CONVERT to NTFS with 2 partitions (C: and D:)

[Steve T.]

What is the proper method to convert a drive from FAT32 to
NTFS when one has TWO partitions on the drive, labelled C:
and D:

I have a Sony VAIO which has been upgraded to XP home
edition (from ME) and I am ready to migrate to NTFS using
the convert.exe utility. I assume one might convert the
D: partition first, and then C: where the OS resides, but
assumption is not wise when you only get one shot at it.

Anyone know for sure whether I should convert D: first, or
just convert C: and let the utility decide whether I need
to do D: afterward? I guess it might actually be safer to
convert C: first...

 

[Edward W. Thompson]

While it is your business, the question is why do you want to convert? NTFS
for most users offers virtually no benefits over FAT32 (please don't tell me
about security as that is not relevant to the vast majority of users) but
does have a downside in that repair of problems becomes far more difficult.
That is because an NTFS partition is not accessible by booting from a DOS
floppy.

If you really feel you need to convert, may I suggest you keep the C: drive
as FAT32 and convert the D: drive, where I assume your data is stored, to
NTFS.

When you run the conversion,m ake sure you have a backup. These conversions
do go 'wrong' at times.

 

[Phydeaux]

What is the proper method to convert a drive from FAT32 to
NTFS when one has TWO partitions on the drive, labelled C:
and D:

I have a Sony VAIO which has been upgraded to XP home
edition (from ME) and I am ready to migrate to NTFS using
the convert.exe utility. I assume one might convert the
D: partition first, and then C: where the OS resides, but
assumption is not wise when you only get one shot at it.

Anyone know for sure whether I should convert D: first, or
just convert C: and let the utility decide whether I need
to do D: afterward? I guess it might actually be safer to
convert C: first...

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

This will help you avoid the 512 Byte cluster problem which could slow down
your PC.

Other resources: KB 314097 & 307881

 

[Guest]

Well, because MS touts the NTFS system as more stable and
more reliable. I believe that's a quote from their
literature. I guess I won't bother if there's no such
advantage. Thank you, but don't blame me, blame MS for
the hype.