Converting FAT32 to NTFS Question

[Guest]

Hi -

I have a buslink 60 gig external usb drive. I've been getting delayed write
fail errors since I first got it. And I contacted buslink for the solution
and they told me it was a drive format issue. Because I'm using a FAT32 in
Windows XP, it should be formatted to NTFS. I know how to convert it, but I
have a question on something it asks. It asks if I want to dismount the
drive. I'm not sure what this means, or if by dismounting it I'll loose my
information.

I've done this before quite a while ago and I don't remember if It was okay
or not.

Your help is appreciated. Thanks!

Mel

 

[peterk]

Yes you need to "dismount" the drive.
I did this about a month ago and lost nothing.........but it is better to
back up everything
peterk

 

[R. McCarty]

A dismount just means the operating system has released or
disconnected the drive. About your situation, I don't understand
how a Format change will resolve delayed write errors. USB
drives generally only transfer at around 20+ Megabytes.

Usually, a Policy via Device Manager controls whether or not
write caching is used. I have a Maxtor external USB drive &
just leave it's policy set to "Optimize for Quick Removal". I've
tested it with caching enabled and never seen any performance
gains.

 

[Kelly]

Great reply!

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In memory of our dear friend, MVP Alex Nichol: http://www.dts-l.org/

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com