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    I've tried to CONVERT the disc Fat32 to NTFS and data become invisible

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by bilalarabaci, Aug 24, 2012.

  1. bilalarabaci

    bilalarabaci Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have a Verbatim 53018 Store n Go 1TB USB 3.0 2.5 Inch External Hard Drive.
    It's formatted as FAT32. I attempted to copy 4GB or larger HD video file to the drive, Windows gave me an error.
    I typed "convert f: /FS:NTFS" to the CMD. It seemed okay when it's done. Then I double clicked the drive and came across "this folder is empty". When I turn back to "Computer" the disc seems fine "410 GB empty, 931 GB general"
    and the disc is still Fat32. :S !?

    I don't want to lose all my data by formatting.
    I just wanted to change the format to be able copy larger files. I didn't do anything wrong.
    Is there any solution to be able to get my data back become visible?
     
  2. MrDJ

    MrDJ Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    im no expert what so ever but i think if you change from fat to ntfs with data on the drive it will wipe it as it is formating it to ntfs so be careful.
     
  3. TreeTops Ranch

    TreeTops Ranch Notebook Deity

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    From the NTFS.com site:

    Q: Is it possible to convert a FAT32 Hard Drive to NTFS without losing all data on the drive? I like to change from FAT32 to NTFS, my operating system is Windows XP PRO, how can I do that? Without the lost of my programs?

    A: Standard Windows utility that is called CONVERT serves this purpose

    Just go to the Command Prompt and execute the command:

    C:\> CONVERT C: /fs:ntfs

    Where C: is a name of the drive you want to convert.

    After machine re-boot conversion process will start and you'll have your FAT32 converted to NTFS without of data loss.
     
  4. MrDJ

    MrDJ Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    ^ see. told you i wasnt sure :D
     
  5. TreeTops Ranch

    TreeTops Ranch Notebook Deity

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    Maybe the original poster just didn't re-boot? However, I would have backed up my data on that drive anyway, just in case.