Your files in MMC is stored in multiple (disk) blocks.
So if you format using 16K block, the space used will be 16K eventhough your file is just 1K.
If you buy MMC, it is usually preformatted with 16K block. Therefore a lot of space is wasted as most installed program files are usually less than 2K.
You will need a card reader to do this:-
1. Connect card reader and copy all your files in the MMC to computer disk.
(Make sure you set the show all/hidden/os files to "on"😉
2. Do a format of the MMC using command line "format" and use the /A=size option.
Alternative, you can use the Disk Management in Adminstrative Tools to format.
Make sure you select FAT16. For 256MB MMC, smallest block you can use is 4K, 128MB is 2K, 64Mb is 1K and 32MB is 512B.
(Note: You cannot use the phone "format MMC" to do this as the format just clear the allocation table and does not change the block size)
3. Copy back all files to MMC.
Now you will find that you will have more space.
For my 256Mb MMC which is nearly full, I got extra 35Mb after doing this.
And there is no stability or problem.
====Edited==
Note that no matter what block size you select, you total MMC space will remain (i.e. if you have a 256Mb, you still get 256MB in total).
Total File Size + Wastage = MMC space (constant).
If you reduce wastage, then you got more file size. As simple as that.
Ismail wrote:makes no sense to me
looks like you do not know a lot about FAT file system.
Here is a quick one.
Your MMC (like a disk) is organised into contigous blocks. The block is the smallest ADDRESSABLE unit on the MMC.
Assuming the MMC "block" size is 16K, and you are store a file of size 20K into MMC, then you need 2 blocks to store the file. The first 16K of file goes into 1st block and remaining 4K into the 2nd block.
Therefore 2 blocks (i.e. 32K) of MMC space is used to store a 20K file. Therefore wasted space is 16-4 = 12K.
So if you reduce the block size, you can reduce wastage. This is especially so if you have many small files (which is the case when you install program files).
====Addendum====
Note that no matter what block size you select, you total MMC space will remain (i.e. if you have a 256Mb, you still get 256MB in total).
Total File Size + Wastage = MMC space (constant).
If you reduce wastage, then you got more file size. As simple as that.
mib1800,Doesn't smaller blocks size mean slower read/write speed?
GhostDog wrote:mib1800,Doesn't smaller blocks size mean slower read/write speed?
I have done it for mine and I didnt notice any reduction in speed.
In fact, I would think it will increase speed if the file is small (i.e. file fit into 1 block) as MMC reader only transfer a smaller size data.
2. Do a format of the MMC using command line "format" and use the /A=size option.
Alternative, you can use the Disk Management in Adminstrative Tools to format.
i didn't get these line
could u please tell me clearly
i am using card reader there is only option of format.
command line
or command prompt or dos shell.You have to type the command.
GhostDog wrote:or command prompt or dos shell.You have to type the command.
could u please tell me in detail
i haven't use doss
so please .......
Or you could use a program I wrote called 'MMC Medic' which will automatically format the MMC to the smallest block cluster size.
GhostDog wrote:So don't use it.
where is adminstrative tools
please send me the step ?
i would be very thank ful to u?
Vicky wrote:where is adminstrative toolsplease send me the step ?
i would be very thank ful to u?
In w2k it is:
Start > Settings > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Computer Management
Open Computer Management and there under 'Storage' you will find 'Disk Management'.
No idea about XP (location should be similar).
Regards,
ozzy_1971 wrote:In w2k it is:Start > Settings > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Computer Management
Open Computer Management and there under 'Storage' you will find 'Disk Management'.
No idea about XP (location should be similar).
Regards,
i am using win me
ther is no Administrative Tools in control pannel
Windows Me does not have Administrative Tools.
thats why i was confused
so wht should i do now
where can i find adm tools
You don't. Open an MS-DOS command window (Start -> Run... -> "command"😉 and type HELP FORMAT to see what options are available.
does it safe for the mmc..
j2k wrote:Or you could use a program I wrote called 'MMC Medic' which will automatically format the MMC to the smallest block cluster size.
HI j2k,
Where can i find ur program 'mmc medic'?
i have use dos
but when i give comand
that "format g:"
it say u format the disk
i have 10 in 1 card reader
it format the card
and the memory remains as before
please tell wht i have to do further
Vicky,
first, as mib 1800 has mentioned at the very beginning of this thread, you must use the format command together with the /A:xxxx switch.
32 MB MMC > format g: /a:512
64 MB MMC > format g: /a:1024
128 MB MMC > format g: /a:2048
256 MB MMC > format g: /a:4096
in order to override the default allocation size.
But even then you won't get 'a bigger' mmc.
The size remains the same. Only the wastage after copying and installing files will be less resulting in more disk space.
Regards,
hi
i have format the mmc but fails to do this
when i give command "format g:/a:1024"
mie computer says "Invalid Switch - /a:1024
wht should i do.
Hi Vicky,
it should work.
I hardly believe it but Win ME may have a different format command with limited types of switches.
Pls type HELP FORMAT and check which switches are allowed.
does any one know abt windows me
please help me if any one knows.
thanxs
i have buy and upgrade to windows xp 2day
and i ave found adm tools in contol pannel and the disk mangment
and was abe to format using the command
"format g:/a:1024 for 64 mb
but the capasty remain the same
and in disk mangmnet i am not abe to chgage to fat 16
how can i change fat 32 to fat 16
Dear Vicky,
first, congrats for your new os.
But..
Why don't you read carefully ?
It has been mentioned several times that your mmc WILL NOT have more space on it. The space will be the same. 64 MB will remain 64, and 128 will remain 128.
Consider the topic as 'How to make MMC have less wastage' instead of the one it has.
There is a switch for fat 16 formatting too.
Type: 'format g: /fs:fat /a:1024'
Good luck,
what is the smallest blocks that can be used for 512MB rsmmc?