Problem in copying to USB

[Hansc]

I only seem to be able to copy about 4.5 GB to
my USB 2.0 flash drive memory inspite of :
- one being 8 GB
- the other 16GB

I have been using windows explorer to drag and drop.
to my VGN-S4M

Any idea as what the problem may be?

Thanks

[Blencogo]

Hi Hansc,

Your flash drives are probably formatted using FAT32 which can only handle up to 4GB files.

Changing it to NTFS is generally not recommended for flash drives due to the extra `wear and tear` it creates in terms of reads/writes. FAT32 is also more compatible with previous versions of Windows.

You could try splitting a large file with WinRAR into chunks of less than 4GB.

Although not recommended, as a last resort you could reformat the drive in NTFS LIKE THIS but try to disable the `last access time` feature under NTFS.

[Hansc]

Hi Blencogo,

Thank you very much for your expert advise.
The files I have dragged and dropped to the USB
have all been less than 1GB making up altogether
the 4.5 GB on the USB.
When I try to drag and drop any more files they all
seem to get there according to the copy "progress window"
and I can see them with Windows explorer.
However, after removing the USB using the "safely
remove hardware" feature and remounting the USB
I am only able to the files which together take up less
than about 4.5GB
FYI: I have structured my content of my "D" :
1-x
2-y
3-z
4 etc to 22

It is after I try to drag and drop the files within "15-house sale"
( when aggretate data volume is about 4.5GB ) the issue happens

Any further comments would ofcourse be appreciated.

Thanks Hans

[steve9861]

Hi I have also experienced this, using USB flash drives that I always use with Win2k & XP.
I reported this to Sony support, who had me factory default my FZ31Z - so 3 weeks worth of struggling with Vista & installing gone:-(
It made no difference - especially as the problem was apparent straight out of the box!
Some observations, don't do a full format on a USB flash drive - it completed eventualy [8 gig in almost 1 hour]
A known feature & even MS recommend a quick format.
Buy a Vista readyboost compatible flash drive, this should resolve the nonsense of Vista taking 200 days to copy 1 gig of data - but I could only find 4 gig drives to comment about.
So the only help Sony support were - setting me back 3 weeks!

SRM9861.

[Hansc]

Thank You SRM9861

It really seems hard to understand that this should be problem
that THEY dont seem to want to solve.

I wonder if our expert Blencogo has some further thoughts as
he seems to be extremely knowageable or if he has VAIO
expert contacts who ought to know the answer.

Thanks & cheers, Hans

[Blencogo]

Hi Hans,

Sorry, I don't know the solution.

I suppose my only further thoughts are: -

1. Have you tried to copy files of more than 4.5GB using another computer? This may establish if it is the Vaio or the Flashdrive.

2. When you reboot, what does Windows say the Used Space/Free Space is? Does more than the 4.5GB show as 'Used'.

3. Have you tried a 'Quick Format' to remove any corrupt data?

4. Have you run the Error Checking option under the Properties -> Tools Menu?

I presume you are using XP?

It usually works OK if using files of less than 4GB. However, I have heard of this problem a few times but cannot recall a solution.

[Hansc]

Hi Blencogo,

Your reply is much appreciated .

I will now try your suggestions and if I may I give a
summary of my findings

Thanks Hans

[steve9861]

Hi Hans

Yes, I despair with Sony now.
The USB copying is just the tip of the problems.
I believe it to be a Vista featuture which no one will accept responsibillity for.
Sony will not accept this & offer a downgrade to xp!
Had my FZ31Z for 2 months now - I just cant use it because it is rubbish:-(
In 10 months time my warranty runs out - so Sony wins again.
I had a 386dx desk top which would out perform this machine.

Cheers,

Steve.