Convertinf FAT 32 to NTFS

I am in the process of cloning my small hard drive to a larger one. Used the XP Pro Urgrade from W98SE. Since my drive was not 32GB the upgrade automatically loads as FAT32. I want to convert to NTFS and not format so I do not loses my existing files and settings. XP says go to run and type Help convert. At that point it brings up a prompt that is supposed to get it converted. My problem is, I am not sure how to write the command on the prompt; My main drive is C: I do not know how to interpret the "Cut Area" Or the No security option.

Could someone Please write out the command that would allow mw to get converted...Many Thanks in advance

 

Hi CanField Fair
Convert C: /FS:NTFS

Make sure there is a space between the C: and the foward slash (/). Once you press enter it will ask you for confirmation and press Y. Then press Y and enter once more to reboot.

Daizy

 

That command would format the drive. I need the complete command to convert the partition and not lose my files and programs.

It requires different parameters. I need to have someone print the command out for me so I could follow it. I do not know what to indicate in the cut area and how to write it out properly. I know a mistake might be a disaster for me. That is why I want to be sure to know how to properly do it. Thanks

 

The above quoted directly from WinXP help files.

Are you ready to take a leap of faith?

 

Sorry if I led you astray. I must be reading it wrong then?

Daizy

 

Daizy - you had it correct.

Taken from XP by putting in convert /? and piping the output to a text file:

I would imagine you could/should ignore the /cvtarea.... and /nosecurity switches. /cvtarea.... would be needed only in special circumstances - some multi-boot drive setups I imagine though I can't even think of one right off. I'm sure the switch was added to cover whatever. Any security things could easily be dealt with later if needed. Probably never be needed.

/V might be fun if you want to have the system give you lots of detail while it is doing the conversion.

/X - if you have the issue, you will be prompted anyway so no real need for this switch unless you are doing a number of conversions and want to let them run unattended. Only needed if you are to be converting your system volume while running from it.

So, what you are looking for is

Convert c: /FS:NTFS /V (if you want a verbose conversion) and press <ENTER>

 

Thank you for hopping on the thread Newt. My heart skipped a bit thinking I was giving out misinformation.

Daizy

 

I guess I am obtaining the information I asked for..However in the Windows XP Convert instructions they also mention the following

*Important

You must create the placeholder file using the fsutil file createnew command prior to running convert. Convert does not create this file for you. Convert overwrites this file with NTFS metadata. After conversion, any unused space in this file is freed.

Where does this fit in? Is it necessary? How is the file created and where does it belong?

 

With the responses from Paul, Daizy, Luga, & Newt I was able to successfully convert my O/S from FAT32 to the NTFS partition.

Just a note to let you all know it was extremely helpfull and I want to extend my personal thanks to all of you and to Support BBS

 

CF - thanks for the feedback and glad you got it to convert for you.