[JohnLai]

I still a newbie to this hardisk type. I want to know how to convert my FAT32 hardisk to NTFS. If I want to convert using the method provided by the microsoft(http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/convertfat.mspx) ,do the process erase(format) my current drive? I need to confirm this since I don't want to end up losing my data.

 

[Typhoon 01]

Well the best way to do it would be the format one, but if you dont want to go trough the hussle of installing the OS again i would suggest you back up your most important data and use Partition Magic 8 to convert the filesystem from FAT32 to NTFS.

 

[JohnLai]

So, you mean that if I use the microsoft's method, the data inside the drive won't be erased if I just convert it directly,isn't it? By the ways, I don't have money to buy Partition Magic, so if I really need to format, can anyone tell me alternative ways to convert my hardisk?

 

[Typhoon 01]

Well it's not like you will lose the data if you convert it that way, but there is a slight possibility that you will therefore a back up is important.
It happened to me before and it can happen to you so just be prudent.

 

[scottlc]

Microsoft's Convert utility, as mentioned on that link, does not result in data loss. There is no need to buy PartitionMagic.

For partitioning and drive imaging, System Rescue CD-ROM is a free and excellent alternative to PartitionMagic and Ghost.

 

[JohnLai]

OK. Thanks for the reply. I gonna try converting my hardisk. I just hope that it will success.

 

[Esturk]

The built in convert command has to be one of the easier commands.

convert c: /fs:ntfs

I've converted c: drives before with absolutely no problems.