1. MS-DOS, for example, used a simple File Allocation Table ( FAT ). 2. That reshuffles the file allocation table , while leaving the files alone. 3. To back up, however, FAT stands for File Allocation Table . 4. So, assume you are using something simple like a file allocation table based filesystem. 5. DOS uses the File Allocation Table ( FAT ) filesystem. 6. Unfortunately, it looks like you've got some errors in your FAT, the file allocation table . 7. Something has messed up your file allocation table , the table of contents for your hard drive. 8. All these addresses are stored in what is called a file allocation table ( FAT ). 9. Ever heard of a File Allocation Table ? 10. It is loosely based on the File Allocation Table architecture, but incompatible, proprietary and protected by patents.