NTFS to FAT32

[yellowhobbit]

I'd like to go back from WinXP to Win98SE, because of the nv4_disp BSOD. But, I've converted my HD to NTFS. Is there a way to change it back to FAT 32 WITHOUT loosing all my data? I know there are programmes around, but i don't want to spend money on one just for this once.

 

[Psychoholic]

There is no way to convert from NTFS to FAT32 without third party software. However, if you're just talking about personal files and you know the location you can copy them to another drive/CD format the NTFS drive and then copy them back over once you have Win98 installed.

 

[Electrode]

wow, I haven't heard that one asked since win2k came out!

Anyway, here's the method I use when needed:

To back up a complete system (that you can boot from):

1. Use the MS backup tool (in xp) to back up your NTFS drive and system state. Put the .bkf file on a network drive, tape, whatever.
2. Nuke your NTFS partition and make a FAT32 in it's place. win9x fdisk can do this.
3. Install XP on the FAT32 partition. Don't bother configuring it, so long as you can access your .bkf file from step 1.
4. Open up MS backup and open your .bkf from step 1. Restore to original location.
5. Reboot if needed. Everything is back to normal, on a FAT32 partition.

If you just need to back up some random files, put the files on a CD-RW or network drive or something. That's what I always do.