Definition
Virtual File Allocation Table (VFAT) is a Windows file system used by storage devices like flash drives, memory cards, and hard drives. It enhances the traditional File Allocation Table (FAT) system by supporting long file and directory names.
How VFAT Works
The traditional FAT system supported file names with eight characters and extensions with three characters (called the “8.3” format). However, VFAT allows file names up to 255 characters while still supporting compatibility with existing FAT systems.
Like FAT, VFAT organizes directories as tables, with each entry representing specific files and subdirectories. Each directory functions as a table of entries for specific files and subdirectories. These entries include file names, sizes, attributes, starting clusters, and timestamps.
VFAT’s long file names are stored as separate entries in the directory entry table. These entries are labelled with the “Volume Label” attribute and are placed before the 8.3 format entry. A checksum ensures consistency of the long file names.
Consequently, devices formatted with VFAT remain compatible with systems using the older FAT file system. However, long file names may be shortened to their 8.3 format.