Fat32 to NTFS

[retro_cal]

Is there an easy way to convert Fat32 to NTFS whilst windows is already
loaded.
I can't recall seeing the option to chose which file system I wanted when
loading XP onto my pc.

TIA

 

[JK (at mail dot dk)]

Is there an easy way to convert Fat32 to NTFS whilst windows is already
loaded.

Partitionmagic from Powerquest will do it. If it is the C-partition
(with the OS) then PM (when started from inside windows) will of
course restart your windows XP (or 2000) and before loading again, it
converts.

I can't recall seeing the option to chose which file system I wanted when
loading XP onto my pc.

No, why change filesystem. Bootloaders normally choose OS.

If you are thinking of backup security and the problem that NTFS is
closed to dos, - there are many workarounds:

- have several partitions or harddisks. One should be used for backup
images and it can be in fat32. Then it is possible to backup the NTFS
partition with Driveimage and restore the image from DOS.

- one can also use bootable CDs that can read NTFS and can restore a
backup image even from an NTFS partition
Bart's PE builder http://www.nu2.nu/

best regards

John

 

[JefN]

| Is there an easy way to convert Fat32 to NTFS whilst windows is already
| loaded.
| I can't recall seeing the option to chose which file system I wanted when
| loading XP onto my pc.
|
| TIA
|
|

Windows XP has an in-built utility to do the conversion. Start | Run type
CMD then OK, then the command:

CONVERT C: /FS:NTFS

This is a one-way conversion and the usual caveat comes into play: Back up
your system beforehand!

Jef

 

[Apollo]

Is there an easy way to convert Fat32 to NTFS whilst windows is
already
loaded.
I can't recall seeing the option to chose which file system I
wanted when
loading XP onto my pc.

Search for convert in windows xp help, xp already contains a
programme to convert fat32 to ntfs. Be aware that the process
cannot be reversed using the xp tool, and also as I have never
used it I can't comment on how well it works, try google for more
detail.

 

[JefN]

|
| Search for convert in windows xp help, xp already contains a
| programme to convert fat32 to ntfs. Be aware that the process
| cannot be reversed using the xp tool, and also as I have never
| used it I can't comment on how well it works, try google for more
| detail.
|
| --
| Ian
|
|

Hi Ian -

The syntax (if my last message in this thread hasn't synced to your server)
is "CONVERT x: /FS:NTFS" -- there are other options, which may be viewed
with the CMD line "CONVERT /?".

Convert works well as advertised. As you say, this is a one-way
conversion - there is no in-built utility to convert from NTFS to FAT32.

There is also another limitation: the hard disk converted will have a 512K
cluster size, which is not always the most efficient. If any other cluster
size is desired, a 3rd-party partition management tool will be required.

Jef

 

[Larc]

On Tue, 18 Jan 2005 15:47:31 GMT, "JefN"

| The syntax (if my last message in this thread hasn't synced to your server)
| is "CONVERT x: /FS:NTFS" -- there are other options, which may be viewed
| with the CMD line "CONVERT /?".
|
| Convert works well as advertised. As you say, this is a one-way
| conversion - there is no in-built utility to convert from NTFS to FAT32.
|
| There is also another limitation: the hard disk converted will have a 512K
| cluster size, which is not always the most efficient. If any other cluster
| size is desired, a 3rd-party partition management tool will be required.

Actually, it will have a 512 cluster size, not 512K. 512 clusters
will result in excessive fragmentation. In most cases, the ideal
cluster size is 4K. As you say, a third party program such as
Partition Magic is needed for that.

Larc



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[JAD]

I know you didn't ask, but starting out on a manipulated foundation is
risky.
Try and save your data and start out fresh from format. Unless your plans
are of a temporary nature.

 

[ntqback]

The Win XP convert command works just fine to convert a fat32 partition
to an ntfs partition. you will need to run the following command at
the command prompt

To convert your c drive use the following command
c:\convert c: /fs:ntfs

Then reboot your computer, During the boot phase, the drive will
convert the fat32 partion to the ntfs partion. Just make sure you have
enough free space on the drive.

To see all the switches for the convert command
type convert /? at the command prompt

 

[retro_cal]

ok, so are there any benefits in using NTFS over fat32??
I was told to select NTFS as it is more stable than fat32 but I would like
to hear you opinions

 

[JAD]

for me its handling files larger than 2gigs

 

[0_Qed]

Windows XP has an in-built utility to do the conversion. Start | Run type
CMD then OK, then the command:

CONVERT C: /FS:NTFS

This is a one-way conversion and the usual caveat comes into play: Back up
your system beforehand!

I'd read ... no experince ... that XXCLONE would 'effectively' do this,
given the HD space needed.
Dont think that XXCOPY handles NTFS ...
gotta go read 'up', a little.


Qed.

 

[JefN]

|
| Actually, it will have a 512 cluster size, not 512K. 512 clusters
| will result in excessive fragmentation. In most cases, the ideal
| cluster size is 4K. As you say, a third party program such as
| Partition Magic is needed for that.
|
| Larc
|

Hi Larc -

Fingers went into auto-pilot typing that 512K. I did mean 512 *bytes*...
and was aware that the usual ideal cluster size is 4K.

Sorry for the confusion and thanks for playing cleanup for me. ;-)

Jef

 

[Conor]

Is there an easy way to convert Fat32 to NTFS whilst windows is already
loaded.
I can't recall seeing the option to chose which file system I wanted when
loading XP onto my pc.

Start, Programs, Accessories, Command Prompt.

Type...

convert <drive letter> /FS:NTFS

 

[TomG]

yes, there is a conversion utility provided by MS called convert under the
\windows\system32 folder.

--

Thomas Geery
Network+ certified

ftp://geerynet.d2g.com
ftp://68.98.180.8 Abit Mirror <----- Cable modem IP
This IP is dynamic so it *could* change!...
over 130,000 FTP users served!
^^^^^^^

 

[TomG]

it works without issue in my experience but as already advised, I would not
undertake this without a fresh/current backup.

--

Thomas Geery
Network+ certified

ftp://geerynet.d2g.com
ftp://68.98.180.8 Abit Mirror <----- Cable modem IP
This IP is dynamic so it *could* change!...
over 130,000 FTP users served!
^^^^^^^

 

[DaveW]

No.

 

[Kill Bill]

And once again Dave W. is completely full of shit.

http://www.ntfs.com/quest3.htm Did this myself. No problems.

 

[Damaeus]

Is there an easy way to convert Fat32 to NTFS whilst windows is already
loaded.
I can't recall seeing the option to chose which file system I wanted when
loading XP onto my pc.

I have a total of about 110 gigabytes of space on two hard drives. I had a
couple of FAT32 partitions I wanted to convert to NTFS, so I moved all the
files from the FAT32 to an NTFS partition, reformatted the FAT32 to NTFS,
then copied then moved the files back.

Damaeus

 

[JK (at mail dot dk)]

ok, so are there any benefits in using NTFS over fat32??
I was told to select NTFS as it is more stable than fat32 but I would like
to hear you opinions

NTFS should require less defragmentation. But of course the 2 gigabyte
file limit is relevant in these dvd and multimedia age !

best regards

John

 

[Larc]

| ok, so are there any benefits in using NTFS over fat32??
| I was told to select NTFS as it is more stable than fat32 but I would like
| to hear you opinions

Here's a Microsoft page that covers the main differences:

http://tinyurl.com/64f7q

Larc



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