Converting a FAT16 volume or a FAT32 volume to an NTFS file system in Windows XP

It is a proven fact that most of the computer users now prefer to convert from FAT file systems to NTFS file system. Understanding why the demand of NTFS file system is growing day by day not very though, as NTFS file system has various exclusive features that neither FAT 16 nor FAT 32 contain. Let us have a look at benefits and features of NTFS file system that make any user to think about converting FAT16 or FAT 32 volume to NTFS file system:
NTFS file system is fast.
Eliminates unnecessary disk accesses that a user needs to find a file.
Automatic handling of disk related errors.
NTFS file system supports large hard disks.
With NTFS file system, the user can be rest assured about data security, as features like permission assignment and encryption to restrict access to specific files are available.
How to convert FAT16 or FAT32 volume to NTFS
Converting FAT volumes to NTFS is very simple. To do so, you will just need to follow some simple steps. But before moving further, make sure that you have backup of data stored on the volume you want to convert. However, chances of data loss are very low but backup should be considered as a preventive step. Once backup is created, move further and follow these steps:
Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Command Prompt.
At the command prompt, type the following, where drive letter is the drive that you want to convert: convert drive letter: /fs:ntfs
If the operating system is on the drive that you are converting, you will be prompted to schedule the task when you restart the computer because the conversion cannot be completed while the operating system is running. When you are prompted, click YES.
When you receive the following message at the command prompt, type the volume label of the drive that you are converting, and then press ENTER:
The type of the file system is FAT.
Enter the current volume label for drive letter
When the conversion to NTFS is complete, you receive the following message at the command prompt: "Conversion complete"
Quit the command prompt.
Now that FAT volume has been converted to NTFS, you can enjoy the features and benefits of NTFS file system. If you face any kind of data loss during conversion process and are unable to recover data with available backup copy, then download data recovery software, which is the best possible solution.