Abit KT7A Raid - I've created a fat32 partition with win98 boot disk; partion using /z:32. Can I convert to NTFS?

[Zero]

I've already created a fat32 partition with the comand format c: /z:32. I'm installing Win2k Pro on an array. I want to use NTFS, but should I just convert to NTFS or Format the partition using NTFS. If i do either of these, will I screw up what I alread y formatted(the 16k blocks) or will that stay if I just convert to ntfs without formating the partition using ntfs? I'm a little confused. Thanks.

Zero

 

[Zero]

ANyone? c'mon now....don't be bashful.....take a stap at it.

Zero

 

[Zero]

ok.
Here are my options in the beginning of a Win2k install:

a. Format the partition using the NTFS file sytem

b. Convert the partition to NTFS

c. Leave the current file system intact (no changes) ie fat32

I would think that partioning using NTFS would destroy the last format I just did with 16k blocks........or would it? I'm not sure.

Maybe it's safer to just convert fat32 to NTFS in hopes of the 16k blocks being retained on the partition. Again...I'm not sure.

Or the safest thing to do would be to leave fat32. But I really want to use NTFS.

Thanks for your help!

Zero

 

[sharkeeper]

Simple answer!

If you convert your FAT32 partition to NTFS during installation, you'll get 4096 BYTE allocation units.

If you decide to leave it FAT32 and use the CONVERT utility later on, you'll get 512 BYTE allocation units.

Tests have shown that 4 KB Allocation Units have better performance than 512 BYTE Allocation Units.

To convert from FAT32 to NTFS, do the following:

Open up a DOS window. (type CMD at the run prompt)

Type the following:

Convert c: /fs:ntfs

NOTE: Depending on what drive letter you want to convert, you may need to change C: in the above command line to match. Windows will ask you for the name of the volume and you need to type it in. Restart the system (when prompted) and the conversion will take place.

NOTE: This is a ONE WAY process, ie you cannot revert back to FAT32 without reformatting and losing all your data so be sure to back up!

Cheers!

 

[Zero]

I converted during installation. Are you saying that is good? Thanks for your response!

Zero

 

[sharkeeper]

<< I converted during installation. Are you saying that is good? >>



If you want to use NTFS that is the only way to do it. 4096 BYTE Allocation Units are much better than 512.

Cheers!

 

[Zero]

But I could have chosen to format during install instead of conver to ntfs. is converting and formating the same thing during the win2k install? Or would it have been better to choose format instead of convert? Thanks again!!!

Zero

 

[sharkeeper]

FORMAT=4096 BYTE Allocation Units
CONVERT=512 BYTE Allocation Units

Cheers!

 

[Zero]

Crap. So you're saying that I should have chosen Format during install and not convert? Doh! I chose convert. It probably explains my horrible Sisoft Sandra score. Damn. I have to start from scratch again don't I? Re-format.

Let me make sure I have this right.....
Boot to win2k cd
choose partition to install to
choose format partition as ntfs

Thanks again,

Zero

 

[Zero]

I'm still confused on what happens to the 16k blocks that are created when formatting from win98 boot disk(ie. format c: /z:32)

When booting to the win2k pro cd, it asks if I want to keep the current file system or do I want to &quot;convert&quot; to ntfs or &quot;format&quot; as ntfs? I keep reading about how it's good to format with 16k blocks so I'm concerned/confused on what happens to those 16k blocks if I choose to &quot;convert&quot;(from fat32) or &quot;format&quot; as ntfs. Is there a way to have 16k blocks with ntfs? How do I do it exactly?

sharkeeper:
I appreciate your responses. Maybe I'm not asking the right question? I just want to format NTFS with 16k blocks (as recomended) if possible. Thanks again for your responses!!!

Zero

 

[medic]

Hopefully this will help,

The default for NTFS is as follows:

Partition size Sectors per cluster Cluster size

<512MB--------------1---------------512 bytes (or hardware sector size if greater than 512 bytes)
<1024MB------------2----------------1K
<2048MB------------4----------------2K
<4096MB------------8----------------4K
<8192MB-----------16----------------8K
<16384MB----------32--------------16K
<32768MB----------64--------------32K
>32768MB---------128--------------64K

NTFS better balances the trade off between disk defragmentation due to smaller cluster size and wasted space due to a large cluster size.

When formatting a drive you can change the cluster size using the /a:<size> switch, e.g.

format d: /a:1024 /fs:ntfs

From the NT FAQ

 

[Zero]

So what would be the most optimal way to set up my drives with win2k(and how exactly)?

I have two 27.3 gb drives striped(raid 0). In the bios of the Highpoint controller I set the block size to 16k for the array. Does this sound ok so far or should it be bigger?....smaller?

Once that is done...do I just reboot to the win2kpro cd and let it format as ntfs? Will it pick the block size on it's own? thanks for your help CRV!

Zero

 

[Zero]

I answered my own questions. Thanks all!

Zero