NTFS and FAT File System

FAT (File Allocation Table) and NTFS (New Technology File System) are two methods for storing data on a hard drive. The hard drive has to either be formatted using one or the other, or can be converted from one to the other (usually FAT to NTFS) using a system tool.

Differences Between FAT and NTFS

FAT 32

1) Fat 32 Allows access to win 95, 98, win millenium, win2k, xp on local partition.

2) Maximum size of partition is upto 2 TB.

3) Maximum File size is upto 4 GB.

4) File & folder Encryption is not possible.


NTFS

1) Allows access local to w2k, w2k3, XP, win NT4 with SP4 & later may get access for somefile.

2) Maximum size of partition is more than 2 TB.

3) Maximum File size is upto 16TB.

4) File & folder Encryption is possible only in NTFS.

Converting FAT file system to NTFS

To convert a FAT partition to NTFS, perform the following steps.

- Click START > RUN > and type CMD (this will open your command prompt)


At the command prompt, type CONVERT [driveletter]: /FS:NTFS.
(Example: if you are converting drive C: . type CONVERT C: /FS:NTFS and enter)
Your partition will be converted to NTFS.

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