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Resolved Can't convert FAT32 to NTFS

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by jpChris, 2013/02/16.

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  1. 2013/02/18
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff

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    Sure, but next time make a backup first. What would you have told your friend if you 'hosed' his data?

    • The maximum disk size for FAT32 is approximately 8 terabytes when you take into account the following variables: The maximum possible number of clusters on a FAT32 volume is 268,435,445, and there is a maximum of 32 KB per cluster, along with the space required for the file allocation table (FAT).
    • You cannot format a volume larger than 32 gigabytes (GB) in size using the FAT32 file system during the Windows XP installation process. Windows XP can mount and support FAT32 volumes larger than 32 GB (subject to the other limits), but you cannot create a FAT32 volume larger than 32 GB by using the Format tool during Setup. If you need to format a volume that is larger than 32 GB, use the NTFS file system to format it. Another option is to start from a Microsoft Windows 98 or Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me) Startup disk and use the Format tool included on the disk.

    Source: Limitations of the FAT32 File System in Windows XP

    The 'convert' is a bad way to get from FAT32 > NTFS.

    From a command prompt, run chkdsk (no parameters!). Now read the value reported for bytes in each allocation unit.
     
    Arie,
    #21
  2. 2013/02/18
    jpChris

    jpChris Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hi Arie,

    Thanks for the info. As far as backup, I still have the original drive; although its "health" is questionable.

    Quote: "You cannot format a volume larger than 32 gigabytes (GB) in size using the FAT32 file system during the Windows XP installation process. "

    I know. The original drive is only 20GB. I didn't use Windows to format\partition the drive, I used Partition Magic to format and partition to C & D. And, as I said it's my goof that I didn't check the file system.
     
    jpChris,
    #22


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  4. 2013/02/19
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff

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    Can you post this info:
     
    Arie,
    #23
  5. 2013/02/22
    jpChris

    jpChris Inactive Thread Starter

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    4K in each cluster unit.

    Everything is OK now. NTFS and all programs run.
     
    jpChris,
    #24
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