What is the best way to format to NTFS?

[HoMeZ]

I have a new 120 gig fresh out of the box and I want to format it into two 60 gigs using ntfs. I hear I can use the win xp cd but doesn't it install winxp after formatting to ntfs? I heard I can also do right click my computer -> manage -> choose storage->disk management, find the disk in the list, partition, format Is that the same exact thing as using the win xp cd? Does anyone know of another way that might be better?(is there even like a "best" way to do it?)

 

[PrincessGuard]

It's all the same. Use what's most convenient (probably the Disk Management).

 

[HoMeZ]

Cool thanks

 

[Daxxax]

I think you can use a command from a DOS window,

something like

C:convert c: /fs:ntfs

You then need to reboot and the system formats on the fly.

 

[Doh!]

Just to clarify, there's no DOS window.

 

[Daxxax]

You know what I meant!!!

 

[Doh!]

I surely did. But others may have actually believed the existance of DOS within windows xp, especially when the response is coming from someone who is A+,N+,CCNA Certified and working on MCSA.

 

[HoMeZ]

How can I convert? It's not even fat32 and if in the end it all ends up the same ntfs then i'll just the the my computer thing

 

[EeyoreX]

I think you can use a command from a DOS window,

something like

C:convert c: /fs:ntfs

You then need to reboot and the system formats on the fly.

Except he doesn't have a FAT32 formatted partition on the drive he wants to install, so this isn't going to help...

I assume you have Windows XP/2000 installed already and you want to add the 120GB drive to the system?
If that is the case, install it into your computer, make sure it is recognized by the BIOS. Then, when Windows starts, go to Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Computer Management -> Disk management, like you mentioned in your post.
Here you can create and format drives from within Windows. You have no need to use the Windows XP CD at all. This is the easiest and best way to do this.

\Dan

 

[corkyg]

The BEST way is to use Partition Magic 8. That way you can convert or unconvert as many times as you like.

 

[Nothinman]

That way you can convert or unconvert as many times as you like.

And risk data-loss over and over again, how fun!

 

[HoMeZ]

lol thanks guys and I don't need to convert back and forth i think ntfs beats fat32

 

[AEB]

disk manager is teh easiest hook the new drive on the chain with the master and then goto disk management and it will format it in NTFS from withing windows

 

[rbV5]

Using Disc managment in administative tools allows you to choose your cluster size, using the CD does not.

 

[HoMeZ]

What is cluster size and which is the best one to use?

 

[Nothinman]

Just use the default of 4k

 

[rbV5]

What is cluster size and which is the best one to use?

Basically, cluster size is the allocation of space on your hardrive. 1 file will use at least 1 cluster and no 2 files can use the same cluster. If your cluster size is 1k for example, a 32k file will use 32 clusters. If your cluster size is 32k, that same 32k file will use 1 cluster. Usually, using the default cluster size will suffice for most users and it is determined by the volume size. Sometimes it can be an advantage to use a custom cluster size.

Extreme examples would be where you would use small cluster sizes if you have alot of small files and you want to maximise the storage space on your hardrive, this tends to slow down the file system, but optimises the storage due to less waste for each cluster. The other extreme could be where you work with mostly large files, ( a volume for video capture ) you may want large cluster size because you aren't concerned with wasting space, and larger clusters tend to speed up the file system and can help eliminate dropped frames. Most users will lie somewhere in the middle of these extremes, using both large and small files, and the default will work fine.

 

[HoMeZ]

oOo thanks guys so I guess 4k it is