Question about converting a drive to NTFS from FAT32

[Salvador]

Hi.

I was running two operating systems (Windows 98SE and WinXP Pro), so I was using FAT32. I have two drives. I have my primary hard drive with the operating systems and then a separate drive for my files. Now, if I were to reformat my operating system drive using NTFS and my secondary drive is still formatted in FAT32, can I convert the drive over to NTFS as well without losing all of my files? Or.. Would I have to transfer all of the files off the secondary drive as well and then reformat that drive as well?

TIA,

Sal

 

[Need4Speed]

you can conver without loosing data...

To convert a volume to NTFS from the command prompt
Open Command Prompt.
In the command prompt window, type
convert drive_letter: /fs:ntfs

For example, typing convert D: /fs:ntfs would format drive D: with the ntfs format.

Notes

To open command prompt, click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Command Prompt.
You can convert FAT or FAT32 volumes to NTFS with this command.

 

[ahanafi]

Its pretty simple, you can do two things one is to use Convert utility and convert the partition from FAT32 to NTFS.
The second way to do it is by using software such as Power quest Partition Magic or Volume Manager. They convert the disk even from NTFS to FAT32 and vice versa without any loss of Data.

 

[Salvador]

Are you sure that I won't lose any data converting the drive over to NTFS from FAT32? I just want to be sure.

What's the BEST way to convert the drive over? I've seen several different methods mentioned here.

Thanks again.

Sal

 

[ojai00]

You won't lose any data by converting; you lose it by formatting. If you want to be on the safe side, then I'd suggest you back up your important files to another hard rive or a CD.

 

[spyordie007]

Are you sure that I won't lose any data converting the drive over to NTFS from FAT32? I just want to be sure.

Yes you should not loose any of your data in doing this, it will make you reboot and it will convert the drive as it starts up.

What's the BEST way to convert the drive over?

From the command prompt type:
convert C: /fs:ntfs
(replace "C" for whatever drive you want to convert)
Just keep in mind that the only way you could convert back to FAT32 (if you so desired in the future) would be to use a 3rd party product such as Partition Magic.

-Spy