There is an explanation of the differences here:
http://kadaitcha.cx/ntfs.html
I would reformat the USB drive just for the security and speed advantages.
To format in NTFS, right-click My Computer, select Manage/Disk 
Management. Right-click the drive in question, select Format.

E B Lund wrote:
> I am running factory installed XP Home on my 20 month old eMachines 
> D2880. I partitioned the original hard drive into 3 partitions, C for 
> operating system, D for programs, E for data, although there is likely 
> some spillover between the three. These use NTFS file system per 
> original factory settings.
> 
> I purchased a Western Digital USB 2.0 250 GB drive for the primary 
> purpose of backing up my partitioned drives. However, it is preformatted 
> with FAT32 file system. What to do?
> 
> Let me make it clear, I have no clue what NTFS and FAT32 mean. And I am 
> open to remaining ignorant if there is no compelling reason for me to 
> know. So . . . . . . .
> 
> Is there a problem having the two different file systems or should I 
> change one, presumably the USB drive?
> 
> If I need to change the USB drive to NTFS, I am assuming it will be 
> pretty easy to follow XP help to change it, but any guidance would be 
> appreciated.
> 
> Also, I was thinking that I would partition the USB drive with 
> partitions slightly smaller than my C, D and E drives and backing them 
> up individually. Any issues with that?
> 
> If it matters, I am likely to be installing an internal drive soon with 
> Ghost to provide automatic backups and the external drive will be to 
> have a seperate backup that is not in the computer assuming it blows 
> up.  Also, I am not a power user. I use my computer a lot, but it is for 
> web surfing, email, and office functions, but not heavy graphics or gaming.
> 
> Thank you for your help.
> 
> William Closure
> 
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> 

               The NOSPIN Group Promotions is now offering
                 our special coffee mugs and mouse pads
              with the PCBUILD logo...  at a great price!!!
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