What file system should I use to format an external HD?

Question

I have a 500Gb external hard drive that I use mainly for file storage. This involves frequent transfer of files from my PC to the external HD and sometimes also deletion and copy/paste of files from the ext.HD to the PC drive. Should I format the external drive with the FAT32 file system? (it currently has NTFS). The reason for my concern is the following post I read in a PC forum:

" i would suggest keeping a Fat32 file system if you plan on transferring alot of data back and forth

there is a critical Flaw in the NTFs volume bitmap which causes freespace to be reporting within the MFT and the MFT reserved space (MFT = Master File Table)
(Volume bitmap is what tells the drive where all the freespace lies)

this is becoz transfering alot of small and large files over at once causes it to become confused and it damages the drive

i had to format back to Fat32 after restoring all my data to NTFS

luckily i was able to salvage my data"

jmwills · Answer

I'ver never heard of that issue, but then again, there's a lot I do not know.  NTFS is more secure that's why I stick with it.

msgale · Answer

Where did that quote come from? The idea that today there is an bug in NTFS file support code that is not will known boggles the mind.

alegator · Answer

http://www.msghelp.net/showthread.php?tid=43329

msgale · Answer

Now I know where it was said and by who, but it doesn't make it true.  Considering eveything said on the referenced thread, I would take everything with a grain of salt.  I have XP pro running on a Laptop with 12 gigabyte disk and a desktop with a 9 gigabyte disk.  (NTFS for both) no problems but they are slow.  Both PCs are very old.

alegator · Answer

I agree with you. Probably the guy who posted on that board is misinformed. NTFS is supposed to be more stable and secure and for that reason superior to FAT32 (plus it can partition larger drives). I have NTFS and will stick to it.

Windows General

What file system should I use to format an external HD?

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