FAT32 vs FAT16

[trevorj]

Hi folks - I am attempting to get my USB port (MY11 D4) to recognise my FAT32 formatted 8GB drive, without any success.

I have discovered that the LR4 system (US) requires FAT32 drives to have folders only in the root (top) level, within which it will recognise music files on 8GB drives. But mine doesnt even recognise the presence of my FAT32 device.

I have an old FAT16 512MB drive, with mp3 files in folders at the root level, and it works a treat. So I am presuming that its some trick with formatting or maybe need an update of the LR OEM software? Although the manual says FAT32 is OK.

Anybody else struggled with this and overcome it?

I use a Mac, and this complicates the issue slightly. But in traversing this space, I discovered this useful bit of freeware that deletes all the annoying shadow files that Mac OSX puts into DOS formatted drives:
Download Hidden Cleaner for Mac - Cleans hidden files from MP3 players, USB sticks. MacUpdate.com
seems to work nicely.

Any tips greatly appreciated. It ought to be easy..... but then again....

[irondoc]

hi trevor

i tried an 8GB FAT32 sandisk drive. it worked when i first put it in, but then when i switched it off, it wouldn't register it again and i had to pull it out and put it in a few times before it would register again. it was a real pain as it would continually fail to recognise it.

this USB had been formatted from a windows PC and the mp3 files transferred over on a MAC

I then tried a different brand (8G, formatted it on a MAC and transferred the files from a MAC and it works seamlessly. the drive has about 20 folders - but only one "level" of folder - they are all in the main directory. each playlist has its own folder and then there are about 20 "album" folders.

it is full and seams to work really well.
cheers
lucas

[DiscoWeb]

Jeez, thought I was on the wrong forum there for a minute.

I just let my 12 yr sort all that out !

George