Question

Reverting NTFS partition to FAT 32

Asked by: Fermanl

Is there any free partition software that I can use to revert my Root C: drive from NTFS to FAT32 without having to format it?

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Asked On
2009-10-29 at 05:12:15ID24854257
Topic

Disk Partition Tools

Participating Experts
2
Points
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Comments
9

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Answers

 

by: xxdcmastPosted on 2009-10-29 at 05:14:18ID: 25692717

I dont think this is possible to do without losing the data on there. You would need to either format and start fresh or fdisk. But both of these methodsa will destroy your data. I would back up whatever you want to keep and then do it.

 

by: FermanlPosted on 2009-10-29 at 05:26:12ID: 25692814

Thank you xxdcmast but I read an answer in EE that states it is possible to revert the system partition from NTFS to FAT 32 using Partition Magic from Norton. My question is:
1: Is this true that Norton's Partition Magic can perform the system's conversion from NTFS to FAT32 without reformating the partition?
2. Is there any freeware that can perform this simple task?

 

by: gtworekPosted on 2009-10-29 at 05:33:44ID: 25692870

Try with gparted http://gparted.sourceforge.net/livecd.php
Sometimes such conversion is not possible (i.e when you have files too large for fat32 or their names are too long...)

Generally it's poor idea to convert NTFS to FAT32. May I ask why are you willing to do so?

 

by: gtworekPosted on 2009-10-29 at 05:36:49ID: 25692895

Sorry. I was pretty sure gparted can do this but I cannot confirm this feature now...

But my general opinion about converting remains valid ;)

 

by: FermanlPosted on 2009-10-29 at 05:49:41ID: 25693001

Well, gtworek, the problem is that i'm having strange issues about installing Quick Time 76  and iTunes 9 on my Windows XP SP3 system and I suspect that the FAT 32 partitioning will correct them. If you are aware of this problem, I can send you further details in case  you need them.

 

by: gtworekPosted on 2009-10-29 at 06:00:35ID: 25693098

It's not good reason to such conversion... trust me :)
If it solves your problem - it's probably related to too restrictive ACLs. In such case it's much better to correct ACLs...

 

by: FermanlPosted on 2009-10-29 at 06:16:24ID: 25693257

How do you suggest to correct the ACLs in this case?

 

by: gtworekPosted on 2009-10-29 at 06:18:12ID: 25693279

I do not know where they are too restrictive...
Are you running your installations as an administrator?

 

by: FermanlPosted on 2009-10-29 at 06:23:43ID: 25693328

Yes.

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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