Cixert

I would like to find a program that graphically shows the space occupied by the starting sector, the FAT table, the copy of this with the reserved sectors and the location of the data area. With file defragmers I can see the area occupied by the MFT in NTFS, but there is no information about FAT. Do you know any program that shows this data graphically specifying the size they occupy and in what sectors are they? Edit: I'd also find a program that compiles a columnar list indicating the contents of the physical sectors helpful. For example: Sector 0 --> Boot Sector Sector 1-63 --> Empty Sector 64-2048 --> FAT Table Sector 2048-4000 --> Copy FAT Table I guess showing the fragmented location of each file in a list would be too much...

Sorry, that I have not explained well. I know Windows XP can work as data disk with hard drives with 4K physical sector and logical sector 512E (not for booting). My question is whether Windows XP can work with hard drives with 4K physical sector and also 4KN logical sector. The majority of hard drives that exceed the 2 TIB are 4K-512E, but some are 4K-4KN which would supposedly imply breaking the 2 Tib barrier of the Master Boot Record and also of GPT with the Windows 2003 drivers. Does any user have a 4K-4KN hard disk? how to recognize a hard disk before buying.... https://support-en.wd.com/app/answers/detailweb/a_id/20968/

According to Microsoft specifications, native 4K drives with logical sectors of 4096 bytes (not 512e) are only supported starting with Windows Eight. However, if I'm currently working with MBR +2 TiB hard drives with USB adapters that convert the logical sector from 512e to 4096 bytes, why won't Windows XP read native 4K drives as SATA-connected data drives? I understand that the BIOS will have to be prepared to recognize them, but otherwise, I don't understand the problem. Although it is true that GPT drives with the Paragon driver report logical sectors as 512 bytes and physical sectors as 512 bytes, even though their physical sectors are 4096 bytes. Official Microsoft info: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-server/backup-and-storage/support-policy-4k-sector-hard-drives I also have to say that in theory FAT16x was supported by Windows NT 4.0 with logical sectors up to 8192 bytes to increase its capacity up to 16 GiB

According to what a user with hard disks larger than 16 Tb told me in the following Spanish forum... https://foro.elhacker.net/hardware/tamano_limite_de_particiones_fat32_exfat_y_ntfs-t523346.0.html;msg2283776#msg2283776 In GPT, the partition size limit depends on the cluster size, regardless of whether the logical/physical sector size is 512 bytes or 4096 bytes. At least up to 8 ZiB (2^64 sectors×512 bytes=8 ZiB). Therefore, the 2 TiB limit would not be conditioned by a physical sector size of 512 bytes, although manufacturers may find it more convenient to create 4096 byte sectors to reduce the physical volume of the disk. I'm updating the first post with this information.

erase

I concluded a while ago that to recover files, the ideal solution is to create an image of the partition to be recovered and work on it, saved on another hard disk. Now, trying to put this idea into practice, I see that it's not so easy. It's true that many file recovery programs have this option built in; the problem is working with that same image from other file recovery programs. The first quality that the created image must have is that it was created with a sector-by-sector copy of the partition. (Otherwise, it wouldn't copy the deleted files.) Then I mount the image with the ImDisk program so that it appears as a virtual hard drive with its own drive letter. (Other programs can simulate a CD drive instead of a hard drive.) The problem is that when I start a file recovery program, it doesn't show that drive letter because it doesn't belong to a real hard disk, the programs only show the real hard drives that exist. How can I emulate that virtual drive as belonging to a real hard disk?

That's exactly the problem I'm experiencing. Copying the folder's modification date with Total Commander hasn't been helpful, since adding a new file to the folder changes the date in NTFS. I've always used FAT32 as my storage drive, but with a 10Tb hard disk and a single partition, using FAT32 isn't possible. FAT32 is limited to 8TiB in MBR and 2TiB in GPT. I've created a list of all the limitations here. https://msfn.org/board/topic/186771-partition-size-limit-for-fat32-exfat-and-ntfs So far, I haven't found a program that can preserve the folder's original creation date. I'll try the other programs that have been recommended.

Thanks for the corrections, it's a pleasure. In the quote, you can see that version 1.5 is announced instead of version 1.6. I'll try your modifications to see how it works now. I use FAT32 as the system directory, without special permissions in drive D:\ I don't have any operating system on C:. I use that partition for system startup files and also as a shared program installation drive (it's not assigned as the system's default path). Since I have multiple operating systems, most programs are portable, so I don't have to install them on all of my operating systems. Also, many viruses attack C: directly, so I avoid them. Additionally, many programs store junk in C:, and this way I detect it quickly. In the case of ytBATCH, I followed the standard installation "D:\Archivos de programa" (the default path in Spanish for Program Files). So far I have not encountered any program that caused problems because it had D:\ as the drive.

Hmm, if all developers provided these tips, I don't think any program would evolve. I think my Windows XP installation is correct. I've run tests on other computers, and the problem persists. On all my computers, the XP installation is not in C:\ but in D:\. I followed the instructions to the letter, and the errors mentioned are two: First: -Error 3 The system cannot find the path specified. Despite this error, the installation seems to be successful. Second: The script is unable to unzip files. Just because it works on your computer doesn't mean it will work on other computers. I don't have specific security guidelines for my installation that might be related. Why do you announce ytBATCH for Windows XP Release 1.5 in the main post and not version 1.6? Is 1.6 a beta? I'm currently testing 1.6; the results are different. Error 3 still occurs, but the Permission denied error doesn't appear on the screen, and the program doesn't loop. In this 1.6 version, the program simply freezes without doing anything else and without issuing any error messages. I have to close the program, unzip "yt-dlp_x86_Windows-XP.zip", and run ytBATCH.bat again. When it reaches the FFmpeg step, it also doesn't issue an error message, but the program does loop, repeatedly requesting the download on its first attempt. On a second attempt, starting from scratch, the program says it's proceeding to unzip "ffmpeg-7.1-2362-6aafe61-win32-static-xpmod-sse.7z" and asks if I want to replace the existing files when unzipping. BUT THERE IS NO FILE IN THE FOLDER THAT HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY UNZIPPED. After a file search, I see that the program is unzipping to a path I didn't choose: C:\exe\ Both versions of "ytBATCH for Windows XP" have a problem with the working paths in the programming. In case it helps, my Windows XP installation is not in C:\ but in D:\ I'm telling you this in case you want to fix it. If I don't want to fix it, then that's up to you, but it's advisable to stop taking these injections; they have side effects.

I'm new to YouTube-dl and YT-dlp. It's something I haven't worked with before. I have some questions that I'm trying to answer. When does a program use YouTube-dl and when does it use YT-dlp if the program has both installed? I've seen that there is an official YouTube-dl for 2025 compiled for SSE2. These are just nightly versions. They work correctly on XP. See here https://github.com/ytdl-org/ytdl-nightly/releases/ I'd like a YouTube downloader for XP that allows me to download playlists. aTube Catcher allows this, but it no longer works on XP, despite the official website saying that it is compatible. https://www.atube.me/ Would it be possible to make it work, or is there another program that can download playlists?

Well, I've looked into the issues a little more deeply. 1.- YouTube-DL Gui 0.4 For some reason, the video download didn't work; perhaps the internet connection failed. It's working now. The confusion arises here because the program is no longer able to download "youtube-dl exe" to the path "Documents and Settings \ Your Username \ Application Data \ YouTube-Dlg" and in the folder is missing this file. For clarity, I think it should be noted that "youtube-dl exe" must be pasted into that path. From what I'm seeing, the latest official version of youtube-dl is compatible with Windows XP, but only with SSE2 processors. I think it's important to point this out so the user can decide between the official version and the @nicolaasjan fork compatible with SSE1 processors. Is there any other difference on XP? 2.- YTBatch for Windows XP 1.5 Problem detected. The script is not able to unzip the download "yt-dlp_x86_windows-xp.zip" (See in my screenshot the message permission denied). If I enter the folder \ytBATCH for Windows XP 1.5\exe\ and unzip it manually the program continues with the download of "ffmpeg-7.1-2362-6aafe61-win32-static-xpmod-sse.7z". But with this file the same problem occurs, it must be unzipped manually so that finally, now yes, ytBATCH for Windows XP starts.

Thanks @AstroSkipper for creating this compilation of YouTube download for XP. I have had some ISSUES: 1.- YouTube-DL Gui 0.4 I find no route in which there is "YouTube-DL Exe" to be replaced by the XP compatible version. I'm not entirely sure which file you're saying needs to be replaced, and with which one. In any case... You say it is in "Documents and Settings \ Your Username \ Application Data \ YouTube-Dlg" But on this route I only find these files: -log -settings.json I have tried to paste "YouTube-DL Exe" but YouTube-DL Gui 0.4 do not download videos. At some point I have seen that YouTube-DL Gui 0.4 says download the last "YouTube-Dl Exe", but I don't know where. As much as I am looking, I can't find it. 2.- YTBatch for Windows XP 1.5 The installation scrip gives me two errors. First says: System Error 3 has occurred. The system cannot find the specified route. Then ask, if I want to keep the original folder. I understand what I have to say yes. The scrip says install without problems. -Now I run "Ytbatch Bat" from the installation route and this enters loop. This proceeds to download "YT-DLP EXE" and issues the error "Y-T dlp exe is not recognized as an internal or external command" With what proceeds to try the download over and over again! I have installed the last visual C ++ 2010 that I think is a requirement. I have not tried YTBatch for Windows XP 1.6 Point out that making a routine scan with Avast Antivirus this detects YTBatch for Windows XP 1.5 as a virus in the file "Windows exe". 3.- I had a YouTube Downloaders list has long stored. Among all I see that there is one that is compatible even with Windows XP, but I can't download any video. It seems to use Python 2.7 and a compatible FFMPEG. The Build is 2025.03.27 You can find two brands, but it is the same program. 4Media Download YouTube Video 5.7.13.20250327 (The web says Update 2021 but it is Update 2025) http://www.mp4converter.net/download-youtube-video-win.html Xilisoft Download YouTube Video 5.7.13.20250327 https://www.xilisoft.com/download-youtube-video.html and ... Xilisoft Youtube to MP3 Converter 5.7.13.20250327 http://www.xilisoft.es/youtube-to-mp3-converter.html (Again says Update 2021 but it's Update 2025)

Yes, you're right. I should have said that those were the MBR limits and not w2000-XP-w2003. It is already corrected. Thank you

It should be simple, but I can't seem to get it right. Unlike newer Windows versions, XP does not preserve folder dates with copy and paste. Objective: Copy all files and folders from one partition data to another from XP, preserving the folder date. The new partition has a different file system and a new cluster size, so clones aren't possible. It's possible to make a copy to an image and then unzip it, but that seems like a long time to copy 1 TiB and a lot of free space is required. I've seen several programs that copy files and folders while preserving the folder's backup date, but these programs don't copy to the root directory; they only copy to a single folder. Therefore, they wouldn't be suitable for maintaining a well-organized file allocation table and could cause problems with long filenames. These are: -Argentum Backup -Cobian Backup -Fbackup So, I decided to look for a program that copies files and folders to the root directory. I've tried over 20 programs, and it doesn't seem to exist. By example these do not retain the date: -Carifreed SimplySync Backup -Microsoft Richcopy -Microsoft Robocopy (command line) I've only gotten a little bit of success with XXclone (command line), but only halfway. It turns out that using /T only copies folders, not files. So I'd have to copy the folders first with xxcopy Q:\ K:\ /E /H /K /T And then the files with xxcopy Q:\ K:\ /E /H /K (Q: and K: are the drive letters) Are there commands in xxclone to copy one partition to another while preserving the folder's date? Is there a program with a graphical interface that can do this? I don't think I'm asking for anything special. I don't understand why it's so difficult... Edit: Achieved with Total Commander. You must first select "Copy date/time from directories" in the settings menu + copy/delete. Any other programs?

I have checked and verified the maximum size limits for FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS partitions based on the cluster size. Physical tests were performed using MiniTool Partition Wizard 10.3 on both Windows XP and Windows 10. Some tests have also been performed using Eassos Disk Genius. The hard drives used were Seagate 5 Tb / 6 Tb / 8 Tb and WD 10 Tb. In FAT 32, the calculation is real. In exFAT, I was able to simulate limits of 256 TiB. In NTFS, the calculation is real up to 10 Tb. MAXIMUM LIMITS BY FILE SYSTEM FAT32 File System Maximum FAT32 partition size in MBR --> 8 TiB Maximum FAT32 cluster size in MBR --> 512 KiB Maximum FAT32 partition size in GPT --> 2 TiB Maximum FAT32 cluster size in GPT --> 64 KiB exFAT File System Maximum exFAT partition size --> 256 TiB Maximum exFAT cluster size --> 32768 KiB NTFS File System Maximum NTFS partition size --> 255.99 TiB Maximum NTFS cluster size --> 512 KiB MAXIMUM LIMITS BY PARTITIONING SCHEME MBR Partitioning Scheme* Maximum MBR size on hard disk with 512 byte logical sectors --> 1.99 TiB Maximum MBR size on hard disk with 4096 byte logical sectors --> 15.99 TiB *The limits for the maximum MBR size with logical sector 512 bytes and logical sector 4096 bytes is this real calculation: 1.9999999995343387126922607421875 TiB 15.9999999962747097015380859375 TiB GPT Partitioning Scheme Maximum GPT size on hard disk with 512 byte logical sectors --> 8 ZiB Maximum GPT size on hard disk with 4096 byte logical sectors --> 65536 ZiB 2^64 sectors × 512 bytes = 8 ZiB 2^64 sectors × 4096 bytes = 65536 ZiB *The actual GPT limit is determined by the real limit of file systems which is much lower. MAXIMUM LIMITS BY CLUSTER SIZE FAT32 Partition Limit Cluster 4 KiB = 0.29 TiB / 300.99 GiB / 308223.99 MiB Cluster 8 KiB = 0.59 TiB / 601.99 GiB / 616447.99 MiB Cluster 16 KiB = 1.17 TiB / 1203.99 GiB / 1232895.99 MiB* Cluster 32 KiB = 2.35 TiB / 2407.99 GiB / 2465791.99 MiB Cluster 64 KiB = 4.70 TiB / 4815.99 GiB / 4931583.99 MiB Cluster 128 KiB = 8.00 TiB / 8192.00 GiB / 8388607,50 MiB Cluster 128 KiB = 9.40 TiB / 9631.99 GiB / 9863157.76 MiB Cluster 256 KiB = 18.81 TiB / 19263.99 GiB / 19726325.76 MiB (FAT32 real limit 8 TiB in MBR and 2 TiB in GPT) *Just I exceeds only 3.4 GiB the limit for cluster 16 KiB and problems arose. exFAT Partition Limits Cluster 0.5 KiB = 0.12 TiB / 129.00 GiB / 132104.05 MiB Cluster 1 KiB = 0.25 TiB / 257.00 GiB / 263172.00 MiB Cluster 2 KiB = 0.50 TiB / 513.00 GiB / 525313.97 MiB Cluster 4 KiB = 1.00 TiB / 1025.00 GiB / 1049600.95 MiB Cluster 8 KiB = 2.00 TiB / 2049.00 GiB / 2098176.40 MiB Cluster 16 KiB = 4.00 TiB / 4097.00 GiB / 4195328.06 MiB Cluster 32 KiB = 8.00 TiB / 8192.99 GiB / 8389631.74 MiB Cluster 64 KiB = 16.00 TiB / 16384.99 GiB / 16778239.30 MiB Cluster 128 KiB = 32.00 TiB / 32768.99 GiB / 33555454.52 MiB Cluster 256 KiB = 64.00 TiB / 65536.99 GiB / 67109885.01 MiB Cluster 512 KiB = 128.00 TiB / 131072.00 GiB / 134218746.00 MiB Cluster 1024 KiB = 256.00 TiB / 262144.00 GiB / 268435456.00 MiB ...and so on to cluster 32768 KiB (32 MiB) = 8192 TiB (exFAT real limit 256 TiB) NTFS Partition Limits* Cluster 0.5 KiB = 1.99 TiB / 2047.99 GiB / 2097151.99 MiB Cluster 1 KiB = 3.99 TiB / 4095.99 GiB / 4194303.99 MiB Cluster 2 KiB = 7.99 TiB / 8191.99 GiB / 8388607.99 MiB Cluster 4 KiB = 15.99 TiB / 16384.99 GiB / 16777215.99 MiB Cluster 8 KiB = 31.99 TiB / 32767.99 GiB / 33554431.99 MiB Cluster 16 KiB = 63.99 TiB / 65535.99 GiB / 67108863.98 MiB Cluster 32 KiB = 127.99 TiB / 131071.99 GiB / 134217727.96 MiB Cluster 64 KiB = 255.99 TiB / 262143.99 GiB / 268435455.93 MiB Cluster 128 KiB = 511.99 TiB / 524287.99 GiB / 536870911.87 MiB Cluster 256 KiB = 1023.99 TiB / 1048575.99 GiB / 1073741823.75 MiB ...and so on to cluster 32768 KiB (32 MiB) = 131040.00 TiB (NTFS real limit 255,99 TiB) *Values from cluster 4/8/16/32/64 have been calculated by the previous amounts and I have not verified their correct operation. I think the calculation is 2^32 -1 cluster. The NTFS file system is limited to 32 bits, so the above limits cannot be exceeded under any circumstances. https://learn.microsoft.com/es-es/windows-server/storage/file-server/ntfs-overview In theory, the difference between MBR and GPT is that GPT is capable of redirecting 64 bytes physical sectors. Therefore, with GPT, is it possible to exceed 2 TiB on a hard disk with 512 bytes physical sectors by formatting with a 4 KiB cluster size, and exceed 16 TiB on a disk with 4096 bytes physical sectors by formatting with a 8 KiB cluster size?* *I haven't verified this last point. Let's see if a user with disks larger than 16 TB can confirm if partitions larger than 15.99 TiB are possible.