FAT32 or NTFS?

[FreddyCoupler]

Hi, I have a new 40gig HD. I want to do a clean install
of WinXP home edition. / Is it better to format my new
hard drive in FAT or NTFS ? Which one will give me less
troubles doing the new install of XP??
AND....... can I convert to NTFS after the install is
completed. (and which is better, considering the size of
my HD and all?)
Fred

 

[Mike]

NTFS is a better file system if you want more security.
It enables security on the file and folder level of your
computer. You can convert to NTFS after the install is
completed. Only if you are going to dual-boot between Xp
and 95/98 would you need a FAT partition.

Here is a link to the differences.
http://www.ntfs.com/ntfs_vs_fat.htm

Hope this helps

 

[FreddyCoupler]

IF I am using Fdisk to format the drive, it will format
in FAT/ Correct?
Then I will install WinXP using my XP upgrade disk and my
win98 disk. (should I let XP format the whole drive in
NTSF then? or should I wait till everything is fully
installed and then convert from FAT?)

 

[Danny Bleu]

Check the included articles and make your decision.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/tr...prodtechnol/winxppro/reskit/prkc_fil_lxty.asp

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/tr...prodtechnol/winxppro/reskit/prkc_fil_lxty.asp

Hi, I have a new 40gig HD. I want to do a clean install
of WinXP home edition. / Is it better to format my new
hard drive in FAT or NTFS ? Which one will give me less
troubles doing the new install of XP??
AND....... can I convert to NTFS after the install is
completed. (and which is better, considering the size of
my HD and all?)
Fred

 

[Oli Restorick [MVP]]

Unless you are implementing a multiboot system then you will want to boot
from the Windows XP CD and format the disk from there. The upgrade CD will
ask you to insert the qualifying media (in your case your Windows 98 CD)
during the installation.

You are correct that fdisk cannot format NTFS.

Regards

Oli

 

[FreddyCoupler]

Thank you, you have helped me very much so.
I appreciate it.
My install went very well, no bumps anymore.

Fred