XP NTFS _ FAT32 problem

[ThePillarOfAutumn]

Now i know this may sound stuperd to some peeps but i have a problem. Iam currently trying to fix my other machine up. Its running on XP home -its fat32. And all messed up so i want to do a clean install - I want to put XP Pro on it but when i run the set up disc and iam ready to format the crap i only get the option to do it in NTFS.

Now is the reason i only see ntfs as the option is becasue its already formated in fat32? and if so is this the reason it only give me ntfs?

i want to do a full re-format of the drive again before installing the os - whats another way of doin a full format in fat32 .

the only reason i want to re-format it in fat32 again is to be sure i start off clean with no problems - what can i do if it doesnt give me this option at this point?

[cwboy220]

Hey--

You don't want to format in Fat32, you want to do it in NTFS but don't do the quick reformat. NTFS has many more pluses in security of your data and stability issues so go with Fat32. There are many articles on the web so pull up google.com and check it out, I'm sure Krell can post something too.

[phalkon30]

Unless you need Fat32 for compatability reasons, why go with it? NTFS is the best route for most people.

Although I do seem to remember on techtv when XP first came out that randomly the Fat32 option would show up. Something about if you restart the computer and get to the partition area again, then sometimes it would give you the option.

[Krell]

Hi ThePillarOfAutumn,

There's something bugging me about your wording. When you say "run the set up disk" are you in fact saying that you BOOT to the CD, and it asks you if you want to install Windows XP press ENTER?

Then, it shows you your primary partition, for which you choose D for Delete, then L to make it happen? Once you Delete the partition, then you press C for CREATE a partition, and select the size, THEN . . this is where it gives you options for FORMATIING? You should have 4 options there.

If this is not the path you are using, please try it, as apposed to trying to select these options from a Windows screen.

Please clarify.



.

[shawners]

if its not broke, why fix it.

[begoodbebad]

the only reason i want to re-format it in fat32 again is to be sure i start off clean with no problems So format it ntfs....You'll get several advantages and no real disadvantage. You'll be able to search your HDD quicker, more easily recover deleted files, you'll be able to create and work with large files and folders. And for all these advantages you'll lose a tiny amount of HDD space when set up creates the NTFS structure, a couple of MB. Just do it and stop worrying about it! NTFS is better, it is good and nice and happy and will make your OS love you and smile. OK I lie...but it is better. If you are utterly determined to do it all wrong you can get a 3rd party partition utility such as Partition Magic, either use the bootable CD or make two floppies, and use that to format the HDD.

@Shawners ...it is broke! :goodjob