How to make MMC have more space

[mib1800]

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]

makes no sense to me

[mib1800]

Originally Posted by Ismail

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).

[mib1800]

====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.

[GhostDog]

mib1800,Doesn't smaller blocks size mean slower read/write speed?

[mib1800]

Originally Posted by GhostDog

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.

[Vicky]

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.

[GhostDog]

command line

or command prompt or dos shell.You have to type the command.

[Vicky]

Originally Posted by GhostDog

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 .......

[GhostDog]

i haven't use doss

So don't use it.

Alternative, you can use the Disk Management in Adminstrative Tools to format

[jw]

Or you could use a program I wrote called 'MMC Medic' which will automatically format the MMC to the smallest block cluster size.

[Vicky]

Originally Posted by GhostDog

So don't use it.

where is adminstrative tools

please send me the step ?

i would be very thank ful to u?

[ozzy_1971]

Originally Posted by Vicky

where is adminstrative tools

please 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,

[Vicky]

Originally Posted by ozzy_1971

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

[jw]

Windows Me does not have Administrative Tools.