How to Convert a FAT/FAT32 Partition to NTFS
Important: If you will be using Windows XP to convert the FAT/FAT32 partition to NTFS, please see the note at the bottom of this article before performing the conversion.
To convert a FAT or FAT32 partition to NTFS, use the native Windows NT4/2K/XP CONVERT.EXE utility. The general format of the command you would want to use is:
CONVERT [driveletter]: /FS:NTFS
For example:
CONVERT C: /FS:NTFS
For full information on how to use CONVERT.EXE, enter this command from a command prompt:
CONVERT /?
Note: Using CONVERT.EXE will result in an NTFS partition with 512-byte clusters. This is not necessarily a problem. However, if you want a larger cluster size to be used in the resulting NTFS partition, you must follow these instructions before running CONVERT.EXE as outlined above:
[This procedure will only be effective if you will be using Windows XP's CONVERT.EXE for the conversion.]
- In BootIt BM, go into Partition Work.
- Select the FAT/FAT32 partition you wish to convert to NTFS.
- Click the Align button.
- Read the message displayed and click the Continue button.
- When the alignment has completed, click the Close button.
- Defragmenting the partition at this point (prior to running CONVERT.EXE) is recommended.