Memory Stick Pro high-capacity device that is larger than 2 gigabytes (GB) at all because there is no option for the FAT32 file system and because the FAT file system does not support storage devices that are larger than 2 GB.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, install the hotfix that is described in this article. This hotfix adds the option to format a Memory Stick by using the FAT32 file system.

Note The FAT32 file system is not supported by all digital cameras and other electronic devices. Therefore, before you format a Memory Stick by using the FAT32 file system, verify that the FAT32 file system is supported by the device that you want to use with the Memory Stick. For more information about this issue, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

898456 A removable media device is no longer recognized after it is reformatted in Windows XP

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Only apply it to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next Windows XP service pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time tool in Control Panel.
   Date         Time   Version               Size  File name
   ------------------------------------------------------------
   04-Oct-2005  04:14  2600.2768.503.0    285,184  Dmdlgs.dll
   04-Oct-2005  01:09  5.1.2600.2768       29,696  Format.com
   04-Oct-2005  04:14  6.0.2900.2768    8,452,608  Shell32.dll
   04-Oct-2005  00:57  5.1.2600.2768       21,504  Xpsp3res.dll

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

824684 Description of the standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:7/24/2006
Keywords:kbfix kbbug kbQFE kbHotfixServer kbpubtypekc KB906472 kbAudEndUser