[nzlug] Does FAT32 imply long file names?

[Johann Schoonees]

Warren Boyd wrote:
> On 2006-08-15, at 03:31 , Johann Schoonees wrote:
>> If I put FAT32 on an external drive partition with something like  
>> `mkdosfs -F32' for subsequent use with a Windows machine, will long  
>> file names work?  IOW does FAT32 imply VFAT?
> 
> IIRC, it's actually up to the OS to determine the detail for long  file 
> names - i.e it's not specific to FAT32.
> 
> FAT32 essentially removes some of the barriers for number of files etc.
> 
> You may want to have a look at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat32

Yes, I looked at that page.  It says "Max filename size: 8.3 or 255 
characters when using LFNs" which is not exactly helpful.  What 
happens when I write files with long names to it from Linux?  Does 
Linux create the necessary VFAT entries (mimic VxD) when it sees a FAT32?

I offered to put stuff on an external drive for a friend and since 
he's having trouble "formatting" the drive with Windows I offered to 
do it for him.  Now I'm trying to find out these things before he 
arrives and I get egg all over my face... :-)

Johann

This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.