How to convert a disk from FAT format to NTFS format

This article describes how to convert a disk from FAT format to NTFS format. Before you determine which file systems to use, you should have an understanding of their respective strengths and limitations. Changing the existing file system used by the volume will be a time-consuming task, so you should choose the file system that best suits your long-term needs. If you decide to use a different file system, you must first back up the existing data and reformat the corresponding volume with the new file system. However, when you want to convert a fat or FAT32 volume to an NTFS volume, you do not need to reformat it, even if in this case it is wise to back up the existing data before you begin the conversion.

Note: Some older programs may not run on NTFS volumes, so you should first analyze the current software requirements before you begin the conversion process.

Choose between NTFS, FAT, and FAT32

On a computer running Windows XP, you can choose from three different file systems--ntrs, fat, and fat32--that are disk-oriented partitions. Where NTFS is the file system that is strongly recommended for you, it has more powerful features than FAT or FAT32, and includes features required for Active Directory and other important security features. You can use features such as Active Directory and domain-based security only if you select NTFS as the file system.

Convert to NTFS file system with Setup program

Setup simplifies the process of converting a partition to a new version of the NTFS file system, even if you used to use a FAT or FAT32 file system, which can be easily done. This conversion ensures that your files are intact (unlike partition formatting).

The installer first detects your existing file system. If the current file system is NTFS, you do not need to convert. If the current file system is FAT or FAT32, Setup will allow you to choose to convert it to NTFS. If you are using a FAT or FAT32 partition, and you do not need to ensure that the current file is intact, it is recommended that you use the NTFS file system to format an existing partition instead of converting from a FAT or FAT32 file system. (partition formatting deletes all data on the partition and allows you to start working from scratch on a new drive). In summary, the NTFS file system is a great convenience for you, whether you use NTFS to reformat a partition or convert it.

Convert to NTFS file system with Convert.exe

By using Convert.exe, you can also convert the partition format after the installation process is complete. For more information about Convert.ext, click Start (Start), run (run), enter CMD, and click Return at the end of the installation process. In the Command Line window, enter help convert and click Enter.

The way to convert partitions to NTFS format is simple. Whether your partition used to use FAT, FAT32, or an earlier version of the NTFS file system, Setup can easily complete the conversion process. This conversion ensures that your files are intact (unlike partition formatting).

For more information about Convert.exe, follow these steps:

1, after the installation process is over, click Start (Start), run (run), enter CMD, and press ENTER.

2. In the Command Line window, enter help convert and press ENTER. Information about converting a FAT volume to NTFS will appear on the screen as shown below.

How to convert a disk from FAT format to NTFS format

Convert a FAT volume to NTFS format

To convert a specific volume to NTFS format by command line, follow these steps:

1, open the command line mode. Click Start (Start), all Programs (All programs), Accessories (attachment), command Prompt (Commands prompt).

2, in the Command Prompt window, enter the Convert < drive letter:/fs:ntfs. For example, the convert D:/fs:ntfs command will format the D drive in NTFS format. You can use this command to convert FAT or FAT32 volumes to NTFS format.

Important: Once you convert a drive or partition to NTFS format, you cannot revert it back to fat or FAT32 format. To return to FAT or FAT32 format, you must reformat the drive or partition and remove all data, including programs and personal files, from the appropriate partition.

file allocation table (FAT)

A file system for organizing and managing files for MS-DOS and other Windows operating systems. A file allocation table (FAT) is a data structure created by Windows when you use a FAT or FAT32 file system to format a particular volume. Windows stores file-related information in fat for later use when getting files.

FAT32

A file system derived from the file allocation table (FAT) file system. Compared with FAT, FAT32 can support smaller clusters and greater capacity to allocate disk space more efficiently on FAT32 volumes.

NTFS file system

An advanced file system that provides performance, security, reliability, and advanced features that are not available in a variety of fat versions. For example, NTFS ensures volume consistency through standard transaction log functionality and recovery technology. If the system fails, NTFS can use log files and checkpoint information to restore file system consistency. In Windows 2000 and Windows XP, NTFS also provides advanced features such as file and folder permissions, encryption, disk quotas, and compression.