NTFS formatting

[struggles]

I need to add a second HDD to a NT server. I would like to go to jobsite with drive pre-formatted in NTFS. Can I do this from a 98 pc? Will I be able to format it a fat 32 drive then reformat once installed in NT server? Please help with procedure.

[qball]

From 98pc, you will need Partition Magic, or some such util to create an NTFS Part. I have never tried this, so I cannot verify it works.

I don't think you can convert FAT32 to NTFS, PartMag for 98 doesn't have this option.

Now what if you don't have partmag? You can create a FAT part, if 2gig is OK, and convert to NTFS when hooked up to NT server. The command is convert, see:
http://www.cotse.com/Ntcommands/ntcmdsuntitled00000040.html

Hate to say this, but the best way is probably installing and formating on-site.

Good luck...

[jad1097]

Yep you can convert fat 32 to NTFS, not sure in NT4 can do it though but NT5 can (W2K).


I would use Partition magic to format it or boot to the NT disk and format from there.

[tantone]

If you're willing to format it as FAT32 and then reformat as NTFS after it's installed, why not just put the unformatted drive in the server and format it then?

[NDC]

Yes, NT4 also has the option to convert FAT to NTFS. However, FAT32 cannot be converted to NTFS since NT4 cannot read FAT32 file systems.

The command line is convert.exe c: /fs:NTFS, C:\ being the drive letter to be converted from FAT to NTFS.

[tantone]

However, FAT32 cannot be converted to NTFS since NT4 cannot read FAT32 file systems.

...thus my comment about the drive being unformatted. Good tip though. It's a common mistake that people make.

[eagle1]

I think that Partition Magic could work or any other software that does the same job.!

[CletusG]

Partition Magic works great. I use the boot disks to format and partiton frequently, and they do NTFS.