how to change fat32 partitions to ntfs

[gopher]

Hi as I am just learning about dvd's and having problems trying to make a backup copy of my dvd's, I keep getting an error message stating Drivd c:\ (fat 32) does not support files>4 gb
How can I change the fat32 partions to ntfs.
I am using windows ME if that is any help
Thankyou:(

[killingspree]

sorry, it's not possible to create or even write to NTFS partitions under WinME. I'd suggest you upgrade to Win2k or XP, it's worth it!

[jggimi]

You haven't mentioned what DVD software tools you are using, but it should be possible to keep all files below 4GB, such as the DVD de facto standard 1GB, by using the appropriate settings.

[doomed@ripping]

Welcome back Killingspree :)

Gopher's probably having trouble with iso images while backing up. maybe gopher should avoid iso images (not entirely possible while using some software) but otherwise most basic tools should work on fat32 while backing up dvd's.

[ammck55]

gopher - Please do not cross-post (http://forum.doom9.org/forum-rules.htm).

[gopher]

Thankyou for your help with my question regarding fat 32
I have windows ME and just read that I will probably have to upgrade to XP.
Probably won't be until fall before that happens
again thankyou for your suggestions.
gopher

[dani82]

dvddecrypter splits my ps2 games into separate pieces after the 4gb mark, i guess it should work with dvd movies (remember "guess")

[shakoor_h]

when you upgrade to xp it doesn't automatically change your hard drive system from fat32 to ntfs. although i have heard that it is possible to do so when you have upgraded, but as of yet i don't know how.

anyone who knows please reply i need help with this one aswell

thanks

[shakoor_h]

i just found it

"Q: Is it possible to convert a FAT32 Hard Drive to NTFS without losing all data on the drive? I like to change from FAT32 to NTFS, my operating system is Windows XP PRO, how can I do that? Without the lost of my programs?
A: Standard Windows utility that is called CONVERT serves this purpose

Just go to the Command Prompt and execute the command:

C:\> CONVERT C: /fs:ntfs
Where C: is a name of the drive you want to convert.

After machine re-boot conversion process will start and you'll have your FAT32 converted to NTFS without of data loss."

edit: sorry for posting twice:(

[jorel]

only informations(i don't know this prog):
paragon partition maneger can change from one fs to another: http://www.partition-manager.com/
"Convert file system
- FAT16 to FAT32 and back
- FAT16/32 to NTFS and back
- Ext2 FS to Ext3 FS and back"
...partition magic can do the same!

@ shakoor_h
thanks for your information--> C:\> CONVERT C: /fs:ntfs
now a question: if i use your command line posted to change fat32 to ntfs, do you know how can i back from ntfs to fat32 again? :)

[ammck55]

Here's a link to NTFS.com (http://www.ntfs.com/faq.htm) where a lot of really good information and tips on NTFS vs. FAT32 can be found. Also, use the link further down in this post for more information. We don't need to go into cluster sizes here, you can read all about those on your own. :)

On a freshly formatted install of an NTFS partition, the MFT (Master File Table) is created at the beginning of the disk. When you execute a conversion, as opposed to a fresh format, the MFT ends up wherever there is free space, and therefore, somewhat fragmented. In other words, you can convert and lose no information, but you'll have a cleaner, smoother running setup if you start off with a freshly formatted disc, although it's not really a major stumbling block. That is, unless you start experiencing a major hard drive slowdown and defrag's don't seem to regain as much efficiency as they should. In that case a fresh format is definitely an option.

I don't know how programs like Partition Magic, etc., handle the MFT, if you find out anything pertinent on this, be sure to let us know.

Jorel--Once you convert a drive or partition to NTFS, I don't think it's possible to use a command line prompt to go back. Here's the link (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/convertfat.mspx) that I used to verify this information. Scroll to the very bottom of that page.

When it's all said and done, you pretty much have to read and digest all the information you can, and plot a course that looks like it'll work best for you. Backing up important data is always a good idea before executing a format/conversion, no matter how much experience you have at this. HTH's....

ammck55

[shakoor_h]

can you use the way i said to convert to ntfs on a w2k system as this is the one i am thinking of installing on my old windows 98 computer?

[ammck55]

shakoor_h:

You're close. Click on the second link in my last post. Scroll to the bottom of that page. There, you'll find the exact command line needed to perform your conversion. Follow it to the letter.

Here's a little more information on FAT to NTFS (http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/reskit/en-us/default.asp?url=/windows2000/techinfo/reskit/en-us/core/fncc_fil_mrua.asp), it's taken from a Windows 2000 resource kit and should answer your questions. I'd urge you to read this, as well.

If you're transferring and deleting massive amounts of data on a regular basis, you might see some slowdown over an extended period of time, but that's to be expected under any circumstances. I have no doubt that a conversion will perform well for you, the point of my posts here has been to illustrate some of the differences between executing a conversion as opposed to a fresh format, and to give an idea of what to start troubleshooting should you encounter problems.

Both will work, the most inconvenient part of doing a fresh format is the time it takes to back up your important files and data. Take your pick! :)

ammck55

[cyberbob25]

can you use the way i said to convert to ntfs on a w2k system as this is the one i am thinking of installing on my old windows 98 computer?

If you currently have 98 on your machine, I strongly advise for you to do a fresh install of Win2k. It is possible to do an upgrade, but you will typically run into more problems than it's worth, especially since you also want to conver the file format after you do so. In this case, it's just much easier to backup your info and install from scratch.