Converting HDD from FAT32 to NTFS

[Styx]

HI... I recently bought a new PC, it seems to have been
set up with a old off-the-shelf HDD in the FAT32 format,
and for security I want to convert it to NTFS, I have
read http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-
us;307286 but it does not say if I can convert the main
system (boot) drive (I don't have a secondary HDD) to
NTFS without loosing any data, (it's OEM and I don't have
a windows back-up disk).. I'm worried that if I do
a "Convert C:/FS:NTFS" command as the help file
suggests... I'll loose all data and end up with an
expensive blank screen, without a disk to repair the
damage...

 

[Colin Nash [MVP]]

You should definetely have been provided with either a Windows CD or some
method of doing a system recovery-- otherwise whoever sold it to you has not
met their licensing obligations.

 

[Styx]

Well... I was offered a <insert company name> certified
windows back up disk... but only with their service
package, costing £60 ($110) per year (on a 3 year
contract) so... to get the disk I would have to pay a
extra £180 / $330, but seen as you say there should be no
problems.. That's saved me $330... Thanks!!! Have a drink
on me )

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

Unfortunately, Colin, they're allowed to create a "recovery partition" on the hard disk. They no longer have to provide a CD.

--
Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows Media Center\Windows Powered Smart Display
Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
http://www.dougknox.com

 

[Styx]

Yes.. will this operation affect the hidden recovery
partition, (that i dont have acess to, (without paying
the $330) on the HDD)?

 

[Fritz]

It really is unfortunate. How does that help you if you lose the drive?

Unfortunately, Colin, they're allowed to create a "recovery partition" on
the hard disk. They no longer have to provide a CD.

--
Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows Media Center\Windows Powered Smart Display
Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
http://www.dougknox.com

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

In that case, you'd have to send the computer back to be re-imaged. Sometimes, you can purchase a recovery CD set from the manufacturer, but not always.

--
Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows Media Center\Windows Powered Smart Display
Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
http://www.dougknox.com

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

You'd have to check with your computer manufacturer to determine that. I have one Compaq system here, that has an NTFS partition on C: and the Recovery partition is on D: (FAT32). The BIOS can actually handle booting from the D: drive, so the C: drive being NTFS isn't an issue.

Also, check your Start Menu. Some vendors are including an application that will allow you to burn CD/DVD sets as a fall back.

 

[Styx]

YES!! IT WORKS!! .. i finally got round to converting..
my son started snooping via his log in, into other log-
ins.. (thats FAT32 for ya) .. so i converted, after a
heart stopping second (where i thought all might be
formatted lol) it converted the whole drive in about 3
mins.. no problem.. so thanks Doug for ya advice.. much
appreciated, and much more secure )
Styx )

-----Original Message-----
You'd have to check with your computer manufacturer to

determine that. I have one Compaq system here, that has
an NTFS partition on C: and the Recovery partition is on
D: (FAT32). The BIOS can actually handle booting from
the D: drive, so the C: drive being NTFS isn't an issue.

Also, check your Start Menu. Some vendors are including

an application that will allow you to burn CD/DVD sets as
a fall back.

--
Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows Media Center\Windows Powered Smart Display
Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
http://www.dougknox.com
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"Styx" <[email protected]> wrote in

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[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

You're welcome