How can I convert FAT32 to NFTS on internal H Drive "C" without losing data?

Question

I want to backup my FAT32 "C" drive to an external NTFS drive that already has stuff on it that I don't want to lose. How can I do this? I then want to make my comp drive a NTFS. Can I then run the (FAT32 saved ) progs and data from the external drive back onto on my now NTFS "C" drive?

Answer 1

you dont need to do all that mess just to convert from fat to ntfs ...
It is easy to convert partitions to NTFS. The Setup program makes conversion easy, whether your partitions used FAT, FAT32, or the older version of NTFS. This kind of conversion keeps your files intact (unlike formatting a partition.

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.

Answer 2

As the others have said, you can convert FAT (16 or 32) to NTFS on the fly... but if you want the security of a backup before hand (just in case it all goes badly wrong or the power goes out part way through the convert)...

You got a few ways to back up your disk:
1) Copy the files. Use Windows (or dos xcopy command). What you are copying is *files* not the underlying disk structure. You can copy files from FAT to NTFS or back again without any worry. It's data and the same data is held (in a different way) on FAT or NTFS. So, you can make a directory on your external NTFS drive and put the files from your FAT disk into it. As long as there is space on the NTFS drive for all the data you're adding.

2) Zip the 'C' drive or bits of it onto a zip file on the NTFS drive. Saves space on the NTFS drive.

3) Take a disk image of the FAT drive. Depending on the software you use this may be a binary image of the *whole* disk drive including empty space and will only go back onto the same sort of disk drive of at least the same size. Alternatively it may be an automated version of 'saving every file'.

You might want to export a copy of the registry too... so you've got a copy of the registry in case your disk gets really messed up in the conversion from FAT to NTFS.

Alternatively...

Buy a new internal disk drive and fit it as well as the FAT disk drive. Format it as NTFS, install your OS, make it the master disk drive and then you can copy files from the (old) FAT 'c' drive onto the new NTFS 'c' drive in the computer... and then use the old disk drive as an internal backup drive or as swap space depending on yoru system and what OS it's got.

Answer 3

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 4

To convert a volume to NTFS from the command prompt
Open Command Prompt. Run and type CMD

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

Most are the C drive and it would be:

For example, typing convert C: /fs:ntfs would format drive C: with the ntfs format. You can convert FAT or FAT32 volumes to NTFS with this command without data loss. Do not restart or loss power during the process wait til its completely finished or data loss may occur.....Thanks

Answer 5

You can convert to NTFS without losing data but for security you should always back up vital data to a separate drive or DVD just in case. Things do go wrong! Good luck!

Answer 6

I love the 'Partition Magic' software, which allows you some more ease over the Windows facilities. It's an easy job that you're wanting to do, so don't fret too much over it. I compress most of my files, making the process easier and using less space.

Copy to CD/DVD/Flash drive if you're concerned, and backups are always a good thing for pc's anyway. Perhaps do a complete backup, as part of a regular schedule.

There's a free trial version of Partion Magic version 8.0 here:
http://www.soft32.com/download_151.html I don't know this website, which is not the software producer, but there are others out there offering a similar free trial of PM. It's got good help and support as a programme.

Good luck! Rob

Answer 7

im not sure its possible without losing the data you got. to convert you have to fdisk and go from there