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Maximum Single File Size for FAT32 Format File System

Maximum Single File Size for FAT32 Format File System

The maximum file size for a single file on a FAT32 file system is not exactly 4 GB, but rather slightly less than that. FAT32 uses a 32-bit file allocation table, which means it can theoretically support file sizes up to 4,294,967,295 bytes (which is 4 GB minus 1 byte).

However, in practical terms, the maximum file size is usually constrained by the operating system or the software used to create or manipulate the file. Some operating systems or software may impose additional limitations, such as a maximum file size of 2 GB or 4 GB.

Furthermore, while FAT32 technically supports file sizes up to 4 GB minus 1 byte, it may not be the most efficient or reliable choice for handling very large files due to its limitations. For handling larger files, other file systems like NTFS (New Technology File System) or exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table) are typically more suitable.

Microsoft did not explicitly stop supporting FAT32 for formatting 64GB drives, but rather the limitations of the FAT32 file system itself led to practical considerations. FAT32 has inherent limitations in terms of maximum volume size and file size.

FAT32 has a maximum volume size limit of 32 GB when formatting drives in Windows. While there are ways to format larger drives with FAT32 (e.g., using third-party utilities or command-line tools), it’s not officially supported by Windows due to compatibility and stability concerns.

Given the limitations, Microsoft and other operating system developers have shifted towards file systems like NTFS (New Technology File System) and exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table) for handling larger drives and files. NTFS, in particular, provides better performance, security features, and support for larger volumes and files compared to FAT32.

Therefore, while FAT32 remains useful for smaller drives and compatibility with older systems and devices, its limitations make it less suitable for modern storage solutions, especially when dealing with larger capacities like 64GB or more.

Related: Why did Microsoft drop the feature to format 64GB flash drives as FAT32?

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Star Wars R2D2 USB Hub – 3.0 Speeds

Star Wars R2D2 USB Hub - 3.0 Speeds

Celebrate the all time fan favorite of Star Wars with this R2D2 USB hub that not only lights up but also plays his notorious R2D2 sounds. Before we get to the product, let us take a few minutes and review how awesome R2D2 is with this summary of his big screen persona.

R2-D2 is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise, and it is an astromancy droid known for its resourcefulness and loyalty. Here’s a brief history of R2-D2:

Creation and Introduction:

R2-D2 was created by George Lucas and designed by Ralph McQuarrie for the original Star Wars film, “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope,” which was released in 1977. R2-D2 made its first appearance in this film.

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Encrypt a USB Flash Drive, Windows 10, Free Feature!

Encrypt a USB Flash Drive, Windows 10, Free Feature!

Encrypting a USB flash drive is quick and easy in Windows 10. The PRO version of Windows 10 will allow anyone to activate Microsoft’s built in bitlocker technology to encrypt an entire flash drive, or part of a USB flash drive.

Microsoft BitLocker is a disk encryption technology designed to enhance data security by encrypting entire disk volumes on Windows operating systems. Introduced with Windows Vista and included in subsequent versions, BitLocker provides a robust defense against unauthorized access and data breaches.

The primary purpose of BitLocker is to protect sensitive data in case a device is lost, stolen, or accessed by an unauthorized user. It uses full-disk encryption to secure the entire contents of a disk, including the operating system, system files, and user data. Even if someone physically removes the hard drive and attempts to access it on another system, the data remains inaccessible without the proper authentication credentials.

BitLocker employs various encryption methods, with Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) being a commonly used algorithm.

The encryption process is transparent to the user once configured, and access is granted through authentication methods like PINs and passwords.

Below are nine screen shots and simply follow along in your Windows 10 Pro computer and do what you see below. The process is very easy to do. The longest part of this entire setup is the encryption of the USB stick itself. The time required to encrypt the drive will depend on a couple of factors, such as the GB capacity of the USB drive and the processing power of your computer. In the example below, using a USB 2.0 device with a 16GB capacity the encryption time took only 4 minutes.

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Get USB Flash Drive Serial Number with PowerShell or Command Line

Easily get the hard coded serial number of a USB flash drive with either the Command prompt in Windows or Powershell. Of the two, Powershell is easier. Below are the instructions. After the instructions there is a bit more information about the different types of serial numbers which can be found associated with a Mass Storage Device (USB flash drive) so be sure to read that part as well, so you get what you want!

In the Windows Search bar, type “powershell” and click Enter

The Powershell utility will run and simply copy and past the following:

Get-WmiObject Win32_DiskDrive | select Model, Name, InterfaceType, SerialNumber

The screen shot below shows the hard drive of the system and a USB flash drive. The command doesn’t clearly label each, so be a little aware of the devices connected compared to what is listed. It is suggested to have only one USB device connected while running Powershell so it is easy to identify the device.

get usb serial number using powershell

For the Command prompt, go to the USB flash drive itself. In the navigation field at the top (where you can type things) type in cmd. This will open the Command prompt for the USB flash drive itself. From here, copy and paste the following:

wmic path Win32_USBControllerDevice get Dependent | find “USBSTOR”

The screen shot below shows the same result as the Powershell command, BUT the string does have an extra &0 which is not part of the USB flash drive device. So a bit of parsing is required when looking at the number, or parsing of code if you plan to use the Command prompt to find the device serial number programmatically.

get usb serial number using command line

From the two above the Powershell solution is a bit more elegant.

However; may we suggest a third option? If you find yourself on this page, there is a high probability there are other features you can benefit from, like making an Image file of your USB stick, or speed benchmarking the performance of your flash drive.

If that is the case, then we recommend our free program, no installation required, standalone exe file that will fetch the serial number of a device as well as provide a tool to create image files or speed test your USB flash drive.

usb flash drive utility, image file, speed test, get serial number

You may download the free program here. Again, no installation required, this is a standalone exe file that can run from your flash drive or hard drive:

FREE DOWNLOAD: Nexcopy USBScrub

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Is it worth buying a USB 3.1 Flash Drive?

Is it worth buying a USB 3.1 USB flash drive?

The tech industry, tech nerds and tech blogs will definitely say that buying a USB 3.1 flash drive is worth it. After all, these blogs need something new to write about and new links to generate for affiliate advertising, but are these blogs reporting back valuable information before someone spends their hard earned cash?

Let us compare the write speed difference between a USB 3.1 flash drive and a USB 3.0 flash drive to see what information we can uncover.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) has different transfer speeds based on the version of technology, we did a write about that earlier. The USB 3.1 specification has a transfer rate which taps out at 1,250 MB/second (Megabytes per second). The USB 3.0 specification has a transfer rate which taps out at 625MB/second. Of course this is the theoretical maximum transfer speed. When anyone says “theoretical transfer speed” they are implicating all conditions are ideal. For example, the host computer has the horsepower and bandwidth to push that much data and the receiving device (in this case, flash drive) has equal throughput to receive that data. But is that the real world – is it worth buying a USB 3.1 USB flash drive?

Below are some images and here is the general order of what you will be reading:

  • Screen shots of the USB device type (USB 3.0 and USB 3.1)
  • Screen shots of benchmark software testing both USB technologies
  • Screen shots of a real-world copy jobs using a Windows computer

From the screen shots below you can see a USB 3.0 flash drive and USB 3.1 flash drive. Both flash drives use an SMI controller for the USB 3.0 and 3.1 technology. These are the same high quality and higher performance controllers seen in iPhones and NAND memory used from Micron Technology. The NAND memory type is MLC (multi-layer cell memory) is slower than SLC NAND memory (single layer cell). Note: USB flash drives do not use SLC memory because the NAND memory price is too expensive and the SLC supply is very small. Flash drives are produced at mass scale and meant to be a low cost data transfer and storage tools – speed is not the #1 priority, despit all the marketing we read online.

USB 3.0 flash drive specifications

USB 3.1 flash drive specifications

Here are benchmark speed tests for both USB devices in discussion today.

The program has two test settings for benchmarking a speed test. One test setting is for the theoretical maximum speed of the device and writes data directly to memory without accounting for operating system and device overhead for were the data is stored. Think of this as a random write test to any available sector on the flash drive.

The second test setting is a write sequence which includes the operating system and device overhead cache for placing files in the file allocation table. This means extra time is spend during the data transfer to log where each sector is written along with the calculation required to write the next bit of data. This second test setting is more like a real-world experience.

Speed benchmark software is designed to provide a relatively quick summary of the device capability. So the first test setting is designed to show the theoretical maximum write speed or “burst” write speed. The second test setting is designed to show a more “sustained” write speed. Any benchmark software is designed to provide a quick and easy snap-shot of what the device can do – but can the device do it?

Readers can download the USB Scrub software for speed benchmarking their flash drives. The software is 100% free, no installation or sign-ups, and includes other cool features like registry cleaning and making image files of flash drives. USB Scrub download link
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Test USB-C Cable For USB 2.0 and USB 3.0x Standards

Test USB-C Cable For USB 2.0

The C2C caberQU is a USB board to test a USB-C cable in a variety of situations or configurations.

This handy tool for computer professionals will check USB-C cables in great detail and down to every pin found inside a USB-C cable. It applies voltage to all the pins in a cable and detects which ones are connected on the other end. With 25 LEDs, it can show all possible combinations for USB-C pins in various modes, such as USB 2.0/1.1, USB Power Delivery, USB 3.0/3.1/3.2, Alternate Mode, Debug Accessory Mode, and Audio Adapter Accessory Mode. A comprehensive manual is included to explain connectors, modes, and pin details.

Examples for IT Managers:

  1. USB Cable Verification = Imagine an IT manager dealing with a pile of USB-C cables in an office. They can use the C2C caberQU board to quickly test and identify the functionality of each cable. This ensures that the right cables are used for different devices, preventing data transfer issues or device compatibility problems.
  2. Hardware Troubleshooting = In a data center or server room, an IT manager may encounter connectivity problems with USB-C peripherals. By using the C2C caberQU board, they can pinpoint cable issues, such as broken pins or incorrect connections, saving time and minimizing downtime.
  3. Inventory Management = Managing a stock of USB-C cables for an organization can be challenging. The C2C caberQU board helps IT managers ensure that the purchased cables meet the required specifications. They can easily distinguish between different cable versions (like V1 and V3) and make informed purchasing decisions based on their specific needs.

V1 vs. V3 – Which One to Choose?

Test USB-C Cable For USB 3.0

There are two versions of the C2C caberQU board available, V1 and V3, with some distinctions:

  • V1 comes with a standard battery, while V3 features a German name brand battery.
  • V3 can be used with a protective case.
  • V1 lacks hanging holes for convenient storage.
  • V1 has a slightly different printed design.

Both V1 and V3 serve the same purpose, testing USB-C to USB-C cables effectively. They include the same manual and offer identical LED combinations for testing.

Why did these guys make it?

USB-C cables come in numerous variations, making it challenging to select the right one for specific tasks. If the wrong cable is used, it can lead to slower data transfer rates or device incompatibility. USB-C cables must adhere to specific pin configurations, grounding, and resistor requirements, adding to the complexity.

Why is this better testing USB-C board?

Determining if a particular cable supports a specific use case can be challenging. Broken pins can make matters worse due to their unpredictable behavior. The C2C caberQU cable tester simplifies this process. By flipping the USB connectors, it lights up opposing LEDs on certain pins, as per the USB-C standard. The product includes one CR2032 battery, the PCB, and a comprehensive manual. Note that the USB-C cable is not included, and you need to select the pins according to your specific requirements.

No external power supply is required, as the CR2032 battery provides the necessary power when a cable is connected. This battery should last for an extended period.

Please keep in mind that this item is a prototype, not certified, and mainly suitable for prototyping purposes. If a more economical shipping option is available, it will be used, and any cost difference will be refunded. Funny quirks and unexpected behavior are possible but are part of its prototyping nature.

The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) was founded by a group of technology companies, including Intel, Microsoft, and others, in 1995. Its primary purpose is to promote and develop USB (Universal Serial Bus) technology standards. The USB 3.0 specification, also known as USB 3.1 Gen 1, was released in 2008. This marked a significant advancement in data transfer speeds, offering up to 5 gigabits per second (Gbps) compared to the slower USB 2.0 standard. USB 3.0 introduced improved performance and backward compatibility, enhancing the connectivity and functionality of various devices and peripherals.

No affiliation or affiliate money to this item, but you can source it here: The C2C caberQU USB board for about $30 USD.

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IKEA Recalls 3 Port USB Hub

IKEA has issued a recall for thousands of its ASKSTORM 40W USB Chargers in the United States and Canada due to potential burn and electric shock hazards. The recall, prompted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, addresses concerns that the chargers’ cables may break or become damaged over time, posing risks to users.

Internationally, there have been 17 reported incidents related to these chargers, including five instances of burns and four reports of electrical shock. However, no such incidents have been reported in the United States.

These gray chargers, bearing model number ICPSW5-40-1, were sold both online and in IKEA stores between April 2020 and December 2023.

Contact the IKEA recall center to find out how to swap out the product or receive a refund for the purchase.

In its journey to becoming a household name, IKEA has a rich history that dates back to 1943 when founder Ingvar Kamprad started selling pens, wallets, and other goods. The company’s name is an acronym formed from Ingvar Kamprad’s initials along with those of the farm where he grew up (Elmtaryd) and the nearby village (Agunnaryd) in Sweden. From these humble beginnings, IKEA gradually evolved, introducing its first furniture piece in 1947 and opening its first store in 1958. Over the decades, IKEA’s innovative approach to design, affordability, and sustainability has propelled it to global success, making it a beloved brand for millions of customers worldwide.

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Transfer Photos from iPhone to PC – Easy

Transfer Photos from iPhone to PC – Easy and Automated

iCloud is the default way to store your photos from your Apple device to another location. Once the files are in your iCloud, you can log into the iCloud account and save those images to your computer.

However, many users don’t use the iCloud service and looking for an alternative. Here is an alternative that is easy, automatic and far less expensive than an iCloud account.

The Qubii Pro is a backup device that takes place while you are charging your phone. There is nothing to do and there are no settings to set. The Qubii Pro is a small device that holds a microSD card for data storage and connects directly to your iPhone cable and of course your charging block.

Transfer photos from your iPhone to storage is automatic. Qubii will scan your video and photo library and backup any file it doesn’t detect on the microSD card. The first time used, the backup process could take a long time because the Qubii hasn’t seen your digital library and so will back everything up. The time to do this will depend on the number of video and photo files you have. However, on subsequent connections Qubii will only backup new photos or video.

Since everyone is good about charging their phones at night, the backup process will take place without disrupting usage. The backup will take place while you sleep.

Yes, Apple gives each user 5GB of free space, but do you realize that space goes very quickly? The high resolution photos and video will chew threw your 5GBs of storage fairly quickly. As you can see from the price matrix below, the cost for using the iCloud isn’t all that expensive, at first, but gets up there for sure!

  • Free: 5GB of storage per iCloud account (not per device)
  • $0.99/month: 50GB of storage (single user)
  • $2.99/month: 200GB of storage (family use)
  • $9.99/month: 2TB of storage (family use)
  • If you purchase the $22.95/month Apple One Family plan, you receive 200GB of iCloud storage as part of your membership. The $32.95/month Apple One Premier plan comes with 2TB of iCloud storage.

Apple does a very good job of pestering you to signup for the Family Plan so there is a high probability your monthly cost will be north of $20 USD (at the time of this writing in 2023)

With the Qubii, there are some items to be aware of:

  • The solution does not allow you to select which video and photo to back up, it just does it all
  • If a file is deleted off the microSD card, the solution will backup the photo again if found on your phone
  • The solution backs up only photo images and video files, doesn’t backup contacts or documents
  • If you swap out the microSD card, the entire backup will start over again

The last point mentioned above is key.

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IronKey USB Flash Drive – Hacks – $235M of BitCoin

IronKey is the bell-weather for encrypted flash drives. The company, owned by Kingston Digital, a Southern California based private company, uses hardware encryption chips with their USB flash drives which provide the highest level of security known to mass storage devices.

GetUSB.info came across an amazing story by Wired Magazine about how one of the authors at Wired sent an IronKey to a hacking company called Unciphered in Seattle Washington to see if they could access the drive. The did.

This is not an easy task to accomplish. IronKey uses encryption to safeguard important data with FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified, FIPS 197 certified and XTS-AES 256-bit encryption. The solution allows for 10 tries before the USB controller wipes the device clean of any data. So there is a big risk-reward for using the device and losing the password to the device.

However, Unciphered developed a method to allow more attempts than just 10. It is not entirely clear how many attempts Unciphered is able to apply, but it’s more than 10.

Why is this significant, other than the fact IronKey may now have a security issue on their hands? It is well known in early 2021, a report of just over 7,000 Bitcoin were stranded in an IronKey flash drive due to a forgotten password. The owner, Programmer Stefan Thomas, did not utilize the Enterprise Management Service for password recovery. The 7000 bitcoin is currently (as of Oct 2023) worth over $235 million dollars.

To give Wired Magazine their due credit, read the full story by Andy Greenberg.

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Why Corsair’s Platform:6 Standing Desk is a Game Changer

Corsair Platform:6 Standing Desk

In a move that exemplifies innovation at the intersection of technology and design, CORSAIR®, renowned for its cutting-edge gaming peripherals and PC components, has introduced a groundbreaking solution for gamers, content creators, and professionals alike. The CORSAIR Platform:6, a modular desk engineered to redefine the workspace experience, has arrived on the scene, raising the bar for ergonomic excellence and customizable convenience.

Guided by decades of expertise in crafting high-performance desktop gear, CORSAIR, alongside its subsidiary Elgato, has harnessed an acute understanding of user needs to give birth to the Platform:6. This multifaceted masterpiece not only caters to the evolving demands of gamers and professionals but embodies the very essence of a dynamic and adaptable workspace. Seamlessly integrating premium materials, an unparalleled spectrum of customization options, and an array of intelligent features—ranging from adjustable height mechanisms to meticulous cable management—the Platform:6 sets an all-new standard for the ultimate, feature-rich computer desk.

Embracing the full spectrum of modern lifestyles, from avid gamers to home-based remote workers seeking an optimized workspace, the Platform:6 is a colossal six-foot expanse that can be expanded even further to accommodate high-end gaming rigs, complete streaming setups, and a profusion of accessories. The uniqueness of the Platform:6 lies in its multitude of configurations, each offering a diverse selection of features, including motorized height adjustments, a choice of surface materials, and an expandable rail system. The process of curating one’s ideal Platform:6 is seamlessly facilitated through CORSAIR’s user-friendly online configurator, which caters to both individual needs and spatial requirements. Alternatively, users can explore carefully curated bundles that promise unmatched value.

A testament to foresight and adaptability, the Platform:6 is crafted with the future in mind, mirroring the evolution of its user’s needs. A modular rail system forms the core of the Platform:6’s design, boasting a universal aluminum T-channel crossbar, side rails, and top-mounted rail. This ingenious arrangement renders the Platform:6 compatible with an extensive range of aftermarket attachments and accessories, inviting users to personalize their workspace with unprecedented creativity. Furthermore, CORSAIR celebrates user ingenuity by facilitating the incorporation of self-designed 3D printed accessories, resulting in an experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

For those who prioritize ergonomic convenience, the Platform:6 offers a variant equipped with dual electric motors that silently and swiftly adjust the desk’s height. This dynamic feature, controlled via an LCD readout controller, accommodates preferred positions with memory presets for a truly tailored experience. The desk’s surface can be chosen in either a classic dark walnut-stained, environmentally friendly rubberwood or a robust black laminate, adding an element of aesthetic choice to the mix.

No detail is left unattended in the Platform:6’s pursuit of an elevated workspace experience. Supplied dual monitor arms facilitate effortless dual-monitor setup, while an expansive CORSAIR RapidRoute wire management tray conceals cables and even power strips. Furthermore, an in-desk storage cubby, complete with USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports, harmonizes wire management and small item storage. The result is a space that not only accommodates the complexity of high-powered setups but does so while maintaining a clutter-free aesthetic.

Corsair platform:6 has usb ports

The pivotal driving force behind the Platform:6’s conception is expandability—a quality that manifests through a plethora of add-ons that empower users to fashion their perfect desk. Should the expansive six-foot width fall short, side extensions can be effortlessly attached, offering an additional 30cm x 70cm of space, complemented by optional hanging pegboards. The Elgato Multi Frame, an exclusive top-mounted pegboard designed for the Platform:6, introduces even more mounting opportunities, enabling the organization of gear and accessories. Adapters tailored for Elgato Multi-Mount and Flex Arm products seamlessly integrate Key Lights, cameras, or microphones into the rail system.

At the forefront of this innovation stands the Platform:6 Creator Edition, the flagship variant of the desk, complete with adjustable height functionality and a rubberwood surface. As the Platform:6 gears up for its official launch, users can anticipate the exhilarating prospect of designing and purchasing customized configurations through the online configurator. The unveiling of the Platform:6 promises a new era of workspace refinement, an experience that blends cutting-edge features with an innate understanding of ergonomic principles. As we count down to its official launch later this year, the Platform:6 beckons us to witness how it elevates the workspace to an echelon of distinction.

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