A few Convert to NTFS questions..

[Mark Hein]

Hi Folks,
I'm thinking of using Convert to upgrade from FAT32 to
NTFS and I'd like to get some opinions/experiences form
those out there who have actually done it.
I've tweaked and streamlined my system and have it running
like a well oiled race car.
While I understand the priciples of conversion (after
checking all the MS Knowledge Base articles), I'd like to
get ideas pertinent to my setup.
Here's the nitty gritty:
OS- Windows XP Pro
3 harddrives- #1 C:\ & E:\
#2 D:\, F:\, G:\ & H:\
#3 K:\ & L:\
Intel P4 2.0 Gh
1 Gb RAM
How should I procede with the conversion? Naturally I'll
Scandisk/Defrag before beginning. Should I start the
conversion with the C:\ & E:\ drives (which will mean a re-
boot to accomplish)? Or begin with the *other* drives
first and *then* convert the C:\ and E:\ drives?
I noticed in the Knowledge Base instructions that
fragmentation is likely after a conversion. Do Scandisk
and Defrag function in the same manner in NTFS as they do
in FAT32?
Many Thanks in advance....Mark

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Converting FAT32 to NTFS in Windows XP
http://aumha.org/win5/a/ntfscvt.htm

[Courtesy of Alex Nichol, MS-MVP]

Utilize the following utility programs in this order:

Description of the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310312&Product=winxp

How to Perform Disk Error Checking in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315265&Product=winxp

HOW TO: Analyze and Defragment a Disk in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;305781&Product=winxp


--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| Hi Folks,
| I'm thinking of using Convert to upgrade from FAT32 to
| NTFS and I'd like to get some opinions/experiences form
| those out there who have actually done it.
| I've tweaked and streamlined my system and have it running
| like a well oiled race car.
| While I understand the priciples of conversion (after
| checking all the MS Knowledge Base articles), I'd like to
| get ideas pertinent to my setup.
| Here's the nitty gritty:
| OS- Windows XP Pro
| 3 harddrives- #1 C:\ & E:\
| #2 D:\, F:\, G:\ & H:\
| #3 K:\ & L:\
| Intel P4 2.0 Gh
| 1 Gb RAM
| How should I procede with the conversion? Naturally I'll
| Scandisk/Defrag before beginning. Should I start the
| conversion with the C:\ & E:\ drives (which will mean a re-
| boot to accomplish)? Or begin with the *other* drives
| first and *then* convert the C:\ and E:\ drives?
| I noticed in the Knowledge Base instructions that
| fragmentation is likely after a conversion. Do Scandisk
| and Defrag function in the same manner in NTFS as they do
| in FAT32?
| Many Thanks in advance....Mark

 

[Donald L McDaniel]

Hi Folks,
I'm thinking of using Convert to upgrade from FAT32 to
NTFS and I'd like to get some opinions/experiences form
those out there who have actually done it.
I've tweaked and streamlined my system and have it running
like a well oiled race car.
While I understand the priciples of conversion (after
checking all the MS Knowledge Base articles), I'd like to
get ideas pertinent to my setup.
Here's the nitty gritty:
OS- Windows XP Pro
3 harddrives- #1 C:\ & E:\
#2 D:\, F:\, G:\ & H:\
#3 K:\ & L:\
Intel P4 2.0 Gh
1 Gb RAM
How should I procede with the conversion? Naturally I'll
Scandisk/Defrag before beginning. Should I start the
conversion with the C:\ & E:\ drives (which will mean a re-
boot to accomplish)? Or begin with the *other* drives
first and *then* convert the C:\ and E:\ drives?
I noticed in the Knowledge Base instructions that
fragmentation is likely after a conversion. Do Scandisk
and Defrag function in the same manner in NTFS as they do
in FAT32?
Many Thanks in advance....Mark

1) Only convert the volumes for which you want advanced security
features (the #1 reason for converting to NTFS.) Otherwise, NTFS
doesn't necessarily give better performance than FAT32.

2) The order you in which you do the conversions is irrelevant.

3) ScanDisk is not an option for XP, being an MS-DOS command -- Use
"chkdsk /f" instead. You will have to reboot before chkdsk starts its
session, if you try to run chkdsk on the current working volume. That
is, if you try to chkdsk drive c: and you are logged onto drive c:, you
will have to reboot before the session begins. To begin chkdsk,
a) Open "My Computer"
b) Right-click on the volume you want to check
c) Choose "Properties" from the popup menu
d) Click on the "Tools" tab
e) Click on "Check now" under "Error checking"
f) Make sure you check "Fix file system errors" (or "Scan for and
attempt recovery of bad sectors" if you want to do a physical scan
of the HD surface.)
g) Do a warm boot as instructed ("Start|Turn off
computer|Restart").

4) Personally, I would never use the disabled Defragger which comes
with XP. Use a full-featured defragger such as Executive Software's
Diskeeper, or Raxco's defragger.

--
Donald L McDaniel
Post all replies to the Newsgroup,
so that all may be informed.
Remove the obvious to reply by email.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

[Mark C. Hein]

Hi Folks,

MANY THANKS for your responses!

Converting FAT32 to NTFS in Windows XP
http://aumha.org/win5/a/ntfscvt.htm

A great source!! Kudos Carey....

3) ScanDisk is not an option for XP, being an MS-DOS command -- Use
"chkdsk /f" instead.

4) Personally, I would never use the disabled Defragger which comes
with XP. Use a full-featured defragger such as Executive Software's
Diskeeper, or Raxco's defragger.

Tried the PerfectDisk trial version last night and immediately bought the
on-line d/l !

Mark