The File Is Too Large For The Destination File System

How To

Encountering the error message, “The File Is Too Large For The Destination File System,” can be a perplexing experience for users working with large files in Windows.

This error prevents you from copying or moving files to certain storage devices, leaving you wondering about its meaning and how to overcome it.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the details of the “The File Is Too Large For The Destination File System” error, its significance, potential causes, and effective solutions to successfully manage large files.

How To

Understanding the “The File Is Too Large For The Destination File System” Error

The error message “The File Is Too Large For The Destination File System” is a Windows error that occurs when you attempt to copy or move a file to a storage device with a file system that does not support files of the given size.

This error essentially informs you that the destination file system is not capable of accommodating the file you are trying to transfer due to size limitations.

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Common Symptoms of the Error

Before diving into the causes and solutions, let’s take a look at some common symptoms associated with this error:

  1. Error Message: The primary symptom is the appearance of an error message that explicitly states, “The File Is Too Large For The Destination File System.”
  2. Inability to Copy or Move Files: You won’t be able to copy or move files to the destination storage device, and Windows will prevent the operation.
  3. Frustration with Large Files: This error typically occurs when dealing with files that are significantly larger than what the destination file system can handle.

Now that we understand the symptoms, let’s explore the potential causes of the error.

What is the FAT32 file System and How Does it Work?

File Allocation Table (FAT) is an acronym for File Allocation Table. The FAT32 file system is a variant of the FAT file system. This was created by Microsoft to extend the FAT16 file system’s version.

It was introduced to allow for a bigger volume size, improved performance, and other benefits. The FAT32 file system has been superseded with the New Technology File System, which can support larger files in the current circumstances (NTFS).

The NTFS file system is the most recent Windows file system. It is a default file system for organising, storing, and discovering data on an external hard disc with increased reliability, space utilisation, and security access control, among other features.

Possible Causes of “The File Is Too Large For The Destination File System” Error

To effectively troubleshoot and resolve this error, it’s essential to identify its underlying causes. Here are some common reasons behind the error:

  1. File System Limitations: Different file systems, such as FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS, have varying size limitations for individual files. For instance, FAT32 has a maximum file size limit of 4GB, while exFAT and NTFS can handle much larger files.
  2. Mismatched File System: If the destination storage device uses a file system with smaller file size limits than the source file, the error will occur.
  3. Attempting to Copy from an External Source: When copying files from external sources, such as a USB drive or network share, you may encounter this error if the destination drive has a smaller file system.
  4. Conversion from a Dynamic Disk: If you’re converting a dynamic disk to a basic disk, it can lead to file system limitations and trigger the error.

Now that we’ve identified the potential causes let’s explore the solutions to fix the error:

The File Is Too Large For The Destination File System, So it Needs to be Fixed

The methods listed below are solutions that can assist you in dealing with the problem and are safe to utilise.

These methods do not necessitate any form of technological expertise. You only need a basic understanding of the equipment. Then you can proceed to the next step and correct the problem.

Method 1: Without Losing Data, Convert the FAT32 File System to NTFS

The first option is to convert the FAT32 file system to NTFS without losing any data. The steps outlined below will assist you in doing so.

Step 1: Hold down the Windows logo and the ‘X’ key at the same time. Choose Command Prompt (Admin).

Step 2: Now look at the letter that your external hard disc and USB flash drive have been assigned.

Step 3: In the cmd prompt, type the following command and click Enter:

/fs:ntfs /nosecurity /fs:ntfs /nosecurity /fs:ntfs /nosecurity

Step 4: Stay awake for a few minutes while the conversion process completes. If the above command fails, try running the Chkdsk command to see if it can help.

Step 5: Type the following command into the command prompt window and hit Enter:

g:/f chkdsk

Step 6: To ensure success, run the following command:

/fs:ntfs /nosecurity /fs:ntfs /nosecurity /fs:ntfs /nosecurity

Step 7: Now it’s time to double-check everything. Attempt to copy the large file into the system despite receiving the error message “The file is too large for the target file system.”

1. Always remember to adjust the assigned letter to the letter assigned to your system.

2. To save the existing data on the storage device, we strongly advise you to create a backup. For advanced backup procedures, try to employ the best data backup software products.

Let’s move on to the next method if this one doesn’t work.

Method 2: Use the NTFS File System to Format your Device

The NTFS file system is the next option on the list for formatting your device. This procedure is incredibly beneficial, but it has one drawback: it deletes all of the data on the disc.

As a result, it is advised to build a backup of the existing files on the device in preparation, or just use FREE backup software to make things easy.

The procedures below will guide you through formatting the device using the NTFS file system –

Step 1: Right-click on your USB disc or external hard drive.

Step 2: Select Format from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Select NTFS as the file system type.

Step 4: Select Default in the following column, which is Allocation unit size.

Step 5: Finally, press the Start button. If you’re prompted for confirmation, select Ok.

Check to see if the error still persists. If that’s the case, let’s move on to the next option.

Method 3: Break up Huge Files into Smaller Chunks

Splitting huge files is the third approach on the list. It’s another approach to get around the FAT32 file system’s limitations. To divide huge files, we recommend using software like WinRAR. Install WinRAR on your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Learn more about the FAT32, NTFS, and exFAT file systems in this FAQ.

What’s the Difference Between FAT32 and NTFS files?

As previously stated, FAT32 is a version of the FAT file system developed by Microsoft to supplement the FAT16 file system. It was introduced to allow for a bigger volume size, improved performance, and other benefits.

The FAT32 file system has been superseded with the New Technology File System, which can support larger files in the current circumstances. NTFS, on the other hand, is the most recent Windows file system.

It is a default file system for organising, storing, and discovering data on an external hard disc with increased reliability, space utilisation, and security access control, among other features.

Is it Better to Use exFAT or NTFS?

NTFS is superior to exFAT because it offers more benefits. Furthermore, NTFS is a default file system with numerous advantages.

Including more reliable organisation, storage, and retrieval of files on an external hard disc, space utilisation, and security access control.

When it comes to exFAT, it is a more advanced variant of FAT32. It is most likely to be formatted on flash drives. It does not, however, apply everywhere.

Is it Possible to Convert From exFAT to NTFS Without Losing Data?

There is no method to convert exFAT to NTFS without losing data, unfortunately. Although there is no such software, you can convert FAT32 to NTFS without losing any data.

However, by using the greatest backup programmes, you may generate a backup in advance.

Should I Use fat32 or NTFS for My External Hard Drive?

The best option is to use the NTFS file system. FAT32 has less capabilities than NTFS. The most important factor is the file size. In comparison to FAT32, which has a 4GB restriction, NTFS has a 16EB limit.

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Conclusion

During the procedure, the methods listed above will assist you in resolving the Error message “The file is too large for the target file system.”

Also, we hope that this post can assist you in resolving difficulties; but, if you continue to have problems, please contact an expert.