RE: External USB Hard Drive Format Question

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From: Mary (Mary_at_discussions.microsoft.com)
Date: 02/22/05 

Date: Tue, 22 Feb 2005 12:07:07 -0800

You use convert.exe to reformat to ntfs. Directions quoted are at the Maxtor
web site: "You can use the CONVERT.EXE file to convert a FAT32 partition to
NTFS partition without the need to reformat the drive, data on the drive will
be intact. Reference the Windows Help File for more information.

NOTE: Maxtor suggests that you backup any/all data before running this
utility.

To convert a volume to NTFS from the command prompt
Open a Command Prompt by clicking on "Start" -> "Run" -> then type in cmd.
Click "Ok".

In the new window, type:

convert drive_letter: /fs:ntfs

For example, typing convert D: /fs:ntfs would format drive D: with the NTFS
format.
Note:
Convert.exe only works on Windows 2000 and XP.
You can convert FAT or FAT32 volumes to NTFS with this command."

"MedRxman" wrote:

> I purchased a Maxtor USB EHD which is formatted as
> FAT 32.
>
> I am intending to use this drive to storage images.
>
> Are there any issues if I create an image of my NTFS Win XP Pro machine to a
> FAT 32 drive.
>
> I will be using Drive Image 7 .
>
> I would hope no problem so that I will also be able to store some files from
> my WIN 98 machine on the EHD also.
>
> If it would be best to store NTFS to NTFS and FAT 32 to FAT 32 I guess I
> could use Partition Magic and
> partition the EHD hard drive making 2 partitions and formatting one as NTFS
> and the other as FAT 32..
>
> Suggestions are greatly appreciated.
>
> Thank you,
>
> BL
>
>
>

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