Xbox:FATXplorer: Difference between revisions
Bomb Bloke (talk | contribs) m (→FATX limitations: File size limit is actually one cluster short of 4GB) |
(Fat) |
||
(5 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[Category:Xbox]] | [[Category:Xbox]] | ||
[https://fatxplorer.eaton-works.com/ FATXplorer] is a Windows-based PC utility that allows users to format, read, and write a hard drive. Its main use is to construct new hard drives for use in a modified Xbox. Version 3.0 of FATXplorer is the first version to support the original Xbox, with previous versions only supporting the Xbox 360. | {{Infobox/homebrew | ||
|title = FATXPlorer | |||
|image = Fxp_banner.png | |||
|author = Eaton | |||
|type = Xbox Storage Tool | |||
|version = 2.5.4.15047 (Stable) | |||
3.0.0.25903 (Beta) | |||
|license = Propritary | |||
|website = https://fatxplorer.eaton-works.com/ | |||
|source = N/A | |||
|download = https://fatxplorer.eaton-works.com/download/ | |||
}}[https://fatxplorer.eaton-works.com/ FATXplorer] is a Windows-based PC utility that allows users to format, read, and write a hard drive. Its main use is to construct new hard drives for use in a modified Xbox. Version 3.0 of FATXplorer is the first version to support the original Xbox, with previous versions only supporting the Xbox 360. | |||
A secured drive must be unlocked before its contents can be read. [https://fatxplorer.eaton-works.com/2022/06/21/fatxplorer-3-0-beta-21-new-og-xbox-hdd-lock-unlock-tool-other-enhancements/ Later FATXplorer builds include the functionality needed to do this,] as well as to lock an unsecured drive for use with an Xbox. SATA and IDE hard drives are supported. All SATA-to-IDE adapters that work with Windows will work with FATXplorer, although not every such adapter allows the use of ATA security commands. | |||
Notably, FATXplorer is the first tool capable of formatting up to 16 TB. Previously, attempting to format a 3 TB hard drive would result in 2.2 TB of usable space. | |||
==Formatting an Xbox Hard Drive== | ==Formatting an Xbox Hard Drive== | ||
These steps can be followed to format a hard drive.<ref>[https://www.hazeno.com/guides/fatxplorer-2tb-preload Hazeno - FATXplorer 2TB Preload]</ref> | |||
# On a Windows PC, download and extract [https://fatxplorer.eaton-works.com/3-0-beta/ FATXplorer 3.0 Beta]. | #On a Windows PC, download and extract [https://fatxplorer.eaton-works.com/3-0-beta/ FATXplorer 3.0 Beta]. | ||
#* The beta builds are free but expire eventually, while the full releases can be purchased. | #*The beta builds are free but expire eventually, while the full releases can be purchased.<ref>[https://api.eaton-works.com/appreleasehistory/fatxplorer?mode=web&channel=beta FATXplorer Beta Release History]</ref> | ||
# Open FATXplorer and click '''Formatting Tools'''. | # Open FATXplorer and click '''Formatting Tools'''. | ||
# Select '''Original Xbox HDD'''. | # Select '''Original Xbox HDD'''. | ||
# Select your Xbox drive. Do not select a drive that contains your personal data or operating system on, because the contents of the drive will be erased. Press '''Next''' once selected. | #Select your Xbox drive. Do not select a drive that contains your personal data or operating system on, because the contents of the drive will be erased. Press '''Next''' once selected. | ||
# | #Depending on the size of the hard drive, different prompts will be displayed at this step. For hard drives less than 2 TB, select '''LBA Increasing Bios Partition Table''', and then press '''Next'''. For hard drives greater than 2 TB, read the prompt and answer with '''Yes''' or '''No'''. | ||
#* FATXplorer offers an explanation of the benefits, drawbacks, and requirements of each choice. '''LBA Increasing Bios Partition Table''' is usually the most desirable choice. | #*For hard drives with a capacity of more than 2 TB, FATXPlorer can format up to 16 TB but this capacity beyond 2 TB can only be used by an Xbox modified with [https://forums.xboxscene.org/index.php/topic,184027.0.html Cerbios]<ref name=":0">[https://fatxplorer.eaton-works.com/2022/02/10/fatxplorer-3-0-beta-19-extra-large-hdd-formatting-support-for-og-xbox/ FATXplorer 3.0 beta 19 – extra large HDD formatting support for OG Xbox]</ref><ref name=":1">[https://forums.xboxscene.org/index.php/topic,184027.0.html Cerbios - forums.xboxscene.org]</ref> or [https://github.com/gaasedelen/titan Titan]<ref>[https://fatxplorer.eaton-works.com/2022/04/06/fatxplorer-3-0-beta-20-16-tb-xbox-360-usb-support-increased-usb-performance-titan-support/ FATXplorer 3.0 beta 20 – 16 TB Xbox 360 USB support + increased USB performance, Titan support]</ref>. | ||
#* Almost all modified Xboxes use a BIOS will respect a hard drive's partition table, and they will fall back to the BIOS built in partition table if a hard drive does not have its own partition table. In contrast, the unmodified retail Xbox BIOS does not read a hard drive partition table and requires that the hard drive conform to the BIOS partition table. | #*For hard drives with a capacity of 2 TB or less, FATXplorer offers an explanation of the benefits, drawbacks, and requirements of each choice. '''LBA Increasing Bios Partition Table''' is usually the most desirable choice. | ||
# Change partitions as desired. Then press '''Next'''. | #*Almost all modified Xboxes use a BIOS will respect a hard drive's partition table, and they will fall back to the BIOS built in partition table if a hard drive does not have its own partition table. In contrast, the unmodified retail Xbox BIOS does not read a hard drive partition table and requires that the hard drive conform to the BIOS partition table. | ||
#* The changes that can be made in this screen depend on what option was selected in the previous step; a choice of '''LBA Increasing Bios Partition Table''' allows the most freedom to make desired changes | #Change partitions as desired. Then press '''Next'''. | ||
#*The changes that can be made in this screen depend on what option was selected in the previous step; a choice of '''LBA Increasing Bios Partition Table''' for a <2 TB hard drive or '''Yes''' for a >2 TB hard drive allows the most freedom to make desired changes. | |||
#* The default settings should be kept for the C and E partitions; changing those partitions will cause compatibility issues with the Microsoft Dashboard and some homebrew software. | #* The default settings should be kept for the C and E partitions; changing those partitions will cause compatibility issues with the Microsoft Dashboard and some homebrew software. | ||
#* The settings for the F and G partitions (and all other storage partitions that are not C and E) are safe to change. Note that the maximum partition size should be 927.78 GB, and the allocation unit/cluster size for these partitions should always be 65536 bytes. | #*The settings for the F and G partitions (and all other storage partitions that are not C and E) are safe to change. Note that the maximum partition size should be 927.78 GB, and the allocation unit/cluster size for these partitions should always be 65536 bytes. | ||
#** It is possible to use a 1 TB partition size instead of 927.78 GB, but this may cause compatibility issues. | #**It is possible to use a 1 TB partition size instead of 927.78 GB, but this may cause compatibility issues. | ||
#** The allocation unit/cluster size is technically allowed to be smaller when using small partition sizes, but there is really no need to change it. | #**The allocation unit/cluster size is technically allowed to be smaller when using small partition sizes, but there is really no need to change it. | ||
#* The cache partitions X, Y, and Z are formatted by default to 750 MB each. This cannot be changed, as the cache partitions are required in order for Xbox software to function. | #*The cache partitions X, Y, and Z are formatted by default to 750 MB each. This cannot be changed, as the cache partitions are required in order for Xbox software to function. | ||
# At this point, you are given the option to preload partitions. You can create a zip file with the desired contents of a partition, and tell FATXplorer the location of the zip file for each partition that you want to preload. Then press '''Next'''. | #At this point, you are given the option to preload partitions. You can create a zip file with the desired contents of a partition, and tell FATXplorer the location of the zip file for each partition that you want to preload. Then press '''Next'''. | ||
#* The preload step may be useful for setting up the C and E partitions. If you skip this step, you can still add the files later by mounting the partitions through the '''Devices''' section in FATXplorer. | #*The preload step may be useful for setting up the C and E partitions. If you skip this step, you can still add the files later by mounting the partitions through the '''Devices''' section in FATXplorer. | ||
# A summary is presented. Make sure everything looks right, then choose '''Format'''. The formatting process is complete. | #A summary is presented. Make sure everything looks right, then choose '''Format'''. The formatting process is complete. | ||
#* If the C and E partitions were preloaded, then the hard drive is ready for use in an Xbox. If the C and E partitions were not preloaded, or if you want to add files such as games, then continue reading. | #* If the C and E partitions were preloaded, then the hard drive is ready for use in an Xbox. If the C and E partitions were not preloaded, or if you want to add files such as games, then continue reading. | ||
==Adding files to an Xbox Hard Drive== | |||
# If you want to add content, or if you did not preload anything at all, then select '''Devices''' in FATXplorer. | #If you want to add content, or if you did not preload anything at all, then select '''Devices''' in FATXplorer. | ||
# Select a partition to mount. | #Select a partition to mount. | ||
#* Only one partition can be mounted at a time. | #*Only one partition can be mounted at a time. | ||
# A Windows Explorer window will open. You may add files in the normal manner. | #A Windows Explorer window will open. You may add files in the normal manner. | ||
# Go back to the '''Devices''' menu in FATXplorer to unmount the current partition and mount another partition, then add files. Repeat until all files are added as desired. | #Go back to the '''Devices''' menu in FATXplorer to unmount the current partition and mount another partition, then add files. Repeat until all files are added as desired. | ||
<!-- TODO: Add the steps to explore rips of HDDs for deleted content --> | <!-- TODO: Add the steps to explore rips of HDDs for deleted content --> | ||
Line 40: | Line 52: | ||
The FATX file system has the following limits:<ref>[https://xenonwiki.com/FATX FATX - Xenon Wiki]</ref><ref>[https://www.xbmc4xbox.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2961 2TB XBOX (1TB F & G Partitions) issue with FATX Limits - XBMC4Xbox]</ref> | The FATX file system has the following limits:<ref>[https://xenonwiki.com/FATX FATX - Xenon Wiki]</ref><ref>[https://www.xbmc4xbox.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2961 2TB XBOX (1TB F & G Partitions) issue with FATX Limits - XBMC4Xbox]</ref> | ||
Partitions larger then 128 GB require a bios to have an LBA48 patch. | |||
Partitions larger then 1TB (927.78 GB) are not supported on any xbox based formatting tool at this time. And only supported on newer bios like [https://forums.xboxscene.org/index.php/topic,184027.0.html Cerbios]<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> or [https://github.com/gaasedelen/titan Titan] | |||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|- | |- | ||
! Attribute | !Attribute | ||
! Limitation | !Limitation | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Maximum volume size | |Maximum volume size | ||
| 64 GB (with 4 KB clusters)<br>128 GB (with 8 KB clusters)<br>256 GB (with 16 KB clusters)<br>512 GB (with 32 KB clusters)<br>1 TB (with 64 KB clusters) | |64 GB (with 4 KB clusters)<br>128 GB (with 8 KB clusters)<br>256 GB (with 16 KB clusters)<br>512 GB (with 32 KB clusters)<br>1 TB (with 64 KB clusters)<br>2 TB (with 128 KB clusters)<br>4 TB (with 256 KB clusters)<br>8 TB (with 512 KB clusters)<br>16 TB (with 1 MB clusters) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Maximum file size | |Maximum file size | ||
| 4 GB (2<sup>32</sup> / 4,294,967,296 bytes), minus one cluster | | 4 GB (2<sup>32</sup> / 4,294,967,296 bytes), minus one cluster | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Maximum filename length | |Maximum filename length | ||
| 42 characters | |42 characters | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Maximum path length | |Maximum path length | ||
| 240 characters | |240 characters | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Maximum files and folders per root folder | |Maximum files and folders per root folder | ||
| 4,096 | |4,096 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Maximum files and folders per folder | |Maximum files and folders per folder | ||
| 240 | |240 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Maximum folder depth | |Maximum folder depth | ||
| 240 | |240 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Possible cluster sizes | | Possible cluster sizes | ||
| 4 KB, 8 KB, 16 KB, 32 KB, 64 KB | |4 KB, 8 KB, 16 KB, 32 KB, 64 KB, 128 KB, 256 KB, 512 KB, 1 MB | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Allowed characters for filenames and folders | |Allowed characters for filenames and folders | ||
| ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789!#$%&'()-.@[]^_`{}~(SPACE) | |ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789!#$%&'()-.@[]^_`{}~(SPACE) | ||
|} | |} | ||
==Troubleshooting== | ==Troubleshooting== | ||
* When trying to unmount the hard drive, FATXplorer says that the drive is being used | *When trying to unmount the hard drive, FATXplorer says that the drive is being used | ||
** This can usually be ignored, meaning you can just unmount the drive anyways. | ** This can usually be ignored, meaning you can just unmount the drive anyways. | ||
** This issue seems to be caused by having any Windows Explorer window open, even if the window is not viewing a directory on the Xbox hard drive. So, you can close all instances of Windows Explorer, and FATXplorer will no longer say that the drive is in use. | **This issue seems to be caused by having any Windows Explorer window open, even if the window is not viewing a directory on the Xbox hard drive. So, you can close all instances of Windows Explorer, and FATXplorer will no longer say that the drive is in use. | ||
* A file does not copy to the Xbox hard drive, and an error message about file size, filename characters, filename length, etc. is presented. | *A file does not copy to the Xbox hard drive, and an error message about file size, filename characters, filename length, etc. is presented. | ||
** This is caused by the FATX file system used by Xbox hard drives. The FATX file system has different limits compared to typical file systems that you may be used to. Review the [[Xbox:FATXplorer#FATX limitations|FATX limitations]]. | **This is caused by the FATX file system used by Xbox hard drives. The FATX file system has different limits compared to typical file systems that you may be used to. Review the [[Xbox:FATXplorer#FATX limitations|FATX limitations]]. | ||
** This can be solved by changing the file attributes or destination as appropriate for the given limitation. | **This can be solved by changing the file attributes or destination as appropriate for the given limitation. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Xbox:XboxHDM|Xbox Hard Drive Maker (XboxHDM)]] | *[[Xbox:XboxHDM|Xbox Hard Drive Maker (XboxHDM)]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references/> | <references /> |
Latest revision as of 02:15, 6 September 2024
FATXPlorer
Information | |
---|---|
Author | Eaton |
Type | Xbox Storage Tool |
Version | 2.5.4.15047 (Stable) 3.0.0.25903 (Beta) |
License | Propritary |
Links | |
Website | https://fatxplorer.eaton-works.com/ |
Source | N/A |
Download(s) | https://fatxplorer.eaton-works.com/download/ |
FATXplorer is a Windows-based PC utility that allows users to format, read, and write a hard drive. Its main use is to construct new hard drives for use in a modified Xbox. Version 3.0 of FATXplorer is the first version to support the original Xbox, with previous versions only supporting the Xbox 360.
A secured drive must be unlocked before its contents can be read. Later FATXplorer builds include the functionality needed to do this, as well as to lock an unsecured drive for use with an Xbox. SATA and IDE hard drives are supported. All SATA-to-IDE adapters that work with Windows will work with FATXplorer, although not every such adapter allows the use of ATA security commands.
Notably, FATXplorer is the first tool capable of formatting up to 16 TB. Previously, attempting to format a 3 TB hard drive would result in 2.2 TB of usable space.
Formatting an Xbox Hard Drive
These steps can be followed to format a hard drive.[1]
- On a Windows PC, download and extract FATXplorer 3.0 Beta.
- The beta builds are free but expire eventually, while the full releases can be purchased.[2]
- Open FATXplorer and click Formatting Tools.
- Select Original Xbox HDD.
- Select your Xbox drive. Do not select a drive that contains your personal data or operating system on, because the contents of the drive will be erased. Press Next once selected.
- Depending on the size of the hard drive, different prompts will be displayed at this step. For hard drives less than 2 TB, select LBA Increasing Bios Partition Table, and then press Next. For hard drives greater than 2 TB, read the prompt and answer with Yes or No.
- For hard drives with a capacity of more than 2 TB, FATXPlorer can format up to 16 TB but this capacity beyond 2 TB can only be used by an Xbox modified with Cerbios[3][4] or Titan[5].
- For hard drives with a capacity of 2 TB or less, FATXplorer offers an explanation of the benefits, drawbacks, and requirements of each choice. LBA Increasing Bios Partition Table is usually the most desirable choice.
- Almost all modified Xboxes use a BIOS will respect a hard drive's partition table, and they will fall back to the BIOS built in partition table if a hard drive does not have its own partition table. In contrast, the unmodified retail Xbox BIOS does not read a hard drive partition table and requires that the hard drive conform to the BIOS partition table.
- Change partitions as desired. Then press Next.
- The changes that can be made in this screen depend on what option was selected in the previous step; a choice of LBA Increasing Bios Partition Table for a <2 TB hard drive or Yes for a >2 TB hard drive allows the most freedom to make desired changes.
- The default settings should be kept for the C and E partitions; changing those partitions will cause compatibility issues with the Microsoft Dashboard and some homebrew software.
- The settings for the F and G partitions (and all other storage partitions that are not C and E) are safe to change. Note that the maximum partition size should be 927.78 GB, and the allocation unit/cluster size for these partitions should always be 65536 bytes.
- It is possible to use a 1 TB partition size instead of 927.78 GB, but this may cause compatibility issues.
- The allocation unit/cluster size is technically allowed to be smaller when using small partition sizes, but there is really no need to change it.
- The cache partitions X, Y, and Z are formatted by default to 750 MB each. This cannot be changed, as the cache partitions are required in order for Xbox software to function.
- At this point, you are given the option to preload partitions. You can create a zip file with the desired contents of a partition, and tell FATXplorer the location of the zip file for each partition that you want to preload. Then press Next.
- The preload step may be useful for setting up the C and E partitions. If you skip this step, you can still add the files later by mounting the partitions through the Devices section in FATXplorer.
- A summary is presented. Make sure everything looks right, then choose Format. The formatting process is complete.
- If the C and E partitions were preloaded, then the hard drive is ready for use in an Xbox. If the C and E partitions were not preloaded, or if you want to add files such as games, then continue reading.
Adding files to an Xbox Hard Drive
- If you want to add content, or if you did not preload anything at all, then select Devices in FATXplorer.
- Select a partition to mount.
- Only one partition can be mounted at a time.
- A Windows Explorer window will open. You may add files in the normal manner.
- Go back to the Devices menu in FATXplorer to unmount the current partition and mount another partition, then add files. Repeat until all files are added as desired.
FATX limitations
Xbox hard drives are formatted with the FATX file system. FATXplorer automatically prevents users from exceeding the limitations of the file system when adding files.
The FATX file system has the following limits:[6][7]
Partitions larger then 128 GB require a bios to have an LBA48 patch.
Partitions larger then 1TB (927.78 GB) are not supported on any xbox based formatting tool at this time. And only supported on newer bios like Cerbios[3][4] or Titan
Attribute | Limitation |
---|---|
Maximum volume size | 64 GB (with 4 KB clusters) 128 GB (with 8 KB clusters) 256 GB (with 16 KB clusters) 512 GB (with 32 KB clusters) 1 TB (with 64 KB clusters) 2 TB (with 128 KB clusters) 4 TB (with 256 KB clusters) 8 TB (with 512 KB clusters) 16 TB (with 1 MB clusters) |
Maximum file size | 4 GB (232 / 4,294,967,296 bytes), minus one cluster |
Maximum filename length | 42 characters |
Maximum path length | 240 characters |
Maximum files and folders per root folder | 4,096 |
Maximum files and folders per folder | 240 |
Maximum folder depth | 240 |
Possible cluster sizes | 4 KB, 8 KB, 16 KB, 32 KB, 64 KB, 128 KB, 256 KB, 512 KB, 1 MB |
Allowed characters for filenames and folders | ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789!#$%&'()-.@[]^_`{}~(SPACE) |
Troubleshooting
- When trying to unmount the hard drive, FATXplorer says that the drive is being used
- This can usually be ignored, meaning you can just unmount the drive anyways.
- This issue seems to be caused by having any Windows Explorer window open, even if the window is not viewing a directory on the Xbox hard drive. So, you can close all instances of Windows Explorer, and FATXplorer will no longer say that the drive is in use.
- A file does not copy to the Xbox hard drive, and an error message about file size, filename characters, filename length, etc. is presented.
- This is caused by the FATX file system used by Xbox hard drives. The FATX file system has different limits compared to typical file systems that you may be used to. Review the FATX limitations.
- This can be solved by changing the file attributes or destination as appropriate for the given limitation.
See also
References
- ↑ Hazeno - FATXplorer 2TB Preload
- ↑ FATXplorer Beta Release History
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 FATXplorer 3.0 beta 19 – extra large HDD formatting support for OG Xbox
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Cerbios - forums.xboxscene.org
- ↑ FATXplorer 3.0 beta 20 – 16 TB Xbox 360 USB support + increased USB performance, Titan support
- ↑ FATX - Xenon Wiki
- ↑ 2TB XBOX (1TB F & G Partitions) issue with FATX Limits - XBMC4Xbox