How to Convert from One File System to Another File System
If you have a hard drive that uses FAT16 or FAT32 and would like to convert it to NTFS to uses the functionality of NTFS you can do so without having to reinstall the Operating System and having to wipe out all your data in the process. Converting from one file system to another using the convert feature will not affect any of the data. To convert FAT16 or FAT32 to NTFS follow the instruction below:
- Click Start > Run > Type CMD
- In Command Prompt, type convert c: /fs:ntfs (you can convert other drive other than c:)
- Click Enter
NOTE: If you getting the message above, In XP: Go to Start>Programs>Accessories>Command Prompt>Right-click and select Run As. Enter the account that have administrative right.
In Windows 7: Right click the Command Prompt in the taskbar and select Command Prompt and right click on the Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
In Windows 7: Right click the Command Prompt in the taskbar and select Command Prompt and right click on the Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
4. The command prompt will prompt "Enter current volume label for drive C:" (This will usually be the name of the Drive C)
5. Type the Volume Label and press Enter
6. You will get the following message "Convert cannot run because the volume is in use by another process. Convert may be run if this volume is dismounted first. ALL OPENED HANDLES TO THIS VOLUME WOULD THEN BE INVALID. Would you like to force a dismount on this volume? (Y/N)
7. Type Y and press Enter
8. If you get the following message "Convert fail to dismount the volume. Convert cannot gain exclusive access to the c: drive, so it cannot convert is now. Would you like to schedule it ti be converted the next time system restarts (Y/N)
9. Type Y and press Enter
10. If you get the following message "Could not find file C:\WINDOWS\system32\AUTOCONV.EXE. Make sure that the required file existed and try again. Could not schedule an automatic conversion of the drive. This mean that Autoconv.exe is missing.
11. Either copy the file from another computer or download one and place it in the location mention above.
12. Afterward, repeat Step 2-9 again
13. You should get the following message "The conversion will take place automatically the next time the system restarts."
14. Restart your computer
15. Before the login screen, the computer will convert the FAT16 or FAT32 to NTFS
How to check what type of file system your hard drive uses
- Go to My Computer
- Right-click C drive and select Properties
- Under General tab, in the File System area it should say NTFS or other file system
- Or select c drive and to the left pane you should see hard drive information under Detail
- File System: NTFS