Using flash drives on government computers

  • Published
  • By Directorate of Communications and Information
DENVER --  Did you know that if you use a USB flash drive it should be government purchased? 

Employees should visit the help desk before using a personal USB flash drive on their government computer. 

Always perform a virus check first, as with any removable media. Also, it's important to format the USB flash drive if it's not in the New Technology File System (such as the File Allocation Table file system). 

The NTFS file system is specifically set up for Windows operating systems, and it provides more security than the FAT file system. 

To check what file system the USB drive is configured for, or to change to the NTFS file system follow these instructions: 
-- Right click the drive the USB flash drive is inserted into (usually the E-drive).
-- Select format 
-- Under File system dropdown select NTFS
-- Put checkmark in quick format
-- Click Start 

After completing the formatting action, the previous FAT file system should now be changed to NTFS file system.