How do I convert FAT32 to NTFS without losing any files?

Question

I've got a 300Gb external harddrive that is currently in FAT32 file system and i want to convert it to NTFS without losing the files. I run Windows XP Professional it that helps. I heard there is a setup program to do this, but I don't know how to run it.

Answer 1

To convert a volume to NTFS from the command prompt
1.
Open Command Prompt. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Command Prompt.

2.
In the command prompt window, type: convert drive_letter: /fs:ntfs


For example, typing convert D: /fs:ntfs would format drive D: with the ntfs format. You can convert FAT or FAT32 volumes to NTFS with this command.

Important Once you convert a drive or partition to NTFS, you cannot simply convert it back to FAT or FAT32. You will need to reformat the drive or partition which will erase all data, including programs and personal files, on the partition.

Answer 2

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RE:
How do I convert FAT32 to NTFS without losing any files?
I've got a 300Gb external harddrive that is currently in FAT32 file system and i want to convert it to NTFS without losing the files. I run Windows XP Professional it that helps. I heard there is a setup program to do this, but I don't know how to run it.

Answer 3

To change from FAT 32 to NTFS file system for more stability, security and less fragmentation, open the command prompt and type:

Convert C: /FS:NTFS

Where C: is the drive you want to convert. The command prompt can be loaded via Start->Run->cmd

Even though you aren't supposed to lose your data, always perform a backup first.

Answer 4

1) Go to Computer, and note the name of the drive whose file system you wish to convert.
2) Click on Start.
3) Type cmd in the search bar if you use Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows Vista. If you use Windows XP, click on Run and then execute cmd.
4) Execute "chkdsk h: /f " (without quotes) where H is the letter of the drive to undergo conversion. This checks the drive for errors and fixes them automatically.
5) Execute "Convert H: /FS:NTFS" (without quotes). H is again the letter of the drive to be converted.
6) The command prompt will start the conversion process and after a few minutes, CMD will say that conversion was successful.
7) You can check it in the properties of the drive through right click

Answer 5

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Answer 6

the harddisk must be connected as secondary storage, in other words, its not the one that loads windows, then from start menu --> go to run --> type 'CMD'

then write

Convert X: /fs NTFS

where X is the partition you want to convert

Answer 7

Follow linkymon's answer, but make a BACKUP first. Every time I've done this it's worked flawlessly, but you'll be sorry if your the first one it fails on and you lose everything.

Answer 8

I can give you a link that deals with hard drive problems.
Some hard drive problems can be easily fixed yourself by using easily available tools. I found the info at http://fixit.in useful

Answer 9

Back up your files first, then reformat your hard drive and choose NTFS file system.

Answer 10

you may be able to partition the external hard drive, then transfer the files to the second partition then reformat the first partition, then transfer the files again, then reformat the second partition. not too keen on this one though. :)