Type of file system - FAT 32 versus NTFS

Question

Hello everyone, July 25, 2004

It has been quite a while since I have used the Community Forum due to bad health. I am getting older and older. I have a "Rookie" question. This question is something I never thought much about. I have a Dimension XPS T500. It came with Windows 98SE, but in one of my bad days, I spend good money for a retail version of Windows XP Home Edition. I set it up, or rather the set up procedure lead me to set up using FAT32. I have been using FAT32 for over 4 years. I have I just purchased and installed a Dell 2400 for my Wife. As you all know the Dell and all the other computers come with the OEM version of XP Home Edition. One of the first things I noticed with her Dell was when you boot up her computer, its almost impossible to get into the 'Setup' program or the 'Safe Mode'. The 2400 OEM does not go through a lot of steps while booting up as my retail version does. Maybe it works some way different from mine in oreder to access these two features. Now the rookie part. What is the basic difference between the two (FAT32 & NTFS), and which one is best to use ????

I sure would appreciate any help I can get.

Thanks so much for your time,

Robert W. Bostick Sr.

bubbabostick@hotmail.com

Denny Denham · Answer

OleBlue61,

You can learn more than you probably want to know about the two file systems here.

To enter Safe Mode begin tapping the F8 key when the system starts. To enter Setup on a Dimension 2400 press the F2 key at the prompt on screen. If there is no prompt, start tapping F2 when the system starts.

OleBlue61 · Answer

Thanks Denny. Now I am really confused. No, the Dell 2400 is a new computer I purchased for my Wife. My 4.5 year old Dell is a Dimension XPS T500 which is now 1.4Ghz. I have always used FAT32 and never thought that much about it, until I noticed my Wife's new Dell with the OEM Windows XP Home, was using NTFS. I have had to reinstall Windows XP on my computer numerous times and I noticed then that it seemed the option was listed. Either FAT32 or NTFS.

Now I don't know what to do. In order to change mind or her's I will have to reinstall XP. Correct? Is it really worth the effort? We do not use these computers in any business, just pleasure and eBay. However, you mentioned that NTFS has better security, etc.......Well, I'll have to study this a while.

What would you suggest???

Thanks,

Robert W. Bostick Sr.

bubbabostick@hotmail.com

Denny Denham · Answer

@msgale wrote:
There is actually no reason that on PC can't be FAT32 and the other NTFS.

True, and for the purposes you are using your computers for even the little steps required to make the conversion aren't worth troubling with. I'd leave them as they are.

msgale · Answer

Not true.  You can convert from FAT32 to NTFS without a reinstall.  There is a command to do that  CONVERT, read up on it in 'Help and Support'.  There is no command to convert from FAT32 to NTFS.  There are third party tools that.  There is actually no reason that on PC can't be FAT32 and the other NTFS.

Dave Lyle · Answer

And there really should be no differences between the retail and OEM version of XP that Dell installs. The different booting screens are more likely the result of different BIOS's on the machines.

OleBlue61 · Answer

Hi Denny,

Sorry it has taken me so long to respond to your email and thank you for all of the good info. I have a Dell Dimension XPS T 1.4Ghz. It is 4 1/2 years old. The Dell Dimension 2400 I am inquiring about is a Dell I bought for my wife. Thus brought up the question of FAT32 which I have always had on my computer or NTFS which my Wife's 2400 is set for. Before I bought her Dell I had not thought about the two at all. So I thought I would try and learn more about each one.

Thank you so much for all of the listed help for me. I really do appreciate it.

Take Care,

Oleblue61

OleBlue61 · Answer

Hi, This is more or less a delayed response to your response about the different filing systems used with WinXP. My five year old Dimension XPS T now 1.4Ghz, I have set up with FAT32. The only reason for that is because of one of my expert friends telling me it was better. Well, you know how opinions are. To answer several of your questions. No, I am not new to the Forum and as I said my Dell will be five years old this December. I have upgraded quite a few things, but I won't go into all of that.

My basic question is.......as I said again, my Dell is set for FAT32. The new Dell 2400 I bought for my Wife is set up for NTFS. I have used it some and I kind of like it. I really did not notice a great deal of difference myself. So, what would I have to do to convert my FAT32 to NTFS? Would I have to reinstall Windows XP? I sure hope not although I have had plenty of practise.

In parting, I think I am going to keep my old Dell and either replace the mobo or purchase a case and transfer most of my stuff, like my burner, DVD/ROM, floppy drive, and my 88 wire cable if they will work on the new mobo. That is where it's mind boggling to me. I am not a gamer. I am an old 63 year old retired electronic engineer. I worked for the Air Force and the U.S. Department of Defense for 37 years and one nervous breakdown.

Any help you have time to throw my way will be GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Thanks so much for your time,

Best Regards,

oleblue61

Windows General

Type of file system - FAT 32 versus NTFS

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