Converting from FAT32 to NTFS
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The Problem
There are two kinds of file systems in Windows, FAT and NTFS. NTFS provides numerous security enhancements and data recovery improvements over FAT.

The Solution
It is recommended that you to change to NTFS, which will ultimately improve your computer's performance.
(Caution: If you have older computers running Windows 95/98 (with the FAT file system) on the same network as your Windows XP computer, they cannot be converted to NTFS and can only read files if the NTFS system is running an 8dot3 file format.

The Method
Follow the steps below to find out what file system your computer is using.

 

  1. Locate the My Computer icon on your Desktop or in your Start Menu.
  2. Right Click My Computer. Select Manage by Left Clicking.
  3. Expand Storage by clicking on the plus sign to its left. Select Disk Management. You will see a screen similar to the one shown below.

 

 

  1. The screen above shows the File System on each of your drives. If you are using FAT and want to change to NTFS, make a note of the drive you wish to convert.

 

In order to change the FAT system to NTFS on your C drive follow the steps below. (For other drives use the appropriate drive letter.)

 

  1. Left Click on your Start Menu, then click on Run.
  2. Type cmd and press OK
  3. Type Convert C: /FS:NTFS and press Enter
  4. Press Y to confirm the conversion
  5. Press Y once more to reboot the computer for the changes to take effect.

 

 

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