NTFS or FAT32?

[KnightStryker]

I recently had a problem with FS9 and finally fixed the problem by convertting my HDD to NTFS. Is NTFS better than FAT32? What is the difference? Sorry if this should be in the software forum, if so please feel free to move it.
Thanks,

Kevin

[SabreHawk]

Well yes NTFS is better, as I understand the FAT32 is an older file system that was standard on all windows OS's but only supports hard drives up to 32 gig.
The NTFS supports up to 2 terabytes, provides enhanced reliability, stability, & security, and better disk compression.
However the conversion to NTFS is one way only, you cant go back to FAT32 if you converted from it to NTFS.
But you can always go from FAT32 to NTFS.

But the only reason one would want to use FAT32 is if your drive is smaller than 32gig & wanted to install more than one OS on your computer.

But I'd say that most everyones drives these days is much larger than 32gig. So NTFS is the only one to use.
NTFS was designed for Windows NT, hence the name NTFS stands for "NT file system".

[4_Series_Scania]

NTFS or FAT32? - If like me you have a dual boot system on one hard drive, you have to have both!

You most certainly can convert from NTFS to FAT32 and Vice Versa. Programs such as Partition magic make this an easy task.

I've got an 80gb HD thats quite happy with either format or ,as its currently configured, Both NTFS and FAT32.

The only problem, is under Win98, the FAT 32 Filing system can't see the XP/NTFS partition, in practice, this is hardly a problem, windows simply see's the FAT32 partition as the whole drive.

XP can read/write to either partition.

[Ivan]

you can NOT convert back from NTFS to FAT.

[4_Series_Scania]

you can NOT convert back from NTFS to FAT.

I certainly can't. Partition Magic ,it seems from my limited experience, can.

I may be wrong, however, the last time I altered my partition sizes, I reduced my XP (NTFS) Partition and Increased my Win98 (FAT32) partition.

Thus, I say it can!  ;)

[Ivan]

That is another thing... not a convert, but a cluster re-arrange.
PartitionMagic sets the cluster count of the NTFS partition lower, re-reads the arrangment and then is ready to do whatever you want with those free clusters

[4_Series_Scania]

That is another thing... not a convert, but a cluster re-arrange.
PartitionMagic sets the cluster count of the NTFS partition lower, re-reads the arrangment and then is ready to do whatever you want with those free clusters

Aaah! I think I see what you mean....  Oh well...

In a nutshell, under Win98, I can't do a thing with my NTFS partition, under XP I can read/write to either one.

I'm still undecided about which I'd say is best though....  :-/