overcoming FAT32 limitations (DSM-520)

Will the DSM-520 read multiple partitions formatted FAT32?


I have a 300GB external drive that I recently set up with 3 partitions & formatted FAT32. I've stored files as follows:


Partition 1: Music

Partition 2: Video Files

Partition 3: Photos


I have a DSM-520 on order (should be here Wed, 12/28).


Also, can you plug in a 4-port usb hub and connect multiple external drives at the same time?


Thanks,


Scott

It will not recognize a USB cd rom drive, though. I thought I read in a thread that someone contacted customer support and was told it should work, but it comes up saying either no USB device connected or device not recognized.


Also, mp3 players with WMP PlaysForSure do not work, as they are not true mass storage devices. I was also unsuccessful with using the USB port on the 520 to charge a cell phone or mp3 player. I was hoping it might do that so people dont have to go into my office to charge their things in my apartment.


I will not be able to test a USB hub for a few days, but I do not believe the firmware includes any way to support more than one at a time, as there is no hint of a way to choose which one you want.


Also along the lines of disk formats, when i use the USB mode, it does not seem to alphabatize the folders or anything. Are the files/folders listed by date/time??

Quote:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...;EN-US;q314463


The file size limitation is 4GB minus 1 byte under FAT32.


Also, FAT32 partitions formatted up to 8TB are possible (268435456 max clusters times 32000 max cluster size (bytes)) with FAT32, but 2TB is the recommended limit due to limitations in the FAT size (aout 1GB).