File Systems
Convert is a command-line tool that can be used to convert a volume formatted with FAT16 or FAT32 to NTFS. This tool performs the conversion within the existing volume without loss of data. You do not need to back up and restore the files when you use this program.
You cannot convert the Windows 2000 boot volume while you are running Windows 2000, so Convert allows you to convert the volume the next time you start Windows 2000. When you convert the volume this way, Windows 2000 restarts twice to complete the conversion process. The syntax of Convert is:
convert volume: /fs:ntfs [/v]
Table 17.16 describes the switches available with Convert.
Table 17.16 Convert Switches
Switch |
Description |
|---|---|
volume: |
Specifies drive letter (followed by a colon), volume mount point, or volume name that you want to convert. |
/fs:ntfs |
Specifies that you want to convert to NTFS. |
/v |
Runs the tool in verbose mode. |
/? |
Displays user help. |
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Important
Volumes that are converted from FAT to NTFS (rather than being initially formatted with NTFS) lack some performance benefits. Fragmentation of the MFT might occur, and on boot volumes, NTFS permissions are not applied after the volume is converted.