[Doug_H1]

Hello,
I am currently running a 98SE FAT32 file system but am building a new system that will have XP pro.

My question is; what are the advantages/disadvantages of using the NTFS versus FAT32 file system when formatting the drive prior to installation of the OS?

I seem to recall reading in the past that there were some programs etc. that would not function under NTFS but believe that NTFS is a more effecient use of the drive, is that correct?

Any help, opinions, suggestions appreciated! Thanks, Doug

 

[x5dr]

Fat 32 is faster.

NTFS use encryption (or you can download encryption apps for FAT32)

If you are editing large files (over 4gb) you need NTFS.

FAT 32 and NTFS are both stable with XP.

You can try FAT32 and if you decide to convert to NTFS you won't have problems...if you start with NTFS you could corrupt your files by converting to FAT32...even with Partition Magic 8 (read the HELP .pdf files).

If you are dual booting with 98 then you need to use FAT32 if you want to share files.

If you want to do a large FAT 32 partitions you need to fdisk first and choose FAT32 ...then install XP and choose FAT 32. If you don't fdisk first (or use a 3rd party app)...XP will limit the partition to 32GB...(or is that 36gb?)

personally, I would suggest FAT32 since you can convert to NTFS if you want to.

If you go with NTFS make sure you download SP1 (but make a restore point first)...it has NTFS fixes.

(NTFS drastically slowed down my system...for others, it makes no difference at all and they prefer it)

 

[Doug_H1]

Thank you for the help! I think your suggestion, "personally, I would suggest FAT32 since you can convert to NTFS if you want to." is what I will go with. Thanks again! Doug