If I convert the current FAT32 partition to NTFS, will I be able to see all my data files on the D drive FAT32 logical partition?
Yes.
Converting one drive does not affect any other drives.
what's the purpose of the conversion?
aegis1: thanks jam: NTFS is supposed to be more efficient so I'm thinking of converting it.
"NTFS is supposed to be more efficient so I'm thinking of converting it" It's not going to make your system run any better or any faster if that's what you think. There are reasons to convert...smaller cluster size which results in less slack space, network security, the need to work with files larger than 4GB. If none of those things are major issues for you, I see no reason to convert. You have a working FAT32 partition, there are risks in performing the conversion. Make sure you back up all your important files before doing so.
Thanks tibby. I've been using VCOM's System Commander, now called Partition Commander, for nearly 10 years & its served me very well. So its all go for the conversion. Will keep you all posted.
jam, I'm not doubting your view but I'm curious and there's only one way to find out.
I'm not saying it won't work, I'm just saying there's very little to gain & there is some risk involved.
Well, the immediate result is that in the "save as" box, the files & folders have returned to being in alphabetical order. Cant notice anything else so far.
Intererestingly, it said it was going to need more disk space yet it ended up using less space. Also, i defagged prior to doing it & now its just as fragmented as before. Probably due to smaller cluster size as jam said.
Will see what happens after defragging.