Partitioning a USB

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by HORIZONTAL THINKER, Apr 28, 2015.

  1. HORIZONTAL THINKER

    HORIZONTAL THINKER MDL Member

    Jun 13, 2012
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    Hi all,

    Sorry if i posted this query in the wrong section but i couldn't find a home for it. And seeing as it's a piece of HardWare. I put it here :31:

    Anyway. I'm trying to partition a 128GB USB 3 ways .

    YUMI on 1 partition. Windows install on 2 partition. Software vault on 3 partition.

    I've been able to create these partions using a live boot Ubuntu/Linux but M$ O/S's only recognise the 1st partition created.

    Any attempt to access the other 2 partions via Disk Management throws up errors and leaves the whole USB unusable.

    Which makes me have to go back to GParted to re-format it back to NTFS to rescue the USB.

    Any suggestions/input on what i'm doing wrong or if it's actually possible??

    Many thanks in advance
     
  2. Flipp3r

    Flipp3r MDL Expert

    Feb 11, 2009
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    Technically you can only partition up a "WindowsToGo" usb key as it's treated more like a hdd.
    With standard usb keys MS only supports 1 partition (unless you use 3rd party tools like you've done).
     
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  3. Palladin

    Palladin MDL Senior Member

    Feb 1, 2014
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    When I saw your reply, I said "hey wait a minute", but since I've never tried to partition a USB drive, I thought I'd try before I mouthed off.

    You are 100% correct. There is no way to delete the volume, or shrink it in Disk Management so you only get one partition in Windows. As they say, learn something new every day.

    Thanks for the good info. :worthy:

    .
     
  4. HORIZONTAL THINKER

    HORIZONTAL THINKER MDL Member

    Jun 13, 2012
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    Thanks guys for the input. I've seen 3rd party apps like "flipit" but i'd rather go the hard road that i'll learn other than the easy road that i'll clicky clicky.

    YUMI will allow most of what i've mentioned as i'm sure most of you guy's know. But it's 1 full USB which allows additions ;)
     
  5. John Sutherland

    John Sutherland MDL Addicted

    Oct 15, 2014
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  6. BigReds

    BigReds MDL Novice

    Apr 24, 2015
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    You can use bootice to switch between the partitions on a removable usb flashdrive in Windows.
    You can also spend the extra cash for a WindowsToGo Drive which is just a certifed flash drive that is seen as a Fixed HDD and not as a removable flash drive.