NTFS or FAT32?

[Bill Saxon]

I am upgrading my wife's machine from ME to XP by way of a clean
installation. I assume that some where during the process I will be
given a choice between NTFS and FAT32. From what I see here NTFS is
preferable. Will this create any problems with my existing programs?
They are all compatible with XP.

I have XP on my computer and like it. All the programs (the same ones
I will load on her computer) run fine. How do I check my System to
see if my computer is running on NTFS or FAT32? It came installed on
the computer when I bought it.

Thanks.

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi Bill,

The file system should have no affect on the software you choose to install.
What's important is that it is XP-compatible. As you are clean installing,
during the initial setup, delete the existing FAT32 partition and create a
new one before formatting as NTFS so that the partition lines up correctly
(converting an existing one sometimes winds up with 512 byte instead of 4k
clusters).

To check your system, right-click the drive in Windows Explorer or "My
Computer" and select properties. The file system in use is on the general
tab.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Willie]

Hi, Rick...My Home Edition doesn't say anything in the general tab
distinguishing Fat32 or NTFS; Only the usual stuff: Edition, Version, SP1,
Reg to, #, Processor, Ram. I do know where to find the info you speak of
elsewhere, but was just curious when you answered the OP. Your last sentence
says "The file system in use is on the General tab". Huh? Happy 4th!

Willie

 

[Al Dykes]

Right Mouse Click on the Start Button

Pick Explore

Scroll to up to see C:

Right Mouse click on C: (or any other drive letter)

Pick "Properties"

 

[Willie]

Thanks Al, but my question wasn't about *where* to find the info...I know
how. My question was...well, read it again, please. Willie

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

Right-click the C:\ drive, not "My Computer", you must double-click it and
open it to see the drives. You are looking at the system properties, not the
drive properties.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Willie]

I thought that's what you *meant* when you said; (or "My
Computer" and select properties. The file system in use is on the general
tab.) Have a great day, and safe holiday...Willie

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Sorry, guess I didn't explain it very well.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Willie]

You always explain well.. :>)

Sorry, guess I didn't explain it very well.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

speak will NTFS