Western Digital external HD - file system?

ciarsd

Just ordered one of these: http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=318873

I believe it's shipped with FAT32 filing system. Is there any benefit re-formatting to NTFS when I receive it or is it perfectly fine as is (sorry if this seems like a silly novice question).

It'll be used with a Win XP laptop and primarily as storage for email/backups/college projects & photos/music.

Thanks for your help and advice

Ruu_Old

I didn't bother changing mine to NTFS, I don't use it too often. NTFS has increased security, can handle larger files. The FAT32 file size limit is much lower. Best format to NTFS, might be better all round. Have a look here for some techie nonsense and reading.

ob

If I were you, I'd format now while it's empty. The main reason (besides the security features of NTFS) is that FAT32 has a 4GB file size limit.

ciarsd

Thanks for taking the time to reply guys - very helpful.

Just reading the link now on NTFS vs FAT

Cheers

dubmick

yeah I formatted mine when I received on the advice of the lads here.

It didn't even take that long.

ciarsd

dubmick, how did you go about it? did you use some 'official' software from the Western Digital site? did you still maintain your backup software which comes with the HDD?

Thanks