Hi,

I'm looking into ExFAT and as a first introduction I read through this pdf:
reverse-engineering-microsoft-exfat-file-system_33274 (actually half way through)
It's getting a bit confusing and because it's been some time since I implemented FAT I'm not sure how different ExFAT is from FAT32. I feel I need to write some code first to see how things work rather than just reading text and not seeing the light.

A decision I need to make now is whether to extend my existing FAT implementation or start fresh for ExFAT (if too different). Right now I'm enclined to start again for ExFAT because the differences seem too great and it would clutter my FAT32 code too much.

To help me see the light I was wondering if anybody knows of a document / text that explains the *differences* between FAT32 and ExFAT on file-system level ? Or a document that explains what to add to an existing FAT32 implementation to support ExFAT (if that is at all possible).

As I said, from what I read, it seems quite different, but I haven't compared directory table structures yet etc. and maybe they're closer related than I feel right now.

Anyway, some input appreciated. I'm signing off. Reading that technical document while being tired is probably also not a good idea  

I did a detailed study of exFAT last year for Lock and Code's Reference Guide. The paper you describe is the best source I found for exFAT. The other one is a snippet from Jeff Hamm titled "exfat-excerpt-1-4" (I forgot where I found it).

If you are writing a program for exFAT, you are going to have to make quite a few alterations. Honestly, I don't recall anything that remained exactly the same. The difference isn't as stark as FAT vs. NTFS, but still, you probably have to write new code (maybe use the FAT code as a starting point).

Sorry I don't have better information, but to go into every little thing that's different would take up a whole document, and you already have it.  

I would start from scratch. Most of exFAT does not rely on a FAT as most files are not fragmented. (I presume you are talking about Read only)
_________________
Michael Cotgrove
www.cnwrecovery.com
cnwrecovery.blogspot.com/ 

- mscotgrove

I presume you are talking about Read only

That is correct.
Thanks for your input

- Patrick4n6

You can download a version of Jeff Hamm's ExFAT ...

I will check it out, thanks.
Thanks for your input

- twjolson

you are going to have to make quite a few alterations

Thanks all, I think I know enough, a fresh start it will be.  

- mscotgrove

www.cnwrecovery.com

Michael,

Please check your website, and check if it hasn't been compromised !!
My virus scanner, BitDefender, did not allow me to go to your website, due to malware !!

I assume this provides for your bread on the table, the roof over your head, I hope you can fix this soon !!

Cheers,
Peter, a collegue

PS. I quickly did a scan with virus total as well:
www.virustotal.com/url...358929538/
No issues found ... so maybe this is a false positive by BitDefender ?
In any case, worth chasing still.  

Peter,

Thank you for your concern over my website. It looks OK with Norton. I was not aware of any problems - but will keep checking.

Michael
_________________
Michael Cotgrove
www.cnwrecovery.com
cnwrecovery.blogspot.com/