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NTFS vs. FAT 32

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by ILGal, 2006/07/23.

  1. 2006/07/23
    ILGal

    ILGal Inactive Thread Starter

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    I have a Sony VAIO desktop with 80 GB HD and 1 GB Ram, Windows XP Home installed.

    I added a 120 GB external hard drive, then purchased a second, 250 GB hard drive.

    I only have a few things on the 250 GB drive now. I just found out that it's formatted as FAT 32, while the other 2 drives are NTFS.

    What's the benefit, rhyme, and/or reason between the two (Reader's Digest version is fine...). I know it has something to do with how files are stored/read. Would it be to my benefit to reformat the FAT 32 so it is also NTFS? One reason for doing so is that my TV Tuner would then be able to store recorded video (won't accept FAT 32). Any other reason?

    Lots of room to relocate the few files that are currently on the big drive if needed, prior to a reformat.

    Thanks!

    ~Val in muggy IL
     
    ILGal,
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  2. 2006/07/23
    bluzkat

    bluzkat Inactive

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    Val,

    This is one of those questions... ask 6 people, you'll get 6 different answers. :D

    I run all my drives as NTFS (4 internal, 2 external). Just a note if you decide you want your other drive NTFS you don't have to 'reformat' you can just 'convert' it. It's an easy procedure and you can leave your data in place, just make sure to back up (especially if there is something important on that drive).

    B :cool:
     
    bluzkat,
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  4. 2006/07/24
    ILGal

    ILGal Inactive Thread Starter

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    Thanks for your reply. I found some other stuff on the web supporting the idea of NTFS...and since it will handle my TV recordings AND the other drives are that way, I reformatted. Since the drive was mostly empty (I just moved the few files) the process went very quickly.

    ~Val in muggy IL

     
    ILGal,
    #3
  5. 2006/07/24
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Val

    You probably read this ....

    Choosing between NTFS, FAT, and FAT32

    Not quite Readers Digest - but close :D

    One point to note - probably not applicable in your case - in a dual boot system XP/98, XP formatted NTFS will see 98 formatted FAT32, but 98 (only FAT/FAT32) cannot see NTFS partitions. So under these circumstances there is an advantage in having XP formatted FAT32 so that data can be seen/used by 98 if required.

    Bottom line - NTFS is more robust and more secure than FAT32.
     
    PeteC,
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  6. 2006/07/24
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff

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    FAT32 will also do that, but for clarity sake, what you (probably) want to say is that your TV recordings are > 4GB (single file), and for that you will need NTFS.

    Oh, if you don't need FAT32 'compatibility' (i.e. you are not using the same drive in a dual boot with pre- WinXP OS), I would always suggest NTFS, as it is more 'robust' and fault-tolerant as compared to FAT.
     
    Arie,
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