Portable Hard Drive to NTFS from FAT32? Image and backup on same drive?

Discussion in 'hardware' started by xMarkx, Mar 14, 2011.

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  1. xMarkx

    xMarkx Registered Member

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    Hello,

    I was attempting to create a system image of my laptop with Windows 7 64-bit system using the included Backup and Restore Center. I plugged in my portable Western Digital hard drive, but it said that my drive wasn't compatible as it wasn't formatted with NTFS. I checked the drive, and apparently it's formatted as FAT32 instead of NTFS. How do I change my portable hard drive to NTFS?

    I'd like to use this portable hard drive to (1) back up files, pictures etc on my Vista desktop plus (2) have an image of my Windows 7 laptop. Can I do both of these on the same drive?

    Also, does anyone have any recommendations on how to secure a laptop from being stolen in places such as hotel rooms? I have a decent password on it, is there anything else that I can do?

    Thanks,

    Mark
     
  2. TheKid7

    TheKid7 Registered Member

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    I have never made a conversion from FAT32 to NTFS, but here are some links on how to make the conversion with Windows 7.

    -http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/11106-convert-fat-fat32-volume-ntfs.html-

    -http://www.ntfs.com/quest3.htm-

    The maximum file size for FAT32 is 4 GB. I think that is the reason that Windows 7 requires NTFS for the destination of the Image.

    Laptop Theft Prevention Articles:

    -http://www.symantec.com/connect/articles/laptop-security-part-one-preventing-laptop-theft-

    -http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/141388/how_to_stop_laptop_theft.html-
     
    Last edited: Mar 14, 2011
  3. tgell

    tgell Registered Member

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  4. Brian K

    Brian K Imaging Specialist

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    Move your data to another site.
    Delete the FAT32 partition. Create a NTFS partition.
    Move your data back.
     
  5. xMarkx

    xMarkx Registered Member

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    Hello,

    Thanks for the useful replies and links. I'll try to see if I can convert the portable hard drive to NTFS. Do you guys think I can use the portable har drive for both imaging my laptop and backing up files (eg: word documents, jpg images) on my desktop?

    Regards,

    Mark
     
  6. Brian K

    Brian K Imaging Specialist

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    Sure. Very sensible. Backup as many computers as you like to that HD.
     
  7. xMarkx

    xMarkx Registered Member

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    Thanks for the replies everybody, and sorry for not getting back to you sooner - been really busy. I successfully created a system image today using the Windows 7 build in feature after converting my portable drive to NTFS. The laptop remained safe and had no problems during the holiday.

    Thanks again,

    Mark
     
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