Greetings. What is the maximum number of files that can be placed in a
Windows (ME) directory?  I thought I read somewhere around 65,000 (FAT32?).
Is there some way to extend this number?  I'm trying to get around
100,000 files into one directory. Thanks for your help.

Hello Respree,
Yes, you are right about Fat32 systems. They can contain only a
maximum of 65,534 files and folders. If you use long file names (such
as maybe more than 8 characters for a file name), that number will
even be reduced. I guess your only workaround will be to make two
folders, but make their names similar so you can easily find them, for
example D:\VITAL1 and D:\VITAL2, and divide your 100,000 files between
the two folders. If they still don't fit, I'm sure three folders will
be enough for you.

Source:
Size Limitations in NTFS and FAT File Systems - by Microsoft Technet
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/reskit/prkc_fil_tdrn.asp

What are the maximum volume sizes and maximum file sizes for the
various Windows file systems?
http://www.ntfaq.com/Articles/Index.cfm?ArticleID=27253

Search string used:
maximum files windows folder

I hope this has been a helpful answer. If you have any problem with
it, do please post a Request for Clarification and I shall respond.
Thank you.

---

Request for Answer Clarification by respree-ga on 18 Jun 2003 11:11 PDT

Thank you for your response.  I was wondering if you could address the
second part of my question, which is "is there a way to extend this
number?"  I am aware of my option to split the files into several
directories, but for convenience, I'm trying to avoid that route.

Thanks again.

---

Clarification of Answer by techtor-ga on 18 Jun 2003 21:55 PDT

I see you were hoping for a tweaked solution to extend the number. For
now all I could think of is to convert the file format into NTFS
(which would mean going into WinXP), since there is really no way to
increase the number while it is in FAT32. The nature of FAT32 itself
sets the limit. It is an already compressed (or extended if you want)
form of cluster volume, so if you're thinking of a FAT16 as a rubber
band, FAT32 is the rubber band stretched further. NTFS would be the
farthest stretch so far.

If you feel I have not given a satisfactory answer, please allow me to
withdraw my answer so that your question will return to unanswered
status, and the charge on your account can be cancelled. Thank you.

Thank you very much for your help.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;154997

The paragraph titled "FAT32 Features" states that "The previous
limitations on the number of root folder entries no longer exist."

There are no limitations on the number of files you can have in a
directory.

Enjoy!

~Javi.

Thank you for the high rating despite the fact I have not found an
exact solution! I still apologize though for not meeting your needs
precisely. :)

No problem techtor.  Seems like the solution is more trouble than its
worth (getting a little too technical for my taste).  I guess I'll
wind up splitting the files.  Thanks for your help.