Problems backing up FTM 2011 file

[andrew shanks]

I am able to back up my FTM 2011 file to my C drive without any difficulties but when I try to backup to removable media the backup fails and an error message says that there is not enough disc space.  This is a recent problem that did not occur until about a month ago.

I do not understand this as the FTM file is 4.18GB in size but my memory stick has 17GB free space and my external hard drive has 394GB free space!

I tried to copy and paste the backup file from my c drive to the removable media and received a message saying that the file is to large for the destination file system.

I have tried compacting the file but this made no difference.  I have also tried contacting the technical support people at FTM but have received no response.

If anyone knows how to resolve this backup problem I would be grateful for their advice.

 

[GBay]

You may have a problem here if your Flash Drive has been formatted to the FAT32 file system - the maximum file size that this file system can store is 4GB.
As yours is over this maximum size it may be the reason you are getting an error message. You could try and re-format the Flash Drive to the NTFS file system which allows much higher file sizes but remember to copy off existing files from the Flash Drive first as the reformat process will destroy all content on the drive - CARRY OUT WITH EXTREME CAUTION!!.

[andrew shanks]

Hi there,

Thank you for this - the flash drive is in FAT32 format, so your suggestion sounds like the answer that I need.

I am a bit unsure how to reformat to NTFS, so any advice on this would be much appreciated.

Once the drive has been reformatted and, assuming that I can save the FTM file to it, will there be any issues if I want to transfer the file to another computer?

 

[GBay]

Formatting can be done from a Windows Explorer window.
Ensure you have copied off all files from the Flash Drive that you want to keep as formatting will erase everything on the drive..... 
Right Click on the Flash Drive drive entry to bring up it's context window and click on 'Format'. Make sure you have definitely selected your Flash Drive as you do not want to Format any of your other drives.....
From there use the 'File System' drop box to select NTFS.
Click 'Start' to commence formatting - This process may take a little while to complete.

Any Windows PC from Windows XP onwards can use NTFS.
Apple and Linux systems ability to use NTFS will vary depending on OS version and installed features.

It might pay to have your primary backup on the C:, and keep a copy on the Flash drive as a secondary backup. Unfortunately Flash drives are easily lost and have a tendency to just 'die'. You can never have too many backups. You could also easily burn a backup to DVD while the file size is under 4.7GB.     

[andrew shanks]

Hi GBay,

I have taken your advice on this thank you.

I was able to save the FTM file to the flash drive and transfer it to another PC.  Everything seems to be working as it should now.

Thanks again for your assistance - it is very much appreciated!