Change XP Format

[Pct1theory]

hi, if i change XP from NTFS To FAT, will it erase everything?

 

[4JNA]

can't be done in xp. only able to convert from FAT32 to NTFS. you could try a 3rd party utility like partition magic, but even then, chance of success on an active/primary partition are low. for example, from the help section...

Conditions of conversion

NTFS is a more advanced file system than FAT and FAT32. Therefore, depending on the NTFS features used on the partition, the type of data, and partition size, you will either be allowed to complete the conversion or not.
If you receive an error message and the conversion stops, one or more of the following usually causes it:

· The file system for conversion is not allowed for the current partition size. The FAT32 partition must be greater than 256 MB and the FAT partition must be less than 2 GB.

· The Windows 2000/XP NTFS partition has compressed files, sparse files, reparse points, or encrypted files. In such cases, you can uncompress and/or move (or delete) the files or points, then repeat the conversion.

· The NTFS partition has data in memory that has not yet been written to the hard disk.

· The file system has errors, such as lost clusters and cross-linked files. You can fix these problems, then try the conversion again.

· There is not enough temporary space in the partition to do the conversion. The conversion will require the NTFS system and the FAT32 system files until the last step of the conversion. Also, there is data in NTFS FRS's that must be moved to external clusters and saved.

Copyright © 1994-2002 PowerQuest Corporation.

format the drive and start over, just make sure to back up you stuff first! best of luck.

 

[Pct1theory]

thxs

thxs i'll try it...