Convert file system from FAT32 to NTFS using convert.exe
This little trick is an easy way to begin the process of converting your Fat32 formatted hard drive to NTFS. The command is simple, and you are then prompted (if it’s the drive your Operating System is installed to) to either dismount the file system (not recommended) or whether to perform the conversion at the next reboot.
Although this process is very straight forward (and doesn’t cause data loss), and I’ve never had a problem despite using it several times, it is worth noting that it’s irreversible (unless you format the drive).
Another possible concern is if you also have a second, older installation of Windows on the machine
- Only XP and Windows 2000 can fully access an NTFS drive
- Windows NT4 SP4 or later can access NTFS drives, but there can be problems
- Windows Me, 98SE and anything earlier cannot access any files on an NTFS drive.
Anyway, to perform the conversion:-
- Go to command prompt (Start - Run - Cmd.exe)
- type ‘convert c: /fs:ntfs‘ without the quotes, and substitute c: for the drive you want to convert.
- Follow any prompts and reboot if you need to.
