Changing the file system from FAT32 to NTFS.
There are three main file systems used in windows.
- FAT16 :- The 16 bit file allocation table file system is ancient technology and is now used only in floppy disks(just in case somebody still uses floppys :D). It has certain size limitations that practically nullify the chances of using it in modern day computers.
- FAT32 :- It was used in Windows 95, 98 and ME. It can handle disks larger than 2GB(which is the limit for FAT16). But still it is susceptible to problems if the power supply to the system goes out.
- NTFS :- This is the Windows NT file system. It is the primary file system used in Windows NT,2000 and XP. It is much more capable and reliable than FAT32.
Now let us see how to change your file system from FAT32 to NTFS. If you had bought your system with Windows XP preinstalled in it, then all you drives will most probably be of the NTFS file system. There are certain reasons however, why you might have a FAT32 drive in your system. If you are running Windows 98 or ME along with XP, then you must surely have a FAT32 drive as those versions of windows cannot recognize an NTFS drive.
The first task is to find out the type of drive that you have.
- Click on Start -> My computer.
- Right click on the drive that you desire and click
Properties. - You will find the file system mentioned in the general tab.
- Click OK to close the Properties dialog box.
Now that you have identified the FAT32 drives in your system, you are now ready to convert them to NTFS.
- Click on Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Command Prompt.
- Type convert x:/fs:ntfs /v, where x is the drive whose file system you want to change.
Ex: To convert the E: drive, type convert e:/fs:ntfs /v. - You may get a message that Windows can't change the filesystem as it is being used by some other process and asking if you would like to force a dismount of the drive. Type Y and press Enter.
- You might get another message saying that Windows cannot dismount the volume and asking if you would like to reschedule the change to the next system restart. Type Y and press Enter.
Now click on Start -> Turn off computer -> Restart.
The change will be made during the start up and the FAT32 drive is now an NTFS drive!!
cheers
Aravind
:)
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Comments
As far as I remember, when about 1.3 years ago I had to convert my FAT file-system to NTFS, I used some command line method. Forgot it! as I have STOPPED using windows since 1.3 years! ;)
Nilesh Govindrajan
Site & Server Administrator
iTech7
Nilesh Govindrajan
Site & Server Administrator
iTech7
DOES CHANGING THE DRIVE FORMAT DELETES THE DATA ON THE DRIVE?
According to my knowledge, that doesn't happen... as I said above, i was using windows 1.3 yrs ago.. i converted a drive which had a lot of data but not a single file was lost after conversion...
S. Nilesh Govindrajan
Site & Server Administrator
iTech7
Nilesh Govindrajan
Site & Server Administrator
iTech7
That kinda makes no sense to me... how could u just convert a memory type without loosing data...??
it does happen
Nilesh Govindrajan
Site & Server Administrator
iTech7
Nilesh Govindrajan
Site & Server Administrator
iTech7
To tell the honest truth. I also had to change a drive from fat32 to ntfs using a commnad line and it worked like a charm. So don't worry about loosing any data.
could u tell me the method!! so badly in need of it!! one of my friend who has ubuntu running on his comp happens to have 2 partitions as FAT32... which to my point of view... sucks!!
he wants to convert it to NTFS ??
Nilesh Govindrajan
Site & Server Administrator
iTech7
Nilesh Govindrajan
Site & Server Administrator
iTech7
yes... fat32 to NTFS
hi. great post, very helpfull in deed, but be4 i atempt to change my file system ive got a quick question???
im not so much botthered bout loseing date, ive got it all backted up anyways, but after you change your file system to ntfs from fat32, will your computer need a format??? i dnt understand when u change somet as big as this, its gonna make your computer go all confused o somet, and stop workin...
thanks.....
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