How to use an external HDD on your Montero Sport

Hello to everyone. Some time prior, I posted an inquiry concerning how to utilize an outside HDD on the Montero Sports head unit in the Facebook group “third Gen Montero Sport Owners Philippines.”

Never found an answer, and many members are still looking for one on how to use the external HDD as a USB Stick. I tried several methods for using it, including converting it to exFAT—the format I use for my 8GB and 16GB USB Sticks.

Before I go through all of the steps on how to utilize it, I’ll give you a quick rundown of what those formats are:

The contemporary file system is NTFS (NT File System). Windows prefers to utilize by default; it is a pack with current capabilities that FAT32 and exFAT do not have. Works with all versions of Windows, but is read-only by default on Mac and Linux. Other devices, with the exception of Microsoft’s Xbox One, are unlikely to support NTFS.

FAT32 (File Allocation Table 32) offers advantages and downsides due to its age. The main benefit is that, because to its age, FAT32 is the de-facto standard. Flash drives are frequently formatted using FAT32 for optimal compatibility not just with current computers, but also with other devices such as gaming consoles, vehicle stereos, and anything with a USB port. However, limitations accompany that age. Individual files on a FAT32 disc are limited to 4GB in size, with a maximum partition size of 8TB.

exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table) The exFAT file system was released in 2006 and was included with previous versions of Windows, including Windows XP and Windows Vista. exFAT is developed for flash discs to be a lightweight system like FAT32, but without the added features, overhead, and constraints of FAT32. It is compatible with all versions of Windows and contemporary Mac OS X but requires extra software on Linux. ExFAT is supported by more devices than NTFS, however, some, particularly older models, may only support FAT32.

source: https://www.howtogeek.com/235596/whats-the-difference-between-fat32-exfat-and-ntfs/

Steps for using an external HDD (Hard Disk Drive) with your head unit:

Perform these procedures on a computer (Windows)—

I’m not familiar with Mac or Linux. The HDD configuration ought to be FAT32; I’m utilizing a 1TB WD My Passport HDD.

Send off Windows Explorer.

Right-click on your outer HDD’s drive-mine is MyPassport (E:)- and pick Properties.

When you click it, it will reveal a window with the device’s Properties and Information.— It appears to be like this, and mine is already in FAT32 format.

If the format of your hard drive is exFAT or NTFS, try converting it to FAT32 by following the same steps, but instead of choosing Properties, choose Format. It shows up as follows; be that as it may, most of External Hard Disk Drives don’t uphold FAT32; if your HDD does not have a FAT32 Format, simply follow the following steps; if it does, convert it to FAT32 using a Quick Format and simply add your files to the HDD, and it will be automatically readable by the Head Unit.

This step is only for individuals who do not have a FAT32 formatted hard drive. Click on the link to get the FAT32 Converter—don’t worry, there’s no Malware or Virus here; it’s just a converter, and this is the one I used to convert mine. (FAT32 Converter Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aBneo5I2jS7G6AJw97TCwJCiMA pYLbu/view?usp=sharing) or Click Here then Download, this download has already been checked for malware by Google.

Open the File menu, then choose your HDD’s assigned Drive—mine is E: called My Passport, which you may alter if you want—then check the Quick Format box and click Start. After formatting, right-click on the drive and select Properties to determine whether it’s already in FAT32 format, then copy the contents to your HDD. It is now readable, so congratulations.