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    Formatting external Hard Drive

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Chimeray, Sep 4, 2008.

  1. Chimeray

    Chimeray Notebook Consultant

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    Hi, I recently bought a Western Digital Essential 320 GB external hard drive, I saw it was formatted FAT32 or something and I need it to be NTFS.
    I never have done this before so I don't really know much about it, it asks me for the cluster size... what do I have to choose?
     
    Chimeray, Sep 4, 2008
    #1
  2. synic

    synic Notebook Deity

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    All you have to do to convert a drive from FAT16/32 to NTFS is:

    Open up command prompt

    Type convert x: /fs:ntfs

    Replace x with whatever letter is assigned to your drive.
     
    synic, Sep 4, 2008
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  3. Chimeray

    Chimeray Notebook Consultant

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    Ok I did that but now I can't defragment it anymore... that ain't normal right?
     
    Chimeray, Sep 4, 2008
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  4. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    You can format drives via the GUI; you don't need the command line. Open My Computer > Right-click desired drive > Format

    Customize the options (quick format is OK).
     
    Bog, Sep 4, 2008
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  5. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    Does it have any data on it ?

    BTW that command line was for the conversion, not for a format.
     
    Andy, Sep 4, 2008
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  6. stewie

    stewie What the deuce?

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    haha finally went with the WD? :D


    Don't do a conversion unless that's your last option, do a full format instead, follow Bog's instructions.
     
    stewie, Sep 4, 2008
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  7. Chimeray

    Chimeray Notebook Consultant

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    Yeah the WD was the only one in stock... only the 250gb version of that Iomega was available.
    The WD on the site was the ELITE, that's why it was more expensive, this one is a bit cheaper than that Iomega so it's a win win :) An Essential is all I need anyways.

    What about that cluster size thing in the options when I'm trying a format?
    Should I be able to defragment the drive if the format was done correctly?
     
    Chimeray, Sep 4, 2008
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  8. stewie

    stewie What the deuce?

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    Ah that's good deal then. :)

    Cluster size, just choose "Default", there is an option with the word "Default".

    By the way, before formatting, I thought WD has a special software WD Sync installed on the drive already?
     
    stewie, Sep 4, 2008
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  9. Chimeray

    Chimeray Notebook Consultant

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    Yes indeed it has (had? :p) that software installed on the drive.. why?
    Was it helpful or something? I can always download it from the website...
     
    Chimeray, Sep 4, 2008
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  10. stewie

    stewie What the deuce?

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    WD Sync is for files synchronization and encryption, it should be a good software, especially if you use your drive with other public PCs.

    http://www.wdc.com/en/library/portable/2579-701178.pdf

    Don't worry, you should able to install it back later.

    :)
     
    stewie, Sep 4, 2008
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