File system
A file system is an operating system's method of storing and organizing data (files) to find and access files. For Windows XP and Windows Vista you've got three choices for a file system: FAT, FAT32 and NTFS.
File Allocating Table (FAT): A file system used by MS-DOS and other Windows-based operating systems to organize and manage files. The file allocation table (FAT) is a data structure that Windows creates when you format a volume by using the FAT or FAT32 file systems. Windows stores information about each file in the FAT so that it can retrieve the file later.
File Allocating Table 32(FAT32): A derivative of the File Allocation Table (FAT) file system. FAT32 supports smaller cluster sizes and larger volumes than FAT, which results in more efficient space allocation on FAT32 volumes.
New Technology File System (NTFS): An advanced file system that provides performance, security, reliability, and advanced features that are not found in any version of FAT. For example, recovery. If a system fails, NTFS uses its log file and checkpoint information to restore the consistency of the file system.
The main thing why NTFS, in general, is the right choice: the maximum file size!
NTFS supports file size up to two terabytes while FAT32 supports up to four gigabytes, which is not even enough for a DVD.
Also FAT and FAT32 would have granted access to all users (regardless what account type), in NTFS you keep access control on folders and files.
Convert
This blog came up because a friend was troubled with following situation:
Most external hard disks, even 9 years later since NTFS was introduced, still are formatted in FAT32 as default. Now a few months and much more files later he found himself bugged with a rather limiting hard disk. Two solutions here.
Back up your files and format to NTFS, problem solved. (this is recommended if possible, all data would be erased and a clean drive awaits your data)
But what if you don't have space left to back up your precious data nor have the money to buy another drive. This is where the convert command comes in like an angel from heaven.
How to convert fat, fat32 to ntfs:
Open command prompt and typ "convert C: /fs:ntfs" to format the C partition to NTFS for example. It might ask whether you agree to dismount the drive, agree.
I'dd recommend to back important files anyway because you never know the convert technique doesn't go as consistently as it should. Also keep in mind that converting to NTFS is a one way ticket, no way (without formatting) to go back to FAT or FAT32.
Yours truly-Yuu Tency
