| FAT32 Basics 
Frequently Asked
Questions
What is
FAT32?
File Allocation Tables
(FAT) are like a table of contents to your data. Prior to Windows 98, 16-bit FATs limited
partitions to 2.1 Gbytes. The new 32-bit FAT is capable of huge partitions up to two
Tbytes (terabytes). Click here for more information.
Is my data
at risk if I convert to FAT32?
Yes. There is always the
possibility for data loss when upgrading your operating system. At a minimum, you should
always backup your data before you make any significant change to your system. Seagate
offers a full line of tape backup solutions.
In addition, we recommend
that you use The Microsoft Emergency Recovery Utility (ERU) before you begin to upgrade
your operating system This utility is located on your Windows 95/98 CD-ROM or at: http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q139/4/37.asp
Your partition drive
letter must be 512 Mbytes or greater to be a candidate for conversion. For more
information about the pros and cons of converting data to FAT32, click here.
Do I need
Windows 98 to get past the 8.4-Gbyte barrier?
No, but it helps. Windows
98 has FAT32, which conveniently allows the full capacity of your hard disc drive to be
accessed using one drive letter - a single C:\ prompt. Otherwise with Windows 95 original
FAT16, you are limited to partitioning your hard disc drive into multiple 2.1-Gbyte
logical drive letters. Click here for more information.
Can I
install Windows 98 on a drive smaller than 512 Mbytes?
Yes. If the drive is
smaller than 500 Mbytes, Windows 98 uses original FAT16 instead of FAT32. The Windows 98
setup will advise you of the free space requirements, which are slightly greater than the
requirements of Windows 95.
Can I go
back to Windows 95 and FAT16?
When you upgrade to
Windows 98, if you choose to use FAT32, you will not be able to uninstall Windows 98 and
return to Windows 95 without formatting your hard disc drive and reinstalling Windows 95.
The option to uninstall Windows 98 is only available if you do not convert to FAT32.
When I boot
from a diskette, I cannot get to my hard disc drive.
Your existing boot
diskettes (of any version of a Microsoft operating system) will not be able to recognize a
FAT32 disc partition. You will not be able to start Windows 98 if you boot your system
with a Windows 95a Startup diskette. You must use a new emergency startup
disc (ESD) with the Windows 98 release if you want to be able to get to your data when
booting from a diskette. It is therefore a good idea to have several spare bootable
diskettes with the new FAT32 aware system files on them.
What is the
minimum amount of disc space I need to install Windows 98?
The amount of disc space
you need depends on the type of installation your choose (typical, portable, compact, or
custom). If you choose to set up a custom installation, you can determine how much disc
space you need by adding up the space each of the components you want to install uses.
200 Mbytes of free hard
disc space is required for a local installation. A custom installation can require up to
250 Mbytes. A compact installation requires 21 Mbytes of hard disc space. You also need a
certain amount of free hard disc space for a swap file, depending on how much RAM the
computer has.
An additional 50 Mbytes is
required if you choose to back up your Windows 95 system files during Setup (Save System
Files Option). We recommend that you perform a complete system backup before upgrading
your operating system to Windows 98. Seagate offers a wide variety of tape backup solutions. |
