To transfer files larger than 4GB, the DataTraveler must have a NTFS or exFAT file system. Unfortunately, the FAT32 file system is not capable of handling a single file larger than 4GB (to be exact, one byte less than 4GB). Follow the steps below to format the DataTraveler with an NTFS File system:
Warning, all data on the DataTraveler will be lost! Please back up the data on the DataTraveler before proceeding.
Be aware that MacOS 10.6.5 will support full read and write access to exFAT formatted drives. MacOS still has read only access to NTFS formatted drives.
Some devices (MP3 players,digital photo frames, etc) will not read NTFS or exFAT file systems.
Also, Windows XP and Vistawill require an update in order to access exFAT.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-05Some of the flash storagedevice’s listed capacity is used for formatting and other functions and is notavailable for data storage. Therefore, you will not see the full capacity.
When a flash storage device is manufactured, steps are taken to ensure that the device operates reliably and permits the host device (computer, digital camera, PDA, etc.) to access the memory cells; i.e., to store and retrieve data on the flash storage device. These steps, loosely called "formatting", use some of the memory cells within the device and thus reduce the capacity available for data storage by the end user.
Formatting includes the followingoperations:
If you have a desktop computer, make sure the DataTraveler is inserted directly into one of the main USB ports. These USB ports are usually located in the back of the tower. If these ports are difficult to access, we recommend a 3ft USB extension cable.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-09Unplug the other USB device, insert the DataTraveler drive and restart the system. After the DataTraveler is configured you should then be able to connect the other USB device.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-151. The DataTraveler could be conflicting with a pre-assigned drive letter. To resolve, do the following (Do not do this for a "Privacy" drive that assigns two drive letters):
2. The DataTraveler may be conflicting with pre-installed software. Disable all applications running in the background prior to installation of the Data Traveler.
3. Make sure Windows, any USB controller drivers and the system BIOS for you computer is up to date.
4. If you have a desktop computer, make sure the DataTraveler is inserted directly into one of the main USB ports on the back of the PC. Front ports, keyboard ports or USB Hubs may not supply sufficient power for the High Speed DataTraveler to function properly.
5. Check for a possible conflict is another USB device such as a printer or USB card reader. Unplug the other USB device, insert the DataTraveler drive and restart the system. After the DataTraveler is configured you should then be able to connect the other USB device.
FAQ: KDT-012314-GEN-02If you have data on the DataTraveler that is important to you, we strongly recommend that you use one of the two possible means of data recovery (see below). Kingston does not offer data recovery services. For more information on ourwarranty policy, please visit http://www.kingston.com/company/warranty.asp
KDT-012611-GEN-25
FAQ: KDT-012611-GEN-25This usually is caused by a program that re-partitions the drive to a smaller capacity it can use. The native Windows format utility is usually not able to restore the capacity. We suggest you search online for a third party format utility.
FAQ: KTD-012711-GEN-26Operating System | exFAT support | Patch download |
Windows 7 | Supported natively | |
Windows Vista | Requires update to Service Pack 1 or 2 (both supports exFAT) | Download Service Pack 1 (with exFAT support) Download Service Pack 2 (with exFAT support) |
Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or 3) |
Requires exFAT patch update | Must have Service Pack 2 or 3 installed to use this update Download exFAT patch update |
Mac OS X | Requires Mac OS X version 10.6.6 and above |
Although it is possible to boot from the DataTraveler, it is not a feature Kingston supports.These drives are intended as storage devices.
FAQ: KTD-082913-GEN-27Windows assigns new drives to the next available physical drive. It will sometimes take the same drive letter as a network drive for this reason. This is a common problem with removable storage devices.
To resolve this go to Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Computer Management. Note the drives on the right window pane. See if the Kingston (x) is recognised. (x) denotes the drive letter that Windows assigned to the Data Traveler.
If the DataTraveler isusing the same drive letter as one of the other drives, right-click theKingston Drive letter and click on "Change Drive Letter and Paths".
In the next dialog box,click on the "Change" button and assign a drive letter that is notcurrently being used.
Note: Do not manually change drive letters if you have a "Privacy" DataTraveler that assigns two drive letters for the device.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-03Change Legacy USB supportin the BIOS to Disabled (or the opposite of what it is set at currently).
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-23In order to resolve this, you will need to edit the Registry. If you are not careful you could cause serious damage to the computer. Click on your Start button and then go to Run. Type in the word, "regedit", and click OK. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\VxD\IOS and find the word "noide" in the right pane. Delete this entry, save the changes and then reboot the system.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-24ReadyBoost is a Windows Vista and Windows 7 feature which has the ability to use USB flash drive storage space to improve system performance. The DataTraveler does not support Windows ReadyBoost.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-11You may have formatted the drive with an exFAT file system while using Windows 7. In order to resolve this, reformat the drive with the FAT32 or NTFS file system. You may also be able to update your operating system to be compatible with exFAT. However, be aware that some devices (MP3 players, digital photo frames, etc) will not read the exFAT file system.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-10This may be due to a power setting for your USB ports. Here are the steps to change this setting:
Because the DataTraveler is 32GB or larger, Windows 7 will not allow you to format it to FAT32. You will have to convert it using a Command Prompt. Click on Start>Run and type in CMD and click on the OK button. Type the following in the command prompt (see image). Replace F with the drive letter for your drive. Please take notice of the spaces in between.
Windows may not recognize the MacOS Extended or Standard file system. To resolve, format the drive in MacOS DOS so that it can be used in both environments.
WARNING: Formatting will erase all of the data on the DataTraveler. Back up your data before proceeding.
Be aware MacOS 10.6.5 will support full read and write access to exFAT formatted drives. So formatting the drive using exFAT file system may also resolve this problem. MacOS still has read only access to NTFS formatted drives.
Some devices (MP3 players, digital photo frames, etc) will not read NTFS or exFAT file systems.
Also Windows XP and Vista will require an update in order to access exFAT.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-18This happens if the DataTraveler has been formatted with Microsoft Windows NTFS. To resolve, format the DataTraveler with Mac OS X using MS-DOS File System.
To format the DataTraveler with Mac OS 10.3.X, do the following:
Be aware MacOS 10.6.5 will support full read and write access to exFAT formatted drives. So formatting the drive using exFAT file system may also resolve this problem. MacOS still has read only access to NTFS formatted drives.
Some devices (MP3 players, digital photo frames, etc) will not read NTFS or exFAT file systems.
Also Windows XP and Vista will require an update in order to access exFAT.
For additional assistance using the Data Traveler, please visit http://www.kingston.com/support/howtodt/default.asp to view the DataTraveler "How To" videos.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-08On Macs, you first have to empty the trash can in order to regain the space. You may have to plug the drive back in after emptying the trash.
If this does not work then the device should be completely reformatted. Please follow these instructions for formatting your Kingston device.
WARNING: Formatting will erase all your data so please make sure you have a copy before proceeding.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-04
After formatting theDataTraveler in Mac OS X, the following symptoms may apply:
This is most likely a result of using the GUID partition table, which is the default partition table for Intel-based Macs. The GUID partition table is only supported in Windows Vista. Windows 7 and Windows XP do not support this file system. To resolve, you must erase the drive via Mac OS X with the appropriate options selected. Follow the steps below to erase your drive properly with Mac OS X.
After the format is complete, verify that the disk is now using MBR by looking at the "Partition Map Scheme" in the lower right corner of the Disk Utility window. It should now display "Master Boot Record".
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-16To resolve this, make sure to insert the drive directly into the USB ports located on the computer. The USB ports found on the keyboard and some hubs may not supply sufficient power to operate the Kingston DataTraveler properly. Also, go to Finder>Preferences>Sidebar and ensure that CD, DVD and iPod and External Disks are selected.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-18This is a problem related to copying directories (created with Finder) from and then back to a USB storage device configured with an MS-DOS/FAT file system. Until Apple releases an update addressing this issue, the following is a safe solution.
Windows may not recognise the MacOS Extended or Standard file system. To resolve this, format the drive in MacOS DOS so that it can be used in both environments.
WARNING: Formatting will erase all of the data on the DataTraveler. Back up your data before proceeding.
Be aware that MacOS 10.6.5 will support full read and write access to exFAT formatted drives so formatting the drive using the exFAT file system may also resolve this problem. MacOS still has read only access to NTFS formatted drives.
Some devices (MP3 players,digital photo frames, etc) will not read NTFS or exFAT file systems.
Also, Windows XP and Vistawill require an update in order to access exFAT.
For additional assistance using the DataTraveler, CLICK HERE to view the DataTraveler "How To" videos.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-07Questions about a Kingston product you already own? Ask a Kingston expert.
Complete a short form to submit a request by email.
Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-6 p.m. PT
+1 (800)435-0640 (Closed)
1. The DataTraveler could be conflicting with a pre-assigned drive letter. To resolve, do the following (Do not do this for a "Privacy" drive that assigns two drive letters):
2. The DataTraveler may be conflicting with pre-installed software. Disable all applications running in the background prior to installation of the Data Traveler.
3. Make sure Windows, any USB controller drivers and the system BIOS for you computer is up to date.
4. If you have a desktop computer, make sure the DataTraveler is inserted directly into one of the main USB ports on the back of the PC. Front ports, keyboard ports or USB Hubs may not supply sufficient power for the High Speed DataTraveler to function properly.
5. Check for a possible conflict is another USB device such as a printer or USB card reader. Unplug the other USB device, insert the DataTraveler drive and restart the system. After the DataTraveler is configured you should then be able to connect the other USB device.
FAQ: KDT-012314-GEN-02Windows assigns new drives to the next available physical drive. It will sometimes take the same drive letter as a network drive for this reason. This is a common problem with removable storage devices.
To resolve this go to Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Computer Management. Note the drives on the right window pane. See if the Kingston (x) is recognised. (x) denotes the drive letter that Windows assigned to the Data Traveler.
If the DataTraveler isusing the same drive letter as one of the other drives, right-click theKingston Drive letter and click on "Change Drive Letter and Paths".
In the next dialog box,click on the "Change" button and assign a drive letter that is notcurrently being used.
Note: Do not manually change drive letters if you have a "Privacy" DataTraveler that assigns two drive letters for the device.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-03On Macs, you first have to empty the trash can in order to regain the space. You may have to plug the drive back in after emptying the trash.
If this does not work then the device should be completely reformatted. Please follow these instructions for formatting your Kingston device.
WARNING: Formatting will erase all your data so please make sure you have a copy before proceeding.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-04
To transfer files larger than 4GB, the DataTraveler must have a NTFS or exFAT file system. Unfortunately, the FAT32 file system is not capable of handling a single file larger than 4GB (to be exact, one byte less than 4GB). Follow the steps below to format the DataTraveler with an NTFS File system:
Warning, all data on the DataTraveler will be lost! Please back up the data on the DataTraveler before proceeding.
Be aware that MacOS 10.6.5 will support full read and write access to exFAT formatted drives. MacOS still has read only access to NTFS formatted drives.
Some devices (MP3 players,digital photo frames, etc) will not read NTFS or exFAT file systems.
Also, Windows XP and Vistawill require an update in order to access exFAT.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-05Some of the flash storagedevice’s listed capacity is used for formatting and other functions and is notavailable for data storage. Therefore, you will not see the full capacity.
When a flash storage device is manufactured, steps are taken to ensure that the device operates reliably and permits the host device (computer, digital camera, PDA, etc.) to access the memory cells; i.e., to store and retrieve data on the flash storage device. These steps, loosely called "formatting", use some of the memory cells within the device and thus reduce the capacity available for data storage by the end user.
Formatting includes the followingoperations:
Windows may not recognize the MacOS Extended or Standard file system. To resolve, format the drive in MacOS DOS so that it can be used in both environments.
WARNING: Formatting will erase all of the data on the DataTraveler. Back up your data before proceeding.
Be aware MacOS 10.6.5 will support full read and write access to exFAT formatted drives. So formatting the drive using exFAT file system may also resolve this problem. MacOS still has read only access to NTFS formatted drives.
Some devices (MP3 players, digital photo frames, etc) will not read NTFS or exFAT file systems.
Also Windows XP and Vista will require an update in order to access exFAT.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-18This happens if the DataTraveler has been formatted with Microsoft Windows NTFS. To resolve, format the DataTraveler with Mac OS X using MS-DOS File System.
To format the DataTraveler with Mac OS 10.3.X, do the following:
Be aware MacOS 10.6.5 will support full read and write access to exFAT formatted drives. So formatting the drive using exFAT file system may also resolve this problem. MacOS still has read only access to NTFS formatted drives.
Some devices (MP3 players, digital photo frames, etc) will not read NTFS or exFAT file systems.
Also Windows XP and Vista will require an update in order to access exFAT.
For additional assistance using the Data Traveler, please visit http://www.kingston.com/support/howtodt/default.asp to view the DataTraveler "How To" videos.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-08If you have a desktop computer, make sure the DataTraveler is inserted directly into one of the main USB ports. These USB ports are usually located in the back of the tower. If these ports are difficult to access, we recommend a 3ft USB extension cable.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-09You may have formatted the drive with an exFAT file system while using Windows 7. In order to resolve this, reformat the drive with the FAT32 or NTFS file system. You may also be able to update your operating system to be compatible with exFAT. However, be aware that some devices (MP3 players, digital photo frames, etc) will not read the exFAT file system.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-10This may be due to a power setting for your USB ports. Here are the steps to change this setting:
Because the DataTraveler is 32GB or larger, Windows 7 will not allow you to format it to FAT32. You will have to convert it using a Command Prompt. Click on Start>Run and type in CMD and click on the OK button. Type the following in the command prompt (see image). Replace F with the drive letter for your drive. Please take notice of the spaces in between.
Unplug the other USB device, insert the DataTraveler drive and restart the system. After the DataTraveler is configured you should then be able to connect the other USB device.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-15After formatting theDataTraveler in Mac OS X, the following symptoms may apply:
This is most likely a result of using the GUID partition table, which is the default partition table for Intel-based Macs. The GUID partition table is only supported in Windows Vista. Windows 7 and Windows XP do not support this file system. To resolve, you must erase the drive via Mac OS X with the appropriate options selected. Follow the steps below to erase your drive properly with Mac OS X.
After the format is complete, verify that the disk is now using MBR by looking at the "Partition Map Scheme" in the lower right corner of the Disk Utility window. It should now display "Master Boot Record".
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-16To resolve this, make sure to insert the drive directly into the USB ports located on the computer. The USB ports found on the keyboard and some hubs may not supply sufficient power to operate the Kingston DataTraveler properly. Also, go to Finder>Preferences>Sidebar and ensure that CD, DVD and iPod and External Disks are selected.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-18This is a problem related to copying directories (created with Finder) from and then back to a USB storage device configured with an MS-DOS/FAT file system. Until Apple releases an update addressing this issue, the following is a safe solution.
Change Legacy USB supportin the BIOS to Disabled (or the opposite of what it is set at currently).
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-23In order to resolve this, you will need to edit the Registry. If you are not careful you could cause serious damage to the computer. Click on your Start button and then go to Run. Type in the word, "regedit", and click OK. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\VxD\IOS and find the word "noide" in the right pane. Delete this entry, save the changes and then reboot the system.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-24ReadyBoost is a Windows Vista and Windows 7 feature which has the ability to use USB flash drive storage space to improve system performance. The DataTraveler does not support Windows ReadyBoost.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-11If you have data on the DataTraveler that is important to you, we strongly recommend that you use one of the two possible means of data recovery (see below). Kingston does not offer data recovery services. For more information on ourwarranty policy, please visit http://www.kingston.com/company/warranty.asp
KDT-012611-GEN-25
FAQ: KDT-012611-GEN-25This usually is caused by a program that re-partitions the drive to a smaller capacity it can use. The native Windows format utility is usually not able to restore the capacity. We suggest you search online for a third party format utility.
FAQ: KTD-012711-GEN-26Operating System | exFAT support | Patch download |
Windows 7 | Supported natively | |
Windows Vista | Requires update to Service Pack 1 or 2 (both supports exFAT) | Download Service Pack 1 (with exFAT support) Download Service Pack 2 (with exFAT support) |
Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or 3) |
Requires exFAT patch update | Must have Service Pack 2 or 3 installed to use this update Download exFAT patch update |
Mac OS X | Requires Mac OS X version 10.6.6 and above |
Windows may not recognise the MacOS Extended or Standard file system. To resolve this, format the drive in MacOS DOS so that it can be used in both environments.
WARNING: Formatting will erase all of the data on the DataTraveler. Back up your data before proceeding.
Be aware that MacOS 10.6.5 will support full read and write access to exFAT formatted drives so formatting the drive using the exFAT file system may also resolve this problem. MacOS still has read only access to NTFS formatted drives.
Some devices (MP3 players,digital photo frames, etc) will not read NTFS or exFAT file systems.
Also, Windows XP and Vistawill require an update in order to access exFAT.
For additional assistance using the DataTraveler, CLICK HERE to view the DataTraveler "How To" videos.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-07Although it is possible to boot from the DataTraveler, it is not a feature Kingston supports.These drives are intended as storage devices.
FAQ: KTD-082913-GEN-27Questions about a Kingston product you already own? Ask a Kingston expert.
Complete a short form to submit a request by email.
Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-6 p.m. PT
+1 (800)435-0640 (Closed)
©2021 Kingston Technology Europe Co LLP und Kingston Digital Europe Co LLP, Kingston Court, Brooklands Close, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex, TW16 7EP, England. All rights reserved. All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.