To Convert a FAT partition to NTFS,

[BigDadday]

perform the following steps.


1. Click Start , click Run, then type command
2. At the command prompt, type CONVERT [driveletter]: /FS:NTFS
3. Convert.exe will attempt to convert the partition to NTFS

CONVERT may present the following error:

Convert cannot gain exclusive access to the [driveletter]:, so it cannot convert it now. Would you like to schedule it to be converted the next time the system restarts (Y/N)?

This error will occur if any of the following three conditions exist:


If you run the CONVERT command while the current directory is on the drive that is to be converted (for example, you type CONVERT F: /FS:NTFS at the F:> prompt). To solve this, either answer "Yes" to the prompt and restart the system, or change to a directory on another drive and retype the command

If an application has a file open on the drive that is to be converted. To solve this, either answer "Yes" to the prompt and the drive will be converted the next time the computer is restarted, or close any applications that may be using files on the drive to be converted. Remember that this also applies to users accessing files on the drive over the network. This also includes a page file that resides on the drive.

If you attempt to convert the partition from which the operating system is running. It is not possible to convert the boot partition while the operating system is running. To convert the boot partition, it will always be necessary to issue the CONVERT command, answer Yes to the prompt, and then restart the computer. The partition will be converted the next time the computer is restarted. As an alternative, it is possible to boot the computer to an installation of Windows on a different partition and convert the partition from that installation of Windows.


NOTE : Although the chance of corruption or data loss during the conversion from FAT to NTFS is minimal, it is best to perform a full backup of the data on the drive that it is to be converted prior to executing the convert command. It is also recommended to verify the integrity of the backup before proceeding, as well as to run RDISK and update the emergency repair disk (ERD).

Source - Microsoft Corporation

[TheMysterio]

is there a way to convert NTFS to FAT32

just curious
TheMysterio

[unicorn]

TheMysterio: There is an option in PQMagic to do so, indeed.

However: I don't recommend conversions except of to be used as the very last possibility. In every case possibly oyu make better buy backup all files, format the partition into desired filesystem (including the choice of clustersize and such) and then after that copy the files back from the backup. This way you get a much less defragmented partition, and in the case of switching over to NTFS also a unfragmented MFT to start with. Pros, no cons. If you consider it a con not having to make a backup before converting please reconsider, or at least don't convert a partition with anything important in it.

imho,

[TheMysterio]

thanks .unicorn

[BigDadday]

Thnx unicorn for the advice and help,