Converting file format on hard drive when restoring image

[davron94]

Hi All!

I am trying to convert an external hard drive (WD My Book, 1TB) from FAT 32 to NTFS. In doing so, I backed up all the files on the drive as an Image (using Paragon partition manager SW) to another external hard drive that is formated in NTFS. I then reformatted the original hard drive to NTFS. My question now is when restoring the image back to the original hard drive (that is now formatted for NTFS) will the image remain as FAT32 or will it convert to the currently formatted for NTFS?

Thanks!

 

[LMiller7]

The image will remain as FAT32.

Restoring an image restores the drive to the same state it was in when the image was made. That includes the file system. Any existing contents and file system on the drive will be lost.

 

[davron94]

I kind of figured that but wanted to make sure. I guess at this point I just need to copy the files themselves instead of creating an image, then reformat and copy the files back.

thanks,

 

[LMiller7]

Windows has a utility that can convert to NTFS in place. See this:
How to Convert FAT Disks to NTFS

Be sure to understand that this is a one way conversion. Microsoft provides no utility to reverse this.
Have a backup of all files on the drive, just in case. Of course you should have this anyway.