New Laptop Fat32 vs NTFS 1

[vich]

I just purchased a new Acer laptop that has a 120mb hard drive running Windows XP Pro. The drive is split into 2 53mb FAT32 partitions. Wouldn't NTFS be a better format than FAT32. I am planning to use Paragon Partition Manager to convert both partitions to NTFS.

Is there any reason why I shouldn't?

Are there any gotcha's I should be aware of?

Thanks

 

[gargoyle47]

Since you have just bought the laptop have you check to see that this will not void any warranty you might have on it.
If you have the recovery disk why not just use fdisk and save yourself $50. Yes will have to reinstall but $50 is $50.

Which ever method you use think about making partition that is only for you operating system. I am a proponent of keeping data and operation system separate.

I do not know what you intend to use you laptop for but I use my computer for entertainment. Therefor I have partitions for music, photo, and software. Each of these partition only hold data pretending to that subject. This way it makes easier to keep track of and backup.

But that's up to you but give it some though.

Never Say Never (Romeio Void)

Homebuilt MSI MD5000MD-5000 M-ATX, 2.4Gig, 393mb, WinXp Pro
Homebuilt Iwill KK266R-Plus, 768mb, WinXp Pro

 

[linney]

Converting FAT32 to NTFS in Windows

http://www.aumha.org/a/ntfscvt.htm

http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=...vert+fat+ntfs+windows+xp+problems&sa=N&tab=wg

http://www.google.com/search?source...=UTF-8&q=convert+fat+ntfs+windows+xp+problems

307881 - HOW TO: Convert a FAT16 or FAT32 Volume to NTFS in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307881&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

 

[pansophic]

convert c: /fs:ntfs
convert d: /fs:ntfs

Save yourself a lot of headache and just convert the file system. You can always go from FAT32 to NTFS, but not the other way.

The conversion will actually happen on reboot.

Having 2 partitions is a good idea if you ever think that you might have to rebuild the system (and who doesn't sooner or later?).

Put your data on the D: drive and you never have to worry about it getting overwritten during an upgrade/rebuild.


pansophic

 

[vich]

Can I run the convert on the main partition?

 

[GeneralDzur]

Vich,

I have an Acer laptop too, (TravelMate 8100 w/ a 100GB drive) and it was really annoying to find that they partition everything in FAT32, because it's very outdated and you can't set security permissions, among other things.

My solution was to:

a) Wipe the drive and install XP fresh
b) Download the drivers from their site and install them
c) Get it setup exactly the way I wanted,
then
d) Ghost an image of it onto a CD so I'll always have an install ready-to-go when/if it crashes

Alternatively, (and this takes less time) you can just do a

convert c: /fs:ntfs
convert d: /fs:ntfs

to convert your drives to NTFS. But, then you'll still have your HD 50% used.

Possible Problems
I think the second partition is used by Acer to keep a system image (read: restore file) in case you hose the main installation. I didn't need or want it.

Anyway, that was my solution. I want to be able to use ALL of my hard drive, not half of it while Acer eats the other half for a useless backup that I already have on CD. Your choice.

- stephan

 

[vich]

Thanks everyone for you help.

Stephan thanks for your Acer specific comments - in my haste and initial ignorance I deleted the "D:" partition since it looked empty (I had forgotten to turn on display hidden and system files) however, I did create a system restore disk AND burned an image with Paragan Hard Disk Manager. I initiated the convert on reboot then adjust the partitions and see what happens. It is comforting to know that you successfully started from scratch. (BTW, are you pleased with your Acer?)

Thanks

 

[GeneralDzur]

Vich,

No problem

I didn't have any trouble with the Acer after I wiped it. In fact, I've blown it up a lot of times, but it was my own fault (messing with the registry).

I'm really happy with it - the battery life is great, it's solidly built, and it has good internals (2GHz Centrino/128MB graphics/1GB RAM). I did have to send it in for warranty work TWICE, but that might be a fluke. First the LCD panel shorted out (the cable shorted for some reason), and when they sent it back, then the speakers wouldn't work. But tech support was fast and helpful, and after that things have been smooth. Good luck with yours


BTW, for repartitioning and such, I'd recommend the GParted Live CD (

http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/gparted/gparted-livecd-0.2.5-3.iso?download)

I've done a LOT of partitioning (to dual-boot with Linux), and it's a great tool. Plus, it's open-source and *free*.

- stephan

 

[maxthedork]

Another partitioner that's very good and free is Partition Logic. The download creates a bootable CD, and it boots its own GUI OS.