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    How do I convert from Fat 32 to NTFS?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Charivari, Oct 12, 2006.

  1. Charivari

    Charivari Notebook Evangelist

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    I want to convert my HD to NTFS...what is the best way to do that?
     
    Charivari, Oct 12, 2006
    #1
  2. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    scandisk; defrag; convert c: /FS:NTFS
     
    Pitabred, Oct 12, 2006
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  3. Reezin14

    Reezin14 Crimson Mantle Commander

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    Click My Computer,right click drive,choose format and then choose NTFS.
    Note that you'll lose all your data on the drive.
     
    Reezin14, Oct 12, 2006
    #3
  4. Charivari

    Charivari Notebook Evangelist

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    Will I have to re-install the OS?
     
    Charivari, Oct 12, 2006
    #4
  5. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    No, you won't. Do like I said. You can convert a live volume from FAT32 to NTFS. First run a disk check, then run a scandisk. Then, reboot, go to Start->Run, type in "cmd" and hit enter. Then you can type "convert c: /FS:NTFS" and it will tell you that it will convert your drive to NTFS on your next reboot. Reboot, let it sit for a few hours, and you'll have a drive that's NTFS instead of FAT32. Make sure you don't power off the laptop during the conversion, and that you have your data backed up incase things go pear-shaped for some reason. It's really not too difficult.

    Reezin14: Seems you've lost some data doing things the silly way, eh?
     
    Pitabred, Oct 12, 2006
    #5
  6. Jalf

    Jalf Comrade Santa

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    Do as Pitabred said if you want to keep your data. Reezin14's method will work, but wipes your harddrive. :)
     
    Jalf, Oct 12, 2006
    #6
  7. strikeback03

    strikeback03 Notebook Deity

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    eh, I asked if this was possible a few months ago (the laptop my sister bought was formatted FAT32 for some reason) and no one knew without wiping it. oh well, saved for later.
     
    strikeback03, Oct 12, 2006
    #7
  8. Bobmitch

    Bobmitch Notebook Virtuoso

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    It can be as simple as that, BUT...realize that your cluster sizes will be very small, thus slowing down your system. I have used the method explained here. numerous times with GREAT success and 4KB cluster size which optimizes XP's performance

    http://aumha.org/win5/a/ntfscvt.htm

    This guy has saved my bacon more than once...the little program he has you download is shareware...but you use it the one time...by booting into the disk...and doing as explained...no need for payment...

    Bob
     
    Bobmitch, Oct 13, 2006
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  9. LIVEFRMNYC

    LIVEFRMNYC Blah Blah Blah!!!

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    Sweet, I'll bookmark this site for future reference.
     
    LIVEFRMNYC, Oct 13, 2006
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  10. strikeback03

    strikeback03 Notebook Deity

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    that link mentions making a floppy? will it make use of any other media, since floppies are long since outdated now?
     
    strikeback03, Oct 13, 2006
    #10
  11. qhn

    qhn Notebook User

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    u r scaring people away :p
    10min max for my 60gigo

    i 2nd Pitabred 2nd post of suggestion, & recommending this read
    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307881

    cheers ...
     
    qhn, Oct 14, 2006
    #11