Changing Disk format from FAT31 to NTFS

[TRCSr]

Is there any way to change an external hard disk that I have (USB
connection) from a FAT32 to an NTFS type? I have tried to back up my main
disk using the WinXP backup function, but it bombs out because it says that
FAT32 does not support files larger than 4GB. I have Acronis Disk Director,
but cannot understand the Change Disk Type function instructions. I also
have an older version of Partition Magic, but do not have it installed at
this time; would that program have the necessary function built in to it?

Thanks for your inputs.

TRCSr

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Is there any way to change an external hard disk that I have (USB
connection) from a FAT32 to an NTFS type?

To convert to NTFS, you use the CONVERT command. But first read
http://www.aumha.org/a/ntfscvt.htm because there's an issue regarding
cluster size that isn't obvious.

Also note that conversion is a big step, affecting everything on your
drive. When you take such a big step, no matter how unlikely, it is
always possible that something could go wrong. For that reason, it's
prudent to make sure you have a backup of anything you can't afford to
lose before beginning.

 

[Xandros]

assuming the USB HDD was your E: drive. Go to Start and select Run. In the
box type:

CONVERT E: /FS:NTFS

That should convert it to NTFS non destructively.

 

[TRCSr]

I tried that and the disk is still shown as FAT32. I rebooted the computer
and it still showed up as a FAT32. Any ideas why??

Thanks.

 

[Xandros]

Maybe try opening a command window and then type the convert command

Go to Start->Run and type CMD and click OK. That will open a separate
command window. then type CONVERT E: /FS:NTFS and press the Enter Key
This assumes your USB drive letter is E. Make sure you substitute the
correct drive letter if it is different. I have just tried this on a 40GB
USB drive that was formatted as FAT32 and it worked here.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Maybe try opening a command window and then type the convert command

Go to Start->Run and type CMD and click OK. That will open a separate
command window. then type CONVERT E: /FS:NTFS and press the Enter Key
This assumes your USB drive letter is E. Make sure you substitute the
correct drive letter if it is different. I have just tried this on a 40GB
USB drive that was formatted as FAT32 and it worked here.

Please note the reference I posted,
http://www.aumha.org/a/ntfscvt.htm. If you just use the convert
command, you will very likely end up with poor cluster size, which
will result in poor performance on the drive.

 

[TRCSr]

Thanks for all your help. I was successful and the reason it wasn't before
is because of errors from CHKDSK. Once those errors were cleared, the
conversion went fine.

Best regards to all,

TRCSr