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-27To 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 backup the data on the DataTraveler before proceeding.
Be aware 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 Vista will require an update in order to access exFAT.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-05Unfortunately this unit does not have any security or write protection feature. If you receive a write protection message with this drive, check for the following:
If you have data on the DataTraveler that is important to you, we strongly recommend that you use one of the two possible ways for data recovery (see below). Kingston does not offer data recovery services. For more information on our warranty policy please visit http://www.kingston.com/company/warranty.asp
KDT-012611-GEN-25
FAQ: KDT-012611-GEN-25Operating 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 |
KGF-022811-GEN-02
FAQ: KGF-022811-GEN-02Some of the flash storage device's listed capacity is used for formatting and other functions and thus is not available 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," utilize some of the memory cells within the device and thus reduce the capacity available for data storage by the end-user.
Formatting includes the following operations:
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-02You may have formatted the drive with an exFAT file system while using Windows 7. In order to resolve, 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. But be aware some devices (MP3 players, digital photo frames, etc) will not read exFAT file system.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-10Windows 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 recognized. (x) denotes the drive letter that Windows assigned for the Data Traveler.
If the DataTraveler is using the same drive letter as one of the other drives, right click the Kingston Drive letter and click on "Change Drive letter and Paths".
On the next dialog box click on the "Change" button and assign a drive letter that is not currently being used.
Note: Do not manually change drive letters if you have a "Privacy" Data traveler that assigns two drive letters for the device.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-03Because the DataTraveler is 32GB or larger, Windows 7 will not allow you to format it 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. On the command prompt type the following (see image). Where F is your drive letter for your drive, replace it with what ever yours is. Please take notice of the spaces in between.
Follow the steps below to format the DataTraveler with an NTFS File system using Windows PC.
Note: Admin rights are required.
The Kingston (Removable) drive window will display "Formatting" while the drive is being formatted. Once the format is complete, the status will revert to "Healthy."
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-17ReadyBoost is a Windows Vista and Windows 7 feature which has the ability to utilize USB flash drive storage space to improve system performance. The DataTraveler does not support Windows ReadyBoost.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-11Yes, this DataTraveler is supported by Linux as long as you have Linux Kernel 2.6.x and above.
Please note: If the DataTraveler comes with software, it will not function with Linux. Only the drive itself is compatible with Linux.
FAQ: KDT-011411-DRV-02To resolve, 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 properly operate the Kingston DataTraveler. Also, go to Finder>Preferences>Sidebar to ensure CD, DVD and iPod and External Disks are checked.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-18In Macs you first have to empty out the trash can in order to regain the space back. You may have to re-plug the drive back in after emptying out the trash.
Should this not work then a complete format of the device should be done. 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.
This 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-08Windows 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.
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
Unfortunately this unit does not have any security or write protection feature. If you receive a write protection message with this drive, check for the following:
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 backup the data on the DataTraveler before proceeding.
Be aware 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 Vista will require an update in order to access exFAT.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-05You may have formatted the drive with an exFAT file system while using Windows 7. In order to resolve, 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. But be aware some devices (MP3 players, digital photo frames, etc) will not read exFAT file system.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-10If you have data on the DataTraveler that is important to you, we strongly recommend that you use one of the two possible ways for data recovery (see below). Kingston does not offer data recovery services. For more information on our warranty policy please visit http://www.kingston.com/company/warranty.asp
KDT-012611-GEN-25
FAQ: KDT-012611-GEN-25Some of the flash storage device's listed capacity is used for formatting and other functions and thus is not available 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," utilize some of the memory cells within the device and thus reduce the capacity available for data storage by the end-user.
Formatting includes the following operations:
Operating 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 |
KGF-022811-GEN-02
FAQ: KGF-022811-GEN-02Yes, this DataTraveler is supported by Linux as long as you have Linux Kernel 2.6.x and above.
Please note: If the DataTraveler comes with software, it will not function with Linux. Only the drive itself is compatible with Linux.
FAQ: KDT-011411-DRV-02To resolve, 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 properly operate the Kingston DataTraveler. Also, go to Finder>Preferences>Sidebar to ensure CD, DVD and iPod and External Disks are checked.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-181. 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 recognized. (x) denotes the drive letter that Windows assigned for the Data Traveler.
If the DataTraveler is using the same drive letter as one of the other drives, right click the Kingston Drive letter and click on "Change Drive letter and Paths".
On the next dialog box click on the "Change" button and assign a drive letter that is not currently being used.
Note: Do not manually change drive letters if you have a "Privacy" Data traveler that assigns two drive letters for the device.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-03In Macs you first have to empty out the trash can in order to regain the space back. You may have to re-plug the drive back in after emptying out the trash.
Should this not work then a complete format of the device should be done. 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.
Because the DataTraveler is 32GB or larger, Windows 7 will not allow you to format it 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. On the command prompt type the following (see image). Where F is your drive letter for your drive, replace it with what ever yours is. Please take notice of the spaces in between.
This 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-08Follow the steps below to format the DataTraveler with an NTFS File system using Windows PC.
Note: Admin rights are required.
The Kingston (Removable) drive window will display "Formatting" while the drive is being formatted. Once the format is complete, the status will revert to "Healthy."
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-17ReadyBoost is a Windows Vista and Windows 7 feature which has the ability to utilize USB flash drive storage space to improve system performance. The DataTraveler does not support Windows ReadyBoost.
FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-11Windows 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.
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
©2021 Kingston Technology Corporation, 17600 Newhope Street, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 USA. All rights reserved. All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.