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DarkAngel
07-10-2008, 20:22
Just checking, can files be copied or moved from a FAT32 formatted drive to an NTFS formatted drive without messing them up?

Basically, I've got hold of an ancient old Compaq PC that's running a FAT32 file system. I want to move some of the files on that drive onto an external HDD (through a USB link) that's been formatted in NTFS.
Will that work ok?
[GPO]Solitaire
07-10-2008, 20:30
Moving between file systems will be fine.

I move files all the time between my NTFS external drive and Linux Drive (formatted to EXT3).
DarkAngel
07-10-2008, 20:37
Ok, thanks :)
Fat Bob
07-10-2008, 23:12
Plain copying should be fine - but if you want to be ultra-cautious, consider using a hex-editor at disk level. It'll take a lot longer, but you'll learn a lot as a result.
latency
07-10-2008, 23:39
You'd also learn a lot by stripping down your car and putting it back together, but that ain't going to happen ;)

Incidentally, if the old computer is running Windows 2000 or XP, you can use Convert to upgrade the disk to NTFS without reformatting it.

Go to Start -> Run -> cmd
Convert C:

It'll ask for the volume label and if you want to schedule the conversion for next boot. Answer correctly, then restart, and you're sorted.
Fat Bob
08-10-2008, 22:58
You'd also learn a lot by stripping down your car and putting it back together, but that ain't going to happen ;)
A mate of mine tried that with his Triumph Spitfire. He learnt quite a lot. The most valuable being that a fully assembled Triumph Spitfire is more inducive to getting a girlfriend than a garage full of parts.
latency
09-10-2008, 00:00
*rummages around living room putting all his random PC odd and ends away*
Tom
09-10-2008, 01:35
*rummages around living room putting all his random PC odd and ends away*
They sell these collapsible plastic crates at Tesco. Did wonders for my sex life, mate. Give that a go! ;)
Fat Bob
09-10-2008, 18:34
They sell these collapsible plastic crates at Tesco. Did wonders for my sex life, mate. Give that a go! ;)
Perhaps Tesco should market them as a marital aid. On second thoughts, not such a good idea. Lesley Ash would probably by a few given her penchant for jumping off of wardrobes.