Which hard disk file system is better (FAT32 or NTFS)?

Answer 1

NTFS, FAT32 is obsolete.

Answer 2

Usually, NTFS for the win! It's got better security, better compression, and it's newer and the obvious choice for anything newer than Windows98. Only problem with NTFS is that it's not compatible with other OS on your computer. Also NTFS isn't available when you boot from a floppy disc. But with XP or Vista, NTFS is the winner.

You'll need FAT if you want to store some data that has to be accesses by more than one OS on your computer, though. Thankfully not a problem for me. If you have only XP or Vista, don't even think about FAT32.

Hyd Geek: A very good answer! But WHY does it sound like you COPIED the whole thing off this link given in my source? Er... you're not the author, are you?

Answer 3

I personally prefer NTFS over FAT32.

The NTFS file system, introduced with first version of Windows NT, is a completely different file system from FAT. It provides for greatly increased security, file–by–file compression, quotas, and even encryption. It is the default file system for new installations of Windows XP, and if you're doing an upgrade from a previous version of Windows, you'll be asked if you want to convert your existing file systems to NTFS. Don't worry. If you've already upgraded to Windows XP and didn't do the conversion then, it's not a problem. You can convert FAT16 or FAT32 volumes to NTFS at any point. Just remember that you can't easily go back to FAT or FAT32 (without reformatting the drive or partition), not that I think you'll want to.

The NTFS file system is generally not compatible with other operating systems installed on the same computer, nor is it available when you've booted a computer from a floppy disk. For this reason, many system administrators, myself included, used to recommend that users format at least a small partition at the beginning of their main hard disk as FAT. This partition provided a place to store emergency recovery tools or special drivers needed for reinstallation, and was a mechanism for digging yourself out of the hole you'd just dug into. But with the enhanced recovery abilities built into Windows XP (more on that in a future column), I don't think it's necessary or desirable to create that initial FAT partition.

The FAT32 file system, originally introduced in Windows 95 Service Pack 2, is really just an extension of the original FAT16 file system that provides for a much larger number of clusters per partition. As such, it greatly improves the overall disk utilization when compared to a FAT16 file system. However, FAT32 shares all of the other limitations of FAT16, and adds an important additional limitation—many operating systems that can recognize FAT16 will not work with FAT32—most notably Windows NT, but also Linux and UNIX as well. Now this isn't a problem if you're running FAT32 on a Windows XP computer and sharing your drive out to other computers on your network—they don't need to know (and generally don't really care) what your underlying file system is.

Answer 4

If you are going to run a server with clients, then you need to have NTFS for centralized operations like password validation services and other adminstration. Otherwise FAT32 is easier to use and maintain which will be more compatable.

Answer 5

XP and above is NTFS and FAT 32 if it is below.Clash is normally cause by programs and impatient.So choose programs to use and allow programs to shutdown.

Answer 6

NTGS ..especially for newer operating syestems..fat32 is also often used on removable media

Answer 7

NTFS is a little more reliable..

Answer 8

NTFS for sure. faster and more reliable.

Answer 9

if your using windows2000 and later, NTFS is the way to go.

Answer 10

in my idea FAT32 is better.