Question : Problem: Maxtor 40 GB and 160 GB external drive backup, partition, and clone.

XP Pro
Dell 3.2 Ghz
Maxtor 40 GB external USB drive with FAT32 file system
Maxtor 160 GB external USB drive with ? file system

I tried a windows back up of 9 GB to the 40 GB. It came back AFTER copying 4.2 GB that it reached the max file size for a FAT32 file system. There's are 13 GB left on Maxtor.
1.) Is there a very, very safe way to allow larger backup files to the 40 GB external E drive.
2.) I am planning to create a partition on my 160 GB with Disk Director 10. Then clone my 40 GB C drive (23 GB used) for emergency reinstall to the partition. Is this a good plan ?

If this should be two questions with two point values please advise.

Answer : Problem: Maxtor 40 GB and 160 GB external drive backup, partition, and clone.

i would backup the 40 Gb Maxtor files first, then partition it as NTFS (from disk management)
>>  Why does Maxtor start with a file system that limits file sizes  <<  because then you can read the disk also on a windows 98 system, it is almost a standard setup for external disks
>>  Will imaging work to restore to a reformatted c drive ?  <<  cannot answer with Y/N - :
-your system and software must support (when booted from the image) to read the external disk, and copy those files back.
-it is simpler to do it from a 2nd disk, connected to the ide cable