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Tech Tips / Windows NT / Disk and File Management

Converting FAT partitions to NTFS

Many administrators install Windows NT with a FAT partition to ensure its accessibility with a DOS boot disk. However, this approach limits the functionality of the partition because you can't employ auditing or permission assignments. And simply reformatting a FAT partition will destroy all the data it contains. Fortunately, Windows NT's CONVERT command can convert a FAT partition to NTFS without damaging data. Note, however, that once the partition is converted it cannot be changed back to FAT.

To convert a partition, open a command prompt and issue the CONVERT command with the following syntax:

  CONVERT [drive:]/FS:NTFS

For example, to convert the C drive you would type:

  CONVERT C: /FS:NTFS

If the drive cannot be locked, Windows NT will display a prompt asking if the drive should be converted at the next reboot. Just type y to convert the partition the next time you restart the system.