Formatting a USB2 connected hard disk

[NevilleBeddoe]

Hi,

This may be a simple question for computer buffs.

I have a new hard disk 400GB connected via a USB2 port. I wish to store a few HD home movies on it, but it is formatted for FAT files which only go up to 2GB. I understand if I reformat it to NTFS, I can store larger files. How do I do this? I have Windows XP.

[jumpsuit]

Hi there

Make a note of what drive letter the hdd has.

Click Start, and point to ALL PROGRAMS, ACCESSORIES, and then click COMMAND PROMPT. Then to convert the drive to NTFS, type:

CONVERT C: /FS:NTFS and hit the ENTER key.

(I have used the C drive as an example, so just change the drive letter)

Be warned, though, that converting to NTFS is one-way only. Once executed, there's no way to revert back to FAT32 without reinstalling Windows XP

For more info look Here

[NevilleBeddoe]

Hi Jumpsuit

Thanks very much for your info. I will carefully consider your caveats before I reformat.

However what mystifies me about your statement perhaps due to my limited understanding, is my impression that the external hard drive should be independent of the System XP. Oh well nevertheless I will still think hard about it