Hi, sorry if this might seem like an obvious question, but I've checked Windows help and it doesn't seem explicitly clear on the issue.

I have an external Lacie 80GB HDD, with about 50% of the space free. I originally formatted it to FAT32, this was because I was going to use it to transfer files off Windows 98SE, and I wasn't sure if it would work with NTFS.

Now this is no longer an issue and I'm wondering if it's possible to convert a drive to NTFS without losing the current data stored on the drive. I run it off a laptop, 30GB HDD with a P4 and 512MB RAM. That internal HDD is formatted to FAT32. If my external disk was NTFS would I be able to transfer files from and onto my FAT32 local drive?

My main issues of changing the format are for security. If the laptop was stolen, there are still passwords to at least give some security. However, it does not exist on the external HDD. I hear you can set permissions with NTFS folders. I've never worked with NTFS before so I still have some questions on it. If I were to set a folder permission so that only I could access it while logged on in my name (using XP SP2), if someone stole the external HDD and plugged it into their PC, could they just access the folder if they were logged on as admin on their PC? Or if that didn't work, could they create an account on their computer with the same name that I use, and then use that to get into the stolen HDD?

Also I'm wondering about running the HDD continuously. Currently, it is mainly for backups, and some media files. I don't have it running constantly because it has no cooling fan. However, whilst downloading overnight, I set up a regular bedroom fan next to it to keep it cool. If I were to do this while I'm working on it during the day (I'm a student), could I just use it constantly, ie run programs off it? I am somewhat paranoid about letting it get hot, and I am kind of obsessive about defragging it.

Sorry about the long post, but thanks for your time reading this.

Also I'm wondering about running the HDD continuously. Currently, it is mainly for backups, and some media files. I don't have it running constantly because it has no cooling fan. However, whilst downloading overnight, I set up a regular bedroom fan next to it to keep it cool.

With all due respect, I think this is more of a paranoia. I have several external HDs connected to the workstations and running 24-7 for the last two years with no problem whatsoever. Also I never had to do anything to cool the external HDs. Of course you may disagree with me but this is just IMHO.

i_XpUser

<<With all due respect, I think this is more of a paranoia. I have several external HDs connected to the workstations and running 24-7 for the last two years with no problem whatsoever. Also I never had to do anything to cool the external HDs. Of course you may disagree with me but this is just IMHO.>>

Perhaps I am paranoid. I tend to hear different things from different people. Some say that external HDs are not designed to constantly be running; to be honest I am comforted by what you say, because my external drive doesn't go through anything like what yours do.
On the whole though I sometimes go overboard with trying to keep my system in a decent state. I defrag far more than anyone I know, including boot time defrags, and am wary of overburdening the computer. This might be because I'm a student- the laptop has lasted 2 years, I need it to go for another year, preferably more, so I'm gentle with it.

Excessive defragging is a good way to overheat and wear your hard disk out before its time.

Defragging once a month is more than enough unless there is any sign of slow down that could be due to fragmentation, but it is unlikely you would notice unless you where looking hard.

Stuart