How to Convert FAT Disks to NTFS

Windows XP signaled a change in how we format our hard drives. No longer do we format them using FAT16 or FAT32 but instead we have the more secure and reliable NTFS format for our computer systems.

Older computers (and hard drives that were used in older computers) may still be using the old FAT file systems. If you no longer use older programs or operating systems with these disks, converting your drives to NTFS will make your data more secure while allowing you to utilize the more powerful features of this disk format, such as larger file size support.

The traditional way to change the format on a hard disk was to erase the disk and reformat but this process causes the loss of all data on the disk. While backing up your data is still recommended (accidents can happen), Microsoft has made the process of converting FAT hard drives to NTFS much easier--now you no longer have to erase the drive.

Convert.exe is a program that will convert your hard disks with very little fanfare. It is a command-line program, which means that you will have to manually type in the command instructions.

To run Convert.exe go to Start, Run. Type cmd into the space provided and press (ENTER). A black Command Prompt Window will appear.

To convert a drive to NTFS, you will type the command in the following format:
convert drive_letter: /fs:ntfs
Replace drive_letter with the assigned letter of your drive. For instance, to convert the C: drive of your computer to NTFS you would type:
convert C: /fs:ntfs and then press the (ENTER) key.

The Convert program will start to work with no fanfare and immediately start converting your hard disk to NTFS. This process could take some time depending upon the speed of your computer and the size of your hard disk. It is recommended that you allow the program to work uninterrupted and not use the computer for other tasks during the conversion process.

NOTE: Another way to access the Command Prompt Window is by going to Start, All Programs, Accessories, Command Prompt.

Anything can happen: always back up your data before making any major changes to your computer.

References:
Microsoft TechNet: How to Convert FAT Disks to NTFS
Microsoft Support: How to Convert a FAT16 Volume or a FAT32 Volume to an NTFS File System in Windows XP