converting NTFS to FAT

Four · 12-31-2005, 10:52 AM

Hi,

I have a windows partition in NTFS, is it possible to convert it to FAT like this:
copy everything to another partition, use Linux to format the windows partition to FAT, and copy everything back.

Will it work and is it safe? I want to do this so I may edit stuff on that partition using Linux.

Thank you!

otchie1 · 12-31-2005, 11:12 AM

Why bother? Just set up a shared partion that is FAT. leaving windows in its NTFS nirvana. WIll XP even run in FAT? assuming it is XP of course.

kvnband · 12-31-2005, 11:15 AM

If you're not planning on booting windows (XP?) again, then go for it. I had to do something similar with my storage drive. If the data on the partition still needs to be bootable though, I wouldn't go for it.
Kevin

Gato Azul · 12-31-2005, 12:32 PM

Actually, you can install XP on a FAT32 partition just fine. You should be able to copy everything from one partition to another and then back again, just like you're planning to do. If you're looking for a nice tool to use to manage partitions and their formats, I'd highly suggest taking a look at Parted or its GUI counterparts QtParted and GParted.

Hope that helps!

Four · 12-31-2005, 01:17 PM

Yes its windows xp in that partition. I already have a few partions all in FAT. I would like the windows partition to still be bootable.

Thanks!

pixellany · 12-31-2005, 03:49 PM

My favorite solution:
BEST:
3 drives: Windows (NTFS), Linux, and Data (FAT32)

GOOD:
2 drives: #1 Windows and Linux, #2: Data

Kleedrac · 03-09-2006, 02:27 AM

Is there any trusted way to simply convert an NTFS data drive to FAT32?

an2ny_18 · 03-09-2006, 02:37 AM

use the windows 98 start-up disk or windows 98 cd, just select to the option number 2 or with a cdrom support. and boot with your win98 startup and type to command promt "fdisk" and fdisk menu will load. after that delete you current partition and create a new one. then restart your computer. agian boot your win98 startup disk. format your hard with a command format C:

Kleedrac · 03-09-2006, 02:40 AM

And by convert (in case I wasn't clear) I meant without sacrificing the data that's on the drive now

an2ny_18 · 03-09-2006, 02:45 AM

i dont think so. i dont have any idea.

Mega Man X · 03-09-2006, 02:46 AM

You will need some tool like Partition Magic to convert a NTFS to FAT32 without losing data. It ain't free, but maybe it is worthy the investment if you plan to test/use Windows and other OSes on the same drive.