Windows XP, NTFS or FAT32

Question

Yesterday, Jan 1-2004, I did a clean install of WIN XP on my DELL Dimension XPS T700r. It has 19GB harddrive, about 15GB free. 384 MB RAM. Previously I had WIN 98se. It installed as FAT 32. I have been reading the NTFS is a better and more secure system. I believe it is all on one partition. Should or could I change it to NTFS now and if so, detailed instructions please. PROs and CONS.. Also, exactly where will any TEMP files be located that can be safely deleted ? On my WIN 98se system, I deleted some from .. Start >Find> Temp Files Folder and when it was over I had lost a lot of needed files and programs. I know I can use Tools>Internet Options> Delete Cookies, Offline content ETC. I have redownloaded any Windows Updates and Microsoft Critical Updates, along with Free Version of AVG Virus scan and Free ver. of Ad-Aware. I would like keep this system running in tip top condition. Any suggestions from anyone on doing this.

Thank you.

maxd · Answer

If you're using XP Home and you keep Windows, MS Office/Works, Windows Components like WMP, third-party SW like RealPlayer, AV, Adware-Protection SW, etc. all updated and run systematically and your Firewall (I suggest ZA) and browser properly configued you don't have to concern yourself about the added security of NTFS. I'm using FAT32 as well and it needs little defragging. There are many trouble-shooting advantages as well as multi-booting, if you go there, with FAT.

WillyTee · Answer

Remember that Fat 32 has a 4 gb limit on file size. This can be a factor depending on your backup and DVD writing.

Earlalex · Answer

Thanks Maxd and WillieTee, WillyTee I also do have ZoneAlarm installed (Free Version). I do not do any DVD or CD writing. I only have the original CD reader that came with unit, plus Floppy and 100MB zip. I have concidered getting a W-RW, but with all the choices, etc., and not knowing anything about any of them, cannot make a decision on just what to purchase. I know I may rgret someday not having the back-up capability.   Message Edited by Earlalex on 01-02-2004 03:35 PM

maxd · Answer

I know nothing of Zip drives but you should be able to backup files to it; have you used it successfully with XP ?

Have you installed all your Windows critical updates ? If you want to verify they are installed correctly there are a number of places to check that on your system and the registry.

Learn about the System Restore feature in XP. Go to Start/Help and Support and type in anything you want to learn about. eg System File Checker

You should copy these files to a floppy cause you may well need them sometime. Do a search on your machine. Some people install the System Recovery console which is a trouble-shootinf part of XP.

ntldr
ntdetect.com
boot.ini

Earlalex · Answer

Yes, I have re-installed all the critical updates. I can back-up some files with the zip drive, but am limited to 100MB each and the disk are kind of expensive. Thanks for your suggestions.

maxd · Answer

If you ever decide to buy a burner check with this site first as to XP comaptibility. My preference is Hitachi-LG. There's a learning curve with cd-rw use and troubleshooting like anything else so don't think it's a plug and play routine thing. The cdrs and ccdrw storage disks can be gotten quite cheaply. I get mine at Walmart or Radio Shack. Staples is currently selling a Samsung (Dell uses this model as well as LG and others) for $20 after mail-in rebate.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/catalog/default.aspx?subid=22&xslt=categoryl3&pgn=da1bdaa2-579a-4994-86f8-209df4c26e1a

Here's the latest LG models all of which are XP and 98-compatible.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/catalog/default.aspx?subid=22&xslt=categoryl3&pgn=da1bdaa2-579a-4994-86f8-209df4c26e1a

Earlalex · Answer

Thanks, I will check out your links.

Windows General

Windows XP, NTFS or FAT32

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