Adding NTFS to a CF Device

[fdbbern]

I have a perfectly working image that runs on a 8GB Compact Flash. The
device is formatted with FAT32.

I would like to use NTFS instead, so I have added the NTFS component to my
image. How do I get the FBA to format my CF with NTFS instead of FAT32?

 

[KM]

Why don't you format the card manually before FBA?

Otherwise you can always use convert.exe utility to convert the file system on the card and automatate this process during FBA.

 

[fdbbern]

If I format the card manually, how do I lay down the boot sector? If I
format the card using Windows, it won't boot.

I usually format the card using Win98 files and the format /s command. I
then use bootprep to upgraded the boot sector to XP. How can I do it with
NTFS? Do I need Windows PE?

 

[KM]

Assuming you've got the card booted on the target (using format under DOS),
you can convert the file system to NTFS and the CF should still be bootable.

Yes, you can partition and format the card under WinPE. Just make sure you
do that on the target hardware.

Regards,
KM

 

[fdbbern]

Ok..
I was able to convert the partition to NTFS using the Convert.exe utility
and the card is still bootable.

For anyone who's interested, here is the procedure I used:

I formated the CF using Win98 files and transferred the system files.
I copied my image to the card and installed it in the target device.
I used Bootprep to update the boot sector to XP.
I let the FBA complete.
I used the NTFS convert utility to convert the partition to NTFS.

 

[KM]

Glad you fixed it.

Just to add a bit more info in this thread.
ou could've converted the card partition's FS in to NTFS after any step you
outlined below. Assuming NTFS components were in your image it would still
work if you FBA'd the card on NTFS.

Regards,
KM