Thanks Jim. Actually, I wasn't so much asking how to do it or what software to use - rather, is it possible? Is it desirable? Is it necessary? I have PM8 somewhere, but it's probably easier just do it from a command line from within XP. Ian Porter Computer Guys Inc. Arrowtown New Zealand [log in to unmask] ----- Original Message ----- From: Jim Dodd Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] Another USB query - formatting with NTFS? Ian wrote: > I've now set up XP Pro on a new 20G x7200 hard drive. My motherboard > is USB 2.0 compliant. > > I plan to keep using my previous system drive, a 40G x7200 Maxtor, in > a USB enclosure. The OS on this drive was W98SE. > > Here's my query: Is it possible or even desirable to convert the old > drive (in it's USB enclosure) to NTFS? > > There's some 30Gb of data on the drive, in the form of MP3's, jpg's > and files etc, but I plan to delete the Windows folder along with any > associated files. > > Ian Porter > Computer Guys Inc. > Arrowtown > New Zealand > [log in to unmask] Hello Ian, A program called Partition Magic 8 can do an NTFS conversion from within Widows. The program may be able to do the conversion without data loss(check on that). http://www.powerquest.com/partitionmagic/ I would do a drive backup prior to the conversion just in case. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.493 / Virus Database: 292 - Release Date: 25/06/2003 The NOSPIN Group provides a monthly newsletter with great tips, information and ideas: NOSPIN-L, The NOSPIN Magazine Visit our web site to signup: http://freepctech.com