Need some NTFS clarification

[Computer]

Right now I am using win 98. That uses FAT 32 right? I am getting XP soon and that uses NTFS format right? Will this new format effect my harddrive? It is an older HD sortof 30GB 5400rpm. I am not really sure how these formats work anyway. I was planning on reformating my HD when I get XP anyway because it's full of junk. Is there something I must do when I reformat to make it NTFS or does XP do everything for me? Or do I have to worry about getting a new HDD that can support NTFS. Sorry if these questions seem stupid. but I don't really know much about OS formats.

Thanks

[GroundZero3]

win98 uses fat 32 correct


winxp can use either ntfs or fat 32, when formating the drive you have the option to use fat32 or ntfs

make sure if you format to back up what you want to keep, you will not need another hard drive. the one you have will work.

[SpookyEddy]

ntfs will give you several benefits including file and folder permissions, indexing, journalling (helps with fault tolerance), quotas and encryption. It also scales better than fat32 in my experience.

As mentioned you can select to use either fat32 or ntfs during the installation of XP.

Regards

ed

[Uncle Bob]

Originally posted by Computer
Right now I am using win 98. That uses FAT 32 right? I am getting XP soon and that uses NTFS format right? Will this new format effect my harddrive? It is an older HD sortof 30GB 5400rpm. I am not really sure how these formats work anyway. I was planning on reformating my HD when I get XP anyway because it's full of junk. Is there something I must do when I reformat to make it NTFS or does XP do everything for me? Or do I have to worry about getting a new HDD that can support NTFS. Sorry if these questions seem stupid. but I don't really know much about OS formats.

Thanks

The're no STUPID questions. Only dumb mistakes. If you're going to do a clean install. Win XP should do the format and partition.
You just select the comand at the prompt.

[excuzzzeme]

You can "upgrade your system to XP and maintain FAT32 file system. There is no need to re-format the hard drive to NTFS. NTFS is more secure than FAT32 and easier to manage security profiles. "Upgrade" to XP and maintain your 32 on the upgrade (XP will allow you to choose to change file system at install/upgrade). Check your files (programs, misc for integrity) then at your leaisure, open a command prompt and enter:

convert c: /fs:ntfs

you will then convert your files to ntfs. You can convert FROM FAT32 to NTFS. You CANNOT convert from NTFS to FAT32. You can do this without reformatiing your hard drive. Although reccommended I have never backed up files when using this method and never lost files or programs. Have used this on a 110 workstation network. (Call me "Lucky")

[nukes]

yeah, you won't have any trouble. Especially as you want to reformat anyway.