FAT32 to NTFS Conversion

Hi,
System;-
O/S Windows xp pro, updated , sp1
512 meg Ram
80 gig hdd


I have been converting my networked computer drives from Fat 32 to NTFS, and so far everything is great. However I have yet to convert the "C" partition as I would like reassurance that the o/s on that computer will not be interfered with in any way. The conversions on the other partitions have been done by using command prompt and typing - - convert- (drive letter):/fs:ntfs
But in another place the instructions are :-
start - run - cmd - enter
Then typing:- "help convert" the following instructions appear:-

CONVERT (drive letter):/ FS:NTFS /V /CutArea:filename /NoSecurity /X

where:-
/V specifies that CONVERT should be run in verbose mode
/CutArea:filename- specifies a contiguous file in the root directory to be the place holder for NTFS system files.
/NoSecurity- specifies the converted files and directories security settings to be accessible to anyone.
/X- forces the volume to dismount first if necessary. All opened handles to the volume would then be invalid.

Most of those explanations of command letters mean nothing to me!
All I want to know is which method to use to ensure everything on my "C" drive stays the same as it was under FAT32?

One further point, I read that it is best to use "BootitNG" before converting
to save space, but on my "C" drive I have a total capacity of 12.5 GB, of which I have only used 6.11GB.
Sinse "BootitNG" apparently takes an age to run, and as I`m not bothered about space on this drive, is it necessary?


Hope the answer is not as long as the question!!! lol

As Usual, Thanks in Advance!!
Harry.


Don`t know if this should be here or in Networking, if wrong could Admin please move! Thanks.

 

http://aumha.org/win5/a/ntfscvt.php

...has a fairly simple explaination of it.
I have converted twice to NTFS on an XP machine) once with Pro, once with Home) without loosing any data.
That is NOT to say that it wouldn't be smart to back-up first.
Hope that helps a bit,
522.

 

Thanks Halo and Fiver22 for your replies.
The reason I wanted to know was I dont fancy installing xp again ,with all the update palavar ( still on steam dial up!).
But as you say I`ll just back up everyhing and go for it!!

You may even hear the screams in Canada!

 

Note the deafening silence!
All went well gents, thank you again.

 

Always good to hear that all went well.
(no screams were heard up here in Kanada (sic.)...
...[spelling ref. from "Slow Riot for New Zer0 Kanada (E.P.)" by "Godspeed You Black Emperor!" -worthy of a listen for all music (and I mean 'M U S I C') fans.
-522.