ntfs backup

Once again, I'm trying to backup and restore my system without the trash. I've decided to use the backup tool in System Suite to backup my applications on a separate hard drive, do a clean install of xp pro, update to s.p.2, and restore my aps from backup. My current file system is Fat 32, and my partioning ap recomends formatting the backup h.d. as ntfs. I'd like to switch to ntfs, but can I backup my aps from fat 32 to an ntfs drive and restore them to an ntfs install of xp?

 

This should not present any problems. However, make sure that the backup solution is not encrypting the data on the NTFS backup partition. If in doubt, back up with FAT32, do your rebuild using NTFS if you like and then you can restore the FAT32 files onto the new NTFS drive.

DRD

 

Thank you for your response. I have the backup drive formatted as fat 32. I'll back up as is and start over with ntfs.

 

Restoring files won't be a problem.

Restoring Applications won't work - at least, the applications won't work unless they are very old, self-contained ones. They will need to be reinstalled.

 

That does present a problem. The reason I wanted to back everything as I planned was to avoid reinstalling everything. For some software, it won't be a problem, but I have lost the codes for several others. I guess I could keep fat32 if that would make things easier.

 

This has nothing to do with your using NTFS or FAT32 file systems.

The applications will require a number of registry entries and some files placed in folders other than their main folder in order to run.

 

Thanks for the info. Looks like I will have to do a bit more prep work than I had planned on. At least I won't get an unpleasant surprise when I'm done. Thanks again for all your help.

 

I see that I was asleep at the keyboard. You definitely can't back up applications like that. You could try reinstalling XP over the existing install doing a repair. Other than that your only option is reinstalling everything.

DRD

 

But a drive Image, say using Acronis True Image 8 would do the Trick woudn't it??
Or do you have to re-install Programs as well.
Just wondering
hawk22

 

Delayed Thanks

Sorry It has taken me so long to respond, but things were far worse than I thought. During the reinstall, my mobo failed.I finally got online earlier tonight. Several hundred dollars later, I have constructed a rig from scratch for the first time. My original question hs become moot, as I was unable to back my files up the way I had planned. Now, I'm headed for a whole new realm of questions. Anyway, I want to thank all of you for your help.

 

Well, yes it would avoid having to reinstall programs since an image is a complete bit by bit copy of the entire partition. The problem is, the original request was to strip the system of bloat and reinstall a fresh new copy. A disk image deployment doesn't meet that general criteria.

 

Also, fridgitator wanted to switch to NTFS. If you used an image you'd end up with FAT32 again.