Why does my flash drive not have enough space when it DOES?

In summary, the conversation discusses the issue of insufficient space on a flash drive when trying to copy a 4GB file. It is discovered that the flash drive is formatted as FAT32, which has a limit of 4GB for single files. The option of formatting the flash drive as NTFS is suggested, but it would erase all existing files. An alternative option is to use a tool to split the file into smaller parts and then recombine them.
  • #1
Saladsamurai
3,020
7
Why does my flash drive not have enough space when it DOES!?

I am trying to copy a folder that contains an .iso to install a program.

When I right-click the program folder, the properties tab says that size=4.0 GB.

When I right-click my flash drive, the properties tab says free space=7.97 GB

When I go to copy and paste the program folder from my Hard Drive to my flash drive it
says there is not enough free space.

?!?!

What the hell gives?

Thanks!
 
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  • #3


Yeah...it is FAT 32. Damn it! Any ideas on how I can get an iso file from one computer to another if it is exactly 4GB?

Also: Do they make other kinds of flash drives that can transfer bigger files, i.e., not FAT 32?

They probably cost a lot.
 
  • #4


Try and format the flash drive as ntfs (assuming you are on windows)
This might not work on some cheap drives, although the flash drive should look just like any other drive to windows - some cut corners on the implementation of the disk controller and only support a subset of commands
 
  • #5


mgb_phys said:
Try and format the flash drive as ntfs (assuming you are on windows)
This might not work on some cheap drives, although the flash drive should look just like any other drive to windows - some cut corners on the implementation of the disk controller and only support a subset of commands

I wish I knew what that means. And whatever it is, will I lose the files already on he flash drive?
 
  • #6


Yes you need to erase the drive (there are tools to convert it but I wouldn't trust them on a flash drive)
Right click on the drive, select format
In the options box that says fat32 change this to select ntfs
Click format YOU WILL LOSE EVERYTHING ON THE DRIVE
NTFS isn't really as ideal for a flash drive as fat32 but does allow larger files.

Or you can use a tool to split the .iso into smaller files and recombine them
see http://www.spadixbd.com/freetools/jsplit.htm
 

1. Why does my flash drive say it's full even though I haven't saved any new files?

There could be several reasons for this. One possibility is that there are hidden system files or temporary files taking up space on your flash drive. These files are often not visible to the user, but can still take up a significant amount of space. Another possibility is that the drive's capacity may have been overestimated, or that there are corrupt files that are not being recognized. It's also possible that the drive is physically damaged, which can cause errors in file storage and lead to inaccurate space readings.

2. How can I check the actual available space on my flash drive?

To check the available space on your flash drive, you can plug it into your computer and open the file explorer or finder. Right-click on the drive and select "Properties" or "Get Info". This should display the total capacity of the drive, as well as the amount of free space.

3. Can formatting my flash drive fix the space issue?

Formatting your flash drive may temporarily free up some space, but it will also delete all of the files currently stored on the drive. If hidden or corrupt files were the cause of the space issue, formatting may help. However, if the issue is due to a physical problem with the drive, formatting will not fix it.

4. Is it possible to increase the storage capacity of a flash drive?

No, the storage capacity of a flash drive is fixed and cannot be increased. Flash drives are made with a certain amount of memory chips, and that determines their maximum capacity. However, you can purchase a new flash drive with a larger storage capacity if you need more space.

5. Why is my flash drive showing less space than its advertised capacity?

Manufacturers of flash drives often advertise the total capacity of the drive in terms of gigabytes (GB), while computers typically display capacity in gibibytes (GiB). This difference in measurement units can lead to some confusion and make it seem like the drive has less space than advertised. Additionally, some of the drive's capacity may be used for system files and formatting, resulting in slightly less space for user files.

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