XP Pro convert to NTFS

[DVOM]

I converted my XP Pro OS partition from FAT32 to NTFS. Because it was only a 3.5G partition my cluster size was already 4K.

Under these conditions, is there any noticeable advantages to a clean install on NTFS over a conversion?

TIA

[SuperSparks]

If the cluster size hasn't changed then the performance shouldn't be affected either. Here's a good article on how to get around the 512byte cluster size for future reference:

http://aumha.org/win5/a/ntfscvt.php

[DVOM]

Thanks SS, I was aware of the 512Byte conversion problem but decided to give it a go without prep. (I ghosted immediately before converting)

I believe I originally partitioned and formatted with PartitionMagic. (which may eliminate the odd 2K multiples problem mentioned in your link)

However I did it, my 4K clusters were maintained after the conversion.

BTW, is there a way to check cluster size from Windows? I checked it with PartitionMagic.

[ecross]

Maybe this will help.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/tre...c_fil_lxty.asp

[jenae]

Hi Dvom if you open Disk defragment and click on analyze then on view report it gives cluster size amongst other info.

[SuperSparks]

Well done jenae, I've been racking my brains all evening trying to remember where I'd seen the cluster size reported

[DVOM]

jenae, thanks. I probably would never have found that since I use a third party defrag.

[ecross]

Another way is to view the cluster size using the fsutil fsinfo ntfsinfo command. Click Start -> Run and then type "cmd" (without quotes).

At the command prompt, type:

fsutil fsinfo ntfsinfo c:

This will give you an existing report about the volume. This was provided in the link I provided above.

[DVOM]

ecross, I guess I just glossed over that article the first time. From that article I also tried the "chkdsk" command and got the cluster size.