Converting FAT32 to NTFS

soundklinik · 04 Mar 2013

HI,
this is from Microsoft help page concerning conversion from FAT 32 to NTFS:
LINK: Convert a hard disk or partition to NTFS format
Instructions:
Close any open programs running on the partition or logical drive to be converted.
Click the Start button , click All Programs, click Accessories, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
In the Command Prompt window, type convert drive_letter: /fs:ntfs, where drive_letter is the letter of the drive you want to convert, and then press ENTER. For example, convert E: /fs:ntfs would convert drive E to the NTFS format.

Type the name of the volume you want to convert, and then press ENTER. To view the available volumes, click the Start button , and then click Computer. The volumes are listed under Hard Disk Drives.
If the partition you are converting contains system files—which would be the case if you are converting your entire hard disk—you will need to restart your computer for the conversion to take place. If your disk is almost full, the conversion process might not succeed. If you receive an error, try deleting unnecessary files, or back up files to another location, to free up disk space.

I have a Transcend external HDD and want to convert it to NTFS but it got films and music on it and I don't want to loose it.
Is the above procedure fool proof?
TIA

Golden · 04 Mar 2013

I would rather use this guide instead:
Convert FAT or FAT32 Volume to NTFS

soundklinik · 04 Mar 2013

Thanks, will give it a try
EDIT:
I checked it out and...it seems is so complicated...Is it over explained or what?
I understand the Microsoft version much better.
I am afraid I will make some boo boo and wonder if much of the info applies to me?

I am converting an entire HDD of 698 GB, with 300 GB of files...

Britton30 · 04 Mar 2013

No, it is not over explained but detailed so users do the correct steps in the correst order, I advise you to print them out to make it easier. It looks like your quote from MS is the same method.