How To Re-Partition An External Hard Disk Drive from FAT32 to NTFS

Most external hard drives come pre-formatted as FAT32 drives but FAT32 has a maximum file size of 4GB, not much use if you want to store downloaded programs or movies which can be much bigger. In this case you should choose one of the following methods to convert your drive to NTFS.

• Warning!
• Covert From FAT32 To NTFS Using The Windows Convert Command
• Re-Partition From FAT32 to NTFS Using The Windows Computer Management Console
• Re-Partition From FAT32 to NTFS Using A 3rd Party Partition Editing Tool
• How To Re-Partition An External Hard Disk Drive From NTFS to FAT32

Repartitioning your drive will wipe all your data, make sure you have backed up first. When re-partitioning your external drive, please be absolutely certain you are working on the correct drive, it would be very easy to accidentally wipe your C: drive. When using a 3rd party Partition Editor you may want to disconnect your C drive first, just to be on the safe side.

The simplest method is to use the Windows convert command. This method converts the existing file system to NTFS and does not delete any data, even so, it would be wise to backup before proceeding.

1. Run the command prompt using you favourite method.

   • Method 1.
     From the Start Menu: Click Start - All Programs - Accessories - Command Prompt.
   • Method 2.
     From the Start Menu: Click Start - Run.
     Type 'cmd' and click 'OK'.
   • Method 3.
     The quickest, Using Windows Shortcuts.
     Hold down the windows key and press the R key.
     Type 'cmd' and click 'OK'.
2. At the command prompt type: convert driveletter: /fs:ntfs
   e.g. convert e: /fs:ntfs

Delete The Old FAT32 Partition

1. Open the Control Panel and double click the Administrative Tools icon.
2. Double click Computer Management to start the Computer Management Console.
3. Click the Disk Management icon to show all connected drives in the right hand window.
   
4. Right-click the drive you want to re-partition and 'Delete Partition'.
   
5. Confirm that you want to delete the partition and when asked if you want to force the deletion click 'Yes'.

Create A New NTFS Partition

6. Right-click the now unallocated drive and click 'New Partition'.
   
7. The New Partition Wizard will start, click 'Next'.
8. Select 'Primary Partition' and click 'Next'.
9. Set a size for your new partition and click 'Next'.
   
10. Assign a drive letter, the next available will be selected by default, and click 'Next'.
11. Select 'Format this partition...', set the File system to'NTFS', set the Allocation Unt Size to 'Default', Type in a Volume Label if you wish and click 'Next'.
    
12. Finally click 'Finish' to close the wizard and begin formatting.

More info to Follow Shortly.

• How To Re-Partition An External Hard Disk Drive From NTFS to FAT32.