converting external hard drive to NTFS

RolandIRL · 30-01-2010 05:49PM #1

hi all,
i was thinking of changing the file system on my WD elements HD to NTFS from FAT32 using the convert command in command prompt but this worried me:

Although the chance of corruption or data loss during a conversion is minimal, you should back up all data on the partition before you begin.

i've already got loads of stuff backed up on the HD and i don't have a way to back up what's on the HD so what are the chances of corruption or data loss happening converting the file system? has anyone had any experience with this?

thanks

slave1 · 30-01-2010 06:34PM

I've done it a few times and never lost any data

marco_polo · 30-01-2010 06:41PM

whiteman19 wrote: »

hi all,
i was thinking of changing the file system on my WD elements HD to NTFS from FAT32 using the convert command in command prompt but this worried me:

i've already got loads of stuff backed up on the HD and i don't have a way to back up what's on the HD so what are the chances of corruption or data loss happening converting the file system? has anyone had any experience with this?

thanks

Yeah 99.9 times out of 100 it should be ok, however something like a powercut half through or an error in the middle of the process would put you in real trouble. If all possible a backup should be done before doing anything like this.

The risks are quite low but not zero by any means.

RolandIRL · 31-01-2010 01:03PM

i'll try it on monday. hopefully all goes well.
thanks for all the info

Update: converted it last night and it worked. thanks for the help.

converting external hard drive to NTFS

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