My 2nd HD is FAT32. I want to convert it to NTFS. Can I use this command to do that without saving the data first?

Thanks.



At the Windows Help Center I found this:

To convert a volume to NTFS from the command prompt
Open Command Prompt.
In the command prompt window, type
convert drive_letter: /fs:ntfs

For example, typing convert D: /fs:ntfs would format drive D: with the ntfs format.

Notes

To open command prompt, click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Command Prompt.
You can convert FAT or FAT32 volumes to NTFS with this command.

Yes, you can use it safely. I've used it many times. However, you should always backup your data before executing a command like this just in case something goes wrong.

used it many times myself as well
shouldnt be a problem
but like alan says....always backup before running a command like that on a drive.

My brother finally upgraded my dad's Dell 8200 that shipped with WinME to WinXP but he left the files system as FAT32. Are there advantages of him converting to NTFS?

Yes, there are many advantages. Check out these links.
Microsoft.com - NTFS vs. FAT: Which Is Right for You?
Technet - Advantages of Using NTFS
NTFS.com - NTFS vs FAT Comparison Table

Thanks Alan, I forwarded them on to Dad.

from those links.......it kind of seems like the average person who doesn't use multiple operating systems is better off with NTFS.

Does it make any difference on a laptop versus a desktop?

just curious since it said the booting from a floppy would not allow you to access NTFS file systems

Keep in mind that the article is from Oct. 2001
I believe he was referring to booting from a floppy in a dual OS setup.

Actually, on a laptop I recommend using NTFS security and encryption features to prevent access to your files if the laptop gets stolen.

Booting from a Windows startup disk will not give you access to an NTFS file system, sort of. There are programs that allow you to read/write to NTFS from DOS or Windows 95/98/ME.
NTFS Reader for DOS can be added to a Windows Startup disk.

Couple of other NTFS file reader programs from SysInternals.com:
NTFSDOS
NTFS for Windows 95/98

Thanks..that is what I ended up doing!

looks like i'll convert over to NTFS on my lappy..........as soon as i backup anyways

thanks

^^

good info