# Drive Setup

### Choose your configuration

* **Virtual Drive Only:** If you only plan to use the virtual drive functions, follow the instructions below.
* **AES Encryption Only:** If you will only use hardware encryption, you can skip this section and go directly to the [Encryption Guide](/aes256-encryption-mini-pro-st-lk/encryption-guide.md).
* **Using Both (Encryption + Virtual Drive):** You **must** complete the encryption setup first. Please refer to the [Encryption Guide](/aes256-encryption-mini-pro-st-lk/encryption-guide.md) before proceeding here.

***

### **Drive Structure & Requirements**

To ensure the IODD virtual drive functions correctly, your internal disk must meet the following partition and format requirements:

* **Partition Style:** Must be either **GPT** or **MBR**.
* **Partition Type:** Must be a **Normal/Primary** partition.
* **File System:** Supported formats include **NTFS**, **exFAT**, or **FAT32**.
* **Partition Selection:** The location of the partition does not matter. If you have multiple partitions, you can select the one containing your ISO files by pressing and holding the **`4`** key for 3 seconds.

***

### 📂 File Management & Limitations

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important: 32-Item Limit per Folder** To ensure the IODD can index your files correctly, the number of files or subfolders within any single directory (that contains ISO/VHD/IMA files) **must not exceed 32 items**.
{% endhint %}

#### Recommended File Tree Structure

You can bypass the 32-item limit by organizing your files into subfolders. The limit only applies to the number of items *within* a single folder, not the total number of files on the entire drive.

```
J: (IODD Internal Drive Root) (Max 32 items)
├─ _ISO (Folder for ISO images) (Max 32 items)
│   ├─ Hiren’s BootCD 15.2.iso
│   ├─ ubuntu-22.04-desktop-amd64.iso
│   ├─ Windows 11.iso
│   └─ (Up to 32 files or subfolders)
│
├─ IMA_Floppy (Max 32 items)
│   ├─ Bios_updater.ima
│   └─ MS-DOS_6.0.ima
│
├─ VHD_Files (Max 32 items)
│   ├─ Windows_10_Win2Go.vhd
│   ├─ Linux_Mint.vhd
│   └─ Subfolders (Nested folders are allowed)
│
├─ Your_Personal_Folder_01 (No limit - non-ISO path)
└─ Your_Personal_Folder_02 (No limit - non-ISO path)
```


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