imported_Slvr-Bullet

Most of my HDDs are FAT32 would I benefit from formatting them over to NTFS?

If so, why?

Would it still keep everything (files,programs,etc) if I do format to NTFS?

Thanx

imported_BoOsTd

dont waste your time formmating just for that reason, you wont notice any performance difference... but nextime you do format, then do it in NTFS ...its more advanced and has better organizing capabilities...

Brisk20

there just file structures.. NTFS is more efficient.. if u plan on running linux / unix on ur system w/ windows then u'll wanna stay fat32

Whiplash

nope, you'll lose all the shyt you have on there...

imported_BoOsTd

Formatting = deleating everything on your hard drive.. even windows... If you dont know much about computers I wouldnt attempt it... You will also need a copy of all the program installation files, windows cd..ect...

PULOVR

Uh, I could of sworn someone told me that you can "switch" to NTFS without loosing the info?

Whiplash

ya pays yer money, ya takes yer chances..??

dunno if you can do that thru 2k/XP or not, tho that would be more a conversion than a format..
i know you use to be able to go from fat to fat32 without a format, but again, that was a conversion not a format..

PULOVR

I think Slvr-Bullet ment conversion, not format.


Or maybe I'm wrong.
I think he said something about getting another HD, and wanted to transfer everything over to the bigger one.

(I think it was him that said that)

Brisk20

there is a way of transfering the file systems from fat32 to ntfs... but there is a warning when u do it that u could lose some data in the file structure shift... long story short if ur a basic user don't bother

Whiplash

shouldn't be a problem transferring files from a fat32 hdd to a ntsf one..i do that daily with having my puters networked..

if you run fat32 now and wanna try the OS on ntsf, try ghosting yer original over to a ntsf hard drive..
then should anything go wrong you can revert back to the original drive

imported_Slvr-Bullet

Yah that's what I meant

And yes it says in the "manual" of XP Home Ed. that you can convert @ a later time and will not lose any data. But I'm kinda weary (sp) about that.

If there's no really advantage to converting then I'll stick to my FAT 32

imported_v33k

Go to DOS Prompt

C:\> CONVERT C: /fs:ntfs


You could burn all your important data to CD first b4 you do that.

I did that a while back, no problem.

Since fat32 has a 4GB single file size limit, you can't open those 4GB+ DVD image files.

Or you could just make your other drive to use NTFS
like your D: (if you have one) and leave C: alone.

Mugen C

NTFS...in a simply way...

It is designed for better control of Users permission and security.
It wasn't designed just for "efficiency". Ever since MS came out with FAT32...we are longer wasting our Hard Disk space as the FAT16 system.

For your home PC, if you don't need files access permission/security... FAT32 is will do the job.

As V33k suggested, although the "Convert" command is pretty safe and easy to use. But backup your important files first. Or if possible, Ghost the image of your HDD onto CD...then play with whatever you like!

regards,
Mugen C

imported_94EG6HB

I would avoid a "conversion" all together.

Start backing up your IMPORTANT DATA on CD-R or DVD-R.

Once everything is migrated delete all of the partitions..

Then when setting up XP make new NTFS partitions..

Nothing like a clean install IMO..

I have seen many file system conversions go bad.

My 2 cents..

imported_BoOsTd

I totally Agree.. I love a fresh format.. just like haveing a clean house

imported_94EG6HB

Yup..

Yup..

Don't forget to hit up windows update for 54 MB of patches after the install..

:working: