convert from fat32 to ntfs in xp

[DukeOliver]

I have a fall 2008 model macbook, 2.4 GHz 4GB ram, etc. I run windows XP SP3 on bootcamp, with a fat32 partition. I believe the external harddrive I run games from is also fat32 formatted.

I've had enough problems with transferring files over 4GB that i've decided to attempt to convert from fat32 to ntfs. I'd like to do it while on my windows partition, with the CONVERT C: /FS:NTFS in the command prompt. What precautions should I take before I attempt this? How difficult will it be to also convert my external drive to ntfs? Will anything be deleted in the process? Will I still be able to use parallels?

 

[velocityg4]

First off backup up everything on both your Mac and Windows partitions. The odds of you losing your Windows partition or your hard drives entire partition map is much greater than individual file loses. Power interruptions are the greatest threat during the conversion.

This is after all a pretty major change moving from one filing system to another. I am not sure Windows will even allow this on its startup volume.

Just be prepared with backups of your data, software installers (for downloaded software like firefox and/or updates), and drivers.

Personally I do not trust processes like this nor partition resizing. I always opt for the fresh reinstall from backups instead.

 

[steveza]

You can convert any volume on a Windows machine and it's perfectly safe to do. Converting a file system isn't the same and changing a partition size in terms of risk.

 

[LtRammstein]

You can convert any volume on a Windows machine and it's perfectly safe to do. Converting a file system isn't the same and changing a partition size in terms of risk.

Right, but it's always a good idea to back up anything when you are changing anything that may affect the system drastically.

 

[DukeOliver]

You can convert any volume on a Windows machine and it's perfectly safe to do. Converting a file system isn't the same and changing a partition size in terms of risk.

That's a relief. I was worried I would have to end up just creating a whole new partition, reinstall everything, etc etc. Tedious process. Is there anyone out there who has done this successfully with no problems, or even with problems?

 

[steveza]

That's a relief. I was worried I would have to end up just creating a whole new partition, reinstall everything, etc etc. Tedious process. Is there anyone out there who has done this successfully with no problems, or even with problems?

I use the convert command quite often - it used to be something that I did daily when upgrading old servers that still had FAT partitions on them. I've never had any issues like data loss or partition corruption.

 

[DukeOliver]

I use the convert command quite often - it used to be something that I did daily when upgrading old servers that still had FAT partitions on them. I've never had any issues like data loss or partition corruption.

Out of curiosity, what are your system specs?

 

[steveza]

Out of curiosity, what are your system specs?

My MBP is an Early 2008 15" 2.6Ghz 4GB RAM and 200GB 7200 HDD. I have other stuff like an i7 920 desktop, a couple of mac Minis and Dell laptops. Does that help you?