Maximum number of files allowed to exist per NTFS volume under Windows Vista 32-bit (Home Premium)
คำถาม
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I'd just like to know what the maximum number of files can be on a NTFS volume, as well as under folders of NTFS volumes (if there's any difference).
Thank you kindly for your input!
eVista
คำตอบ
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Dear Ronnie:
Thank you for all the wonderful links! I've not explored them all as yet, but I will be sure to do so as time permits.
I visited the first link, "How NTFS Works", then did a search for "maximum number of files on ntfs volume". The first article I encountered as a search result was "Maximum Size Limitations" (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000serv/reskit/prork/prdf_fls_pxjh.mspx?mfr=true). In this little article I found my answer!
In short, the absolute limit on the number of files per NTFS volume seems to be 2 at the 32nd power minus 1*, but this would require 512 byte sectors and a maximum file size limit of one file per sector. Therefore, in practice, one has to calculate a realistic average file size and then apply these principles to that file size. Nevertheless, the answer, even with a very large average file size, is "tons of files", or "you probably don't need to worry about it", so that's cool.
I'm glad that there is no fixed artificial limit imposed by the OS programmers, but, rather, that the limit is one imposed by the mathematical constraints on the physical media, as partitioned and formatted under NTFS.
Thank you so much for your amazing input, Ronnie. I look forward to reading and learning from more of your posts!
eVista
*Sorry, but I couldn't find Superscript font properties in this posting app...
ตอบทั้งหมด
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Dear Ronnie:
Thank you for all the wonderful links! I've not explored them all as yet, but I will be sure to do so as time permits.
I visited the first link, "How NTFS Works", then did a search for "maximum number of files on ntfs volume". The first article I encountered as a search result was "Maximum Size Limitations" (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000serv/reskit/prork/prdf_fls_pxjh.mspx?mfr=true). In this little article I found my answer!
In short, the absolute limit on the number of files per NTFS volume seems to be 2 at the 32nd power minus 1*, but this would require 512 byte sectors and a maximum file size limit of one file per sector. Therefore, in practice, one has to calculate a realistic average file size and then apply these principles to that file size. Nevertheless, the answer, even with a very large average file size, is "tons of files", or "you probably don't need to worry about it", so that's cool.
I'm glad that there is no fixed artificial limit imposed by the OS programmers, but, rather, that the limit is one imposed by the mathematical constraints on the physical media, as partitioned and formatted under NTFS.
Thank you so much for your amazing input, Ronnie. I look forward to reading and learning from more of your posts!
eVista
*Sorry, but I couldn't find Superscript font properties in this posting app...
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eVista
I agree, we sholdn't need to be concerned about reaching this limit for quiet awhile.
I'm glad this information helped and thank you for the kind words.
If this post helps to resolve your issue, click the Mark as Answer button at the top right of this message.
This will help others who are having this issue find the answer quicker.
Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience
