I've been reading a lot lately about how Fat32 is so "outdated and out of style" (not that I care about style really) It's whatever works. WELL, I have Windows XP (obviously) and I was wondering if I should convert my drive from Fat32 to NTFS? I've heard that there's a good boost in performance in the disk access time ( I have ata/100 and sometimes it dont feel like it's runnin at full speeds) and it's more secure (im on a 4 computer based DSL routing network in my home, nothing major). Will I lose any of my stuff ? (if I just do the Windows XP conversion thing) is there a chance that i'll get an error? I have a 30gig Maxtor ata/100 drive partitioned into two 15 gig drives. Now, can I convert just one partition and leave the other fat32? should I convert both? should i even bother when my system works fine under Fat32? thanks for the input guys.

ntfs is the best..nuff said....ok bar none

Frankly, unless you have a real need of the added security of NTFS I'd stick with FAT32. The case for the performance of NTFS v FAT32 is moot and in truth I doubt you'll see any real difference between them. If you do choose to convert you shouldn't lose anything in the process although, as with all things Microsoft, it always pays to be prepared for the worst and in fact MS do recommend you DON'T convert but clean install with NTFS. Also remember there is no going back, certainly not without something like Partition Magic anyhow. Finally note that FAT32 cannot read NTFS without a third party utility. In short, it's corny but true, but if it ain't broke don't fix it, and you said it yourself, "should i even bother when my system works fine under Fat32?" NO is my advice ! All IMHO of course !

For what you are doing stick with FAT 32 and NTFS ain't all that. It has it's flaws as well. Laters, KTTD

More than one user: NTFS because of the extra security. One user: stick with FAT32, because faster disk access. NTFS has to check every file access with the security settings (is the user allowed to do this). FAT32 does no check at all, so is faster. Piet.

Actually, NTFS is superior in more then just the security departement. If your hard drive contains lots of small files, you will get less used-space overhead and access to these small files might even be faster. The downside of the NTFS story is that if all goes wrong, you can't just boot up with a DOS-boot disk to fix stuff... so recovery processes will be a lot less "user-friendly"

NTFS Might be fine for a networked enviroment but for a stand alone... IT SUCKS!! swallows tons of HDD space and is DEFINITELY ALOT SLOWER - FAT32 the main part of your HDD and make a small ntfs to secure what you need secured- the best of both worlds... Wigsterman out------------