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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> External Hard Drive & Software Question
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01/11/2006 05:51:59 PM · #1
Just got a Maxtor 100GB external - it came as a FAT32 system, but my computer HD is a NTFS format. What I want to know is, which is better - should I leave the Maxtor as is, or change it to a NTFS too.

Second, I'm going to be putting all my photos (several DVDs) onto the Maxtor, and need a filing program that will let me set keywords and search for them again. I have the ACDSEE trial, and it looks...m'eh, okay. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good program? The only criteria are that it has to be free, or darn cheap, 'cause I'm broke. ;D

Thanks!!
01/11/2006 06:56:06 PM · #2
leave it as FAT. If you every need to back up an non-XP system or display your images on a non-XP system you'll be able to use this drive. There are trade-offs with this, but they are minor.

As for software, I use BreezeBrowser, but it doesn't search keywords.

I recommend instead of copying the full DVDs to the drive, create 1/4 size proofs that you keep on the HD in a folder with the DVD name keeping the orignal out-of-camera name at the end of the image filename. You lose less drive space that way.
01/11/2006 07:04:10 PM · #3
I use imatch, which catalogs files on external storage complete with a cached thumbnail - not too bad to use, so long as you catalog as you go.

Personally, it all gets left & then I have to spend hours doing them all at once. I will never learn!

imatch is available from photools.com
01/11/2006 07:29:27 PM · #4
Use NTFS. Faster, better, less waste of space if you have lot's of files.
01/11/2006 07:47:08 PM · #5
NTFS because as this help article for Western Digital HD's says:

"Problem:
I cannot create or transfer files or a group of files larger than 4GB.

Cause:
This is caused by the format on the hard drive. Western Digital pre-formats your drive in a FAT32 File System. This File System is recognized by most computer operating systems, but has a limitation of 4GB file transfer and creation. This means you cannot create a file or transfer a file or group of files larger that 4GB to the hard drive.

Resolution:
If you are running Windows 2000 or Windows XP, you can delete the partition on the drive and reformat the drive with the NFTS File System. NTFS File System does not have this limitation. For details on deleting a FAT32 partition and creating a new NTFS partition in Windows 2000/XP, please see Answer 1021.

Important:
If you reformat the drive to NTFS you will not be able to use the drive while connected to a Windows 98SE or Windows ME computer. In addition, deleting a partition or formatting a drive will erase the data on the drive. Please make sure to backup your data prior to these operations."
01/11/2006 09:43:40 PM · #6
Thanks to all who posted! I've decided to go with the NTFS, based on a few factors, the transfer limit being one of them. Moving all the pics now...this ought to take forever, as I don't have my USB 2 adapter card yet.

As far as the software goes, I'd love to hear from some more folks. I still can't decide. Honestly, I'd take PhotoMechanic in an instant, but I can't spring for the $150. What I really need is freeware, but it looks like that isn't going to happen. Although Picasa is out there, but I'm hesitant to use it for keywording and organizing, as that's not it's main function.

Anyone else want to leave their opinion? Please?
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