The file system of a storage medium, for example, a hard disk, determines the format of data storage, it imposes restrictions on the names and sizes of files and partitions. Sometimes it becomes necessary to change the file system, for example, to write large files (over 4GB), you will need the NTFS file system.
Instructions
Step 1
To convert the file system in Windows XP, you can use the built-in conversion program (Convert.exe) or one of the many third-party programs. To convert the FAT file system to NTFS using the built-in Windows program Convert.exe, open the main menu "Start" and select "Run …". In the window that appears, enter the cmd command and click OK.
Step 2
A command prompt window will open, enter the command
CONVERT drive letter: / FS: NTFS
The NTFS file system will be created on the specified drive.
Step 3
It should be noted here that an error message may be displayed during the conversion process. It may appear if the CONVERT program is launched from a directory located on the disk being converted, in which case you need to restart the program, having previously switched to another disk. An error message will be displayed when you try to convert a disk from which the operating system is running. Finally, if at the time of the start of disk conversion, open files stored on this disk are found, then an error message will also be displayed.
Step 4
As a program for converting the system, you can use, for example, Partition Manager.
Run the program in advanced user mode by selecting the appropriate item in the startup menu.
Go to the "Disk panel" tab, select the disk, the file system of which you want to change. In the context menu of this disk, select the "Convert file system" item.
Step 5
In the window that opens, select a new file system and click the "Convert" button.
In the "Changes" menu, select the "Apply Changes" item, confirm the actions by clicking the "Yes" button, after which the conversion process will begin. While the program is running, you will need to reboot the system; at the right time, a corresponding message will be displayed. The process ends with a restart of the computer, as a result the disk will be converted to a new file system.
