Some questions on converting Fat32 to NTFS

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by shewolf, Jan 27, 2005.

  1. shewolf

    shewolf Specialist

    I have seen others with this on the board but I still have some questions..
    1. System was a WinME did an upgrade to WinXP Pro using disk purchased at Circuit City so can I still convert to the NTFS from the Fat32?
    2. If I do convert will it make this computer run faster? It is an HP Pavilion with an Intel Celeron processor 897 MHz, 512MB of RAM.
    3. If a conversion is done does this partition the hard drive making it so it appears like there are 2 hard drives on this computer?
    4. Would converting make it run even slower?

    This computer is up to date with Windows Updates and Antivirus Products. I have done spyware scans even the READ ME FIRST BEFORE ASKING FOR SUPPORT: Basic Spyware, Trojan And Virus Removal and the system is clean. It just seems slow and boots up and shuts down even slower.

    I am looking for ways to try and speed this thing up cuz it feels like it works at a snail pace.
    Thanks
    SW:)
     
  2. ASUS

    ASUS MajorGeek

  3. shewolf

    shewolf Specialist

    Ok so what do I do to make this Computer (Computer #2) a NTFS instead of a FAT32?
    Like I said it was a WinME and I bought an upgrade Disc from CirucuitCity or CompUSA I asked them installing XP on this computer at the time and they told me upgrade.
    I have HDCleaner installed on this computer and when I look at the information (spacemanager) in that to see what is taking up the most of my space it shows that the C Drive (hard drive) percentage of 99% so does this mean that my hard drive is almost maxed out?
    When I select My Computer and right click on C drive and select properties it shows the following for disc..
    Used 6.09GB Free 21.8GB Capacity 27.9GB
    Yes XP Pro SP2

    This computer starts up slower then my main computer (Computer #1) it seems to run alot slower and just seems like it takes forever to boot up and shut down.
    Maybe the HD is going bad in this one I don't know and if it is going bad then I would like an opinion from here as to what to get. A little background on this computer for its usage it is for our kids to use for games (online,downloaded from online, and from a CD), listen to music, to use for school and general net surfing & instant messangers. It is a multi user computer so there will be 5 users assigned to the computer (4 people + guest). So if I have to buy a new HD I want something that is going to be geared for this type of usage.
    Thanks for all that reply and your help..
    SW:)
     
  4. ASUS

    ASUS MajorGeek

    I'm thinking ya have dirty install or upgrade, by upgrading you inherited problems from ME & then to top it off, SP2 on the dirty upgrade ( not saying SP2 bad but maybe not installed under the best circumstances, may add conflict)
    Another thing that dont help speed is multiple logins/users, but that's life, if you need multiple logins.

    My advice is too:
    Reinstall OS / format using NTFS for true NTFS file system (can use your XP CD) dont install ME, even though you have upgrade version of XP, you dont need to load ME, XP will only ask for ME disk to Know that you own previous version of windows.
    Then before you go online install SP2/ also install any drivers/chipset etc, and even antivirus program, then once online get updates from microsoft, a couple sinse SP2 came out.

    Ofcourse Back up any data etc before you format.
    Last thing, some antivirus like Norton are Know too have issues with SP2, aswell as hog resourses and slow the system down.
    There are some great/free/ anti virus/spyware programs avaible here at MG
     
  5. shewolf

    shewolf Specialist

    Ok I just want to make sure that I understand this correctly so I don't end up goofing anything up.
    1. How do I format the drive? I mean I know how but with this computer I am unsure how to do it because my recovery CDs are for ME OS and I don't want anything ME on this computer. So in total I have 4 CDs which are 3 HP Recovery CDs which contain ME information and then my 1 XPpro upgrade CD.
    2. Reinstall XPPro from upgrade CD?
    3. Is there an option within that CD that will allow me to choose between NTFS and FAT32?
    4. If & when I am asked for the ME CD do I put it in or just ignore it? ***Note My ME CD is my 3 HP recovery CDs that came with the computer as it was purchased with WinME preinstalled.
    5. How do I install the SP2,drivers/chipsets etc.. and not be online? I thought I had to go to the update to get the SP2 but that requires me to be online doesn't it?
    6. What is a chipset?

    Ok I think that is all for now I am computer literate but when it comes to reformatting my HD I prefer to ask all questions prior to starting so that in the end I can do it smoothly. I am better at the software portion of the computer then the hardware portion ;)
    Thanks for all your time and help..
    sw:)

    *note I do have another computer so if I get stuck with the format I can find answers online so also if you have any web pages I can go to regarding this please give them to me.. many thanks.... :):):)
     
  6. shewolf

    shewolf Specialist

    One thing I forgot to mention..
    On computer #2 I have Parental Controls set up thru my ISP (SBC formerly Ameritech) and with the Parental Controls no one can access anything on the net until they sign into their SBC Account. The reason I am putting that information in here is because I am sure that takes up some resources at startup and shut down but I don't think it will be THAT much really..
    I would like to completely "dump" this computer and start fresh and install the XPpro with the NTFS instead of the FAT32.

    One other quesiton I have with the NTFS as that is what my computer #1 is running. When I click on properties of the C drive it has a box to compress the drive do I want that checked or unchecked?

    Once again thanks I really do appreciate the help and I have learned so much from the MG site.

    sw:)
     
  7. ASUS

    ASUS MajorGeek


    O.K. I dont want you too goof up anything either!
    This should answer your questions.
    Here what to do:
    We will install XP without ME.
    Got XP upgrade cd
    Insert XP CD, reboot pc, boot to CD ( If not set already In bios set boot order to CD first)
    Windows setup begins, files load etc. it will recognize that you have a windows installed already, that's ok, you will install in place of it, you will have option to format the exsisting, in fat or NTFS choose NTFS.
    at some point windows xp upgrade will ask for previous version windows ( the disk) I'm not sure how it will react to ME/HP restore disks, you have three two are probably drivers & junk one is ME, try em all it will accept or not, If none are accepted, can you borrow windows disk previous version to XP from a friend that will work if your HP disks dont.
    ( when windows ask for previous version windows disk it does not load any files it just verifies that you own a previous version you do not need any key codes for this) so stick in the disk it looks at it a continues setup, if accepted.

    SP2 it's avaible via download, or you can order on CD from Microsoft Free, no shipping either, just free.I think you can download to cd if I can find link for that I'll post it.

    Chipset that part of motherboard/mainboard/mobo what ever you choose to call it, there are many different chipset's on differet mobo's, one of those three HP cd has drivers for it.
    Once XP is install any drivers you need can be extracted from your three HP disk's or downloaded from the web.

    Windows XP should tell you if your missing drivers and or check Device manger after XP is installed.

    Computer #2 ?compress the drive check box or not? Humm how big is HDD? probably not, But do check box to allow Indexing service to index this disk for fast file searching.
     
  8. shewolf

    shewolf Specialist

    Thanks..
    So since I am on DSL when I reinstall the OS unplug the DSL cable from the back of the computer so it can't connect to the net???
    If so when do I plug it back in to the computer?
    Thanks again your steps are very easy to follow and I prefer to be well informed prior to doing something like this.
    sw:)
     
  9. ASUS

    ASUS MajorGeek

    My steps may have left out a couple minor details, but just follow the info on screen, run into any problems, just post em, I'll be around

    The reason I dont connect to net while setting up windows, is to avoid downloading any bad stuff, virus, bugs, stuff of that nature.
    You can certainly be connected during the whole install, but no need for the extra risk.
    You can connect to Net when ever you want, I would just wait till windows/updates/basic programs including anti virus/firewall/anti spyware is up ang running. when ready just plug in ya cable.

    Good Luck, let me know how it goes.
     
  10. shewolf

    shewolf Specialist

    Thanks am gonna start right now in a few mins and once all done will post back to let you know. I will take my time I won't rush and I will read..
    Thanks again..
    sw:)
     
  11. shewolf

    shewolf Specialist

    Well everything was going good until I went to install the SP2 the computer has been sitting there for 1 1/2 hours now at the same window.
    It is the SP2 update wizard
    it says finishing installation
    then in the details box it says running progresses after installation and the blue bar has been sitting in the same spot for 1 1/2 hours now.
    What is going on?
    Thanks
    sw:)
     
  12. shewolf

    shewolf Specialist

    Ok everything is now installed :)
    So far so good with the way the computer is working.

    Will post back here later on in the week to let ya know whats going on.

    Thanks again sooooooo much for your time and help I greatly appreciate it :):)
    Take Care & thanks again..
    sw:)
     
  13. ASUS

    ASUS MajorGeek

    Anytime!
    Assume ya got SP2 loaded?, Order the SP2 CD "it's free ya dont even pay shipping!" then the next time ya dont have to download.
    When I ordered mine, I got it in about 3 business day's here's Link:
    http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default.mspx

    See ya!
     
  14. shewolf

    shewolf Specialist

    Yes I got it loaded okay it hung up for awhile then started again.. go figure :rolleyes:
    So far so good.. only time will tell but I just have this gut feeling that I am going to need a new HD.
    Right now I am at 85% free and my HD info is 4.12GB used 23.8GB Free & 27.9 GB compacity.
    Right now I do not have any games installed yet..
    My Add Remove is as follows for MB
    Ad Aware SW 3.38MB
    AVG Free Edition 16.63MB
    CCleaner 1.18 MB
    J2SE (java runtime) 71.77MB
    Mozilla Firefox 14.09MB
    SBC Yahoo Applications 0.34MB
    SBC Yahoo DSL Activiation 27.46MB
    Spybot 11.37MB
    Spyware Blaster 2.52MB
    VX2 cleaner plugin for ad Aware 3.38MB
    Windows Media Connect 8.48MB
    Yahoo Install Manager 27.46MB
    Zone Alarm 9.45MB
    I also have Windows updates and the SP2 but that doesn't give any MB beside any of those
    .

    So I honestly do not know how to tell if my HD is going or not the computer does seem to run a bit faster now that I did the reformat and all but the space usage is what gets me even after a defrag.
    Maybe I am reading more into it then what is there dunno and like I said only time will tell. ;)
    If you have an opinion on this and how to tell if I need a new HD plz feel free to share that with me and even what to look for in an HD.

    It is an Intel Celeron Processor 897MHZ 512MB of RAM if you need other technical information just tell me where to look for it as I have looked for many things over the years have found it then cant' remember how to find it later. :rolleyes:

    Thanks again...
    sw:)

    oh and thanks for the link also.. am gonna order it so I have it incase I ever need it.. thanks again.. :):):)
     
  15. ASUS

    ASUS MajorGeek

    If you know the brand of HDD, you can download Diagnostic utility from the HDD manufacture web.
    If it hung when downloading SP2 wouldnt suprize me, its big download, another reason to have on CD.
    Does the HDD make odd noises any errors or strange things?
    The amount of hdd space used does seem on the big side, when installing windows updates/programs etc. windows restore automaticly sets restore points, which can eat up some space.
    To delete excess system restore files,(make sure all is running good first) simply turn off system restore then turn it back on again, once done no turning back, it will set a system check point afterwards (restore point)

    You might run registry cleaner program, after installing/ updating probably have some useless entries, I like this one free too:
    http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4134.html
    might help overall speed, remember this PC not the fastest on the block anyway

    I'll keep looking in, gotta go "Hockey game tonight"
     
  16. shewolf

    shewolf Specialist

    How do I find the Brand of my HD?

    I haven't turned that computer on all week as things have been hectic around here so I don't know how its running.

    One other question if I get a new HD will that give me more GB to make the computer run faster??

    Thanks for all your help and checking back in..

    I won't be around until next week as I am going to visit my mom.

    Thanks again.
    sw:)
     
  17. g1lgam3sh

    g1lgam3sh MajorGeek

    I'm reluctant to step in as ASUS has given his usual sterling service but you could try this. It will tell you pretty much everything about your machine:)

    http://majorgeeks.com/download4181.html
     
  18. ASUS

    ASUS MajorGeek

    It's A free Forum? Open to all.
    Besides I would have given the same link, Shewolf just got it faster Thanks to you.
     
  19. ASUS

    ASUS MajorGeek

    Another way to find out about the HDD, open the case and look at it, might have to remove it, should have brand, model # & basic specs printed on it.

    More GB, wont make it faster, the hdd speed & cache would, if the MOBO supports such, I dont know what you have, so hard to tell.
    More GB = more storage, consider multiple partition's one for the OS and atleast one other for storage.

    I'd buy Maxtor or Western Digital, 7200 rpm 8mb cache, this isnt bad price:
    http://www.newegg.com/app/viewprodu...-144-205&ATT=Hard+Drives&CMP=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r
    Backwards compatitable.
     

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