Task 4.4: Converting FAT to NTFS

The original Microsoft file system was called FAT (File Allocation Table). Windows NT introduced a more robust and secure file system called NTFS (New Technology File System).

FAT uses a linked list to keep track of the files on the partition, like a table of contents, with entries generally listed in the order the files were added to the partition. FAT supports a few attributes, such as Time Saved, Date Saved, Parent Container, Read Only, Archive, System, Hidden, and Directory (vs. File). Historically, FAT had three possible implementations: FAT12, FAT16, or FAT32. But in early 2008, Microsoft released exFAT with Windows Vista SP1. The exFAT file system is most often used on USB flash drives.

Floppy disks use FAT12, using a 12-bit cluster addressing scheme.

Partitions on hard drives in systems running DOS, Windows 3x, and 9x, and on Windows NT, 2000, and Server 2003 basic disks can be formatted with FAT16 using a 16-bit cluster addressing scheme.

Optionally on disks in systems running Windows NT, 2000, XP, and Server 2003 basic disks, partitions can be formatted with FAT32, using a 32-bit cluster addressing scheme for larger partitions.

NTFS, the preferred file system, is available only on Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows Server 2008. NTFS uses a Btrieve database to record file locations in order to make searching for files notably faster. It also supports extended attributes, such as Encryption, Compression, Ownership, Permissions, and Auditing.

Scenario

You are responsible for the protection of sensitive information. You discover that two of the partitions used to store this data on an XP Pro system are using the FAT file system. You must strengthen the security of this file-storage location.

Scope of Task

Duration

This task should take 30 minutes.

Setup

There is a command-line utility, called Convert.exe, used to convert FAT partitions into NTFS partitions. You will use this tool to implement the conversion.

Caveat

Converting from FAT to NTFS is a one-time, one-way conversion. NTFS is supported by Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2008 R2. DOS and Windows 9x cannot read NTFS. If the volume you are converting from FAT to NTFS contains any of these down-level (DOS, Windows 9x) operating systems, they will fail to boot ever again.

The conversion process from FAT to NTFS is, theoretically, nondestructive. However, a prudent administrator would never implement such a severe procedure without performing a confirmed, good backup of all data and valuable information assets on the system. Expect the unexpected to occur! You should back up all valuable data on the system before proceeding.

The reverse process, converting from NTFS to FAT is a destructive process. You must first perform a backup of all content on the NTFS partition. Then you must delete the NTFS partition, destroying all data; re-create the partition; and format the new partition with the desired FAT file system. You could then restore all content from your backup if necessary.

Procedure

For this task, you will initialize a new disk in the system, as necessary. You will then create a new partition, formatted with FAT. You will use the Convert utility to convert the partition to NTFS and confirm successful completion of the conversion.

Equipment Used

For this task, you must have:

• Windows XP Professional system with the following configuration:
  • A member of a workgroup (not a member of a domain)
• One new disk (basic), installed in the system, with no partitions
• Local Administrator access

Details

Configuring the FAT Partition

1. Log on to the Windows XP Professional system as the Local Administrator.

2. Right-click on My Computer and select Manage to open the Computer Management console.

3. Select Disk Management in the left pane.

If the disk has not been initialized before, you will be presented with the Initialize And Convert Disk Wizard. If so, proceed with step 4. If you are not presented with this wizard, skip to step 8.

4. On the first screen of the Initialize And Convert Disk Wizard, click Next.

5. Be sure your new disk is selected to be initialized. Click Next.

6. Be sure the check box is cleared on the Select Disks To Convert screen. Click Next.

7. Click Finish to complete the wizard.

8. In Computer Management ⇒ Disk Management, right-click on the new disk in the Unallocated area, and select New Partition.

9. Click Next on the first screen of the New Partition Wizard.

10. On the Select Partition Type screen, select Primary Partition. Click Next.

11. On the Specify Partition Size screen, enter a desirable partition size. In our example, the partition size will be approximately 1 GB. Click Next.

If you select too small a partition size, you will be forced to implement a FAT(16) file system on the partition. If free space is available, select between 500 MB and 1 GB.

12. Allow the wizard to select the next drive letter (by default). In our example, the partition will be labeled as drive letter E:. Click Next.

13. On the Format Partition screen, select FAT32 (if available; choose FAT if FAT32 is not available) from the File System drop-down list. Enter DATA in the Volume Label field. Select the option Perform A Quick Format.

14. Click Next.

15. Click Finish to complete the New Partition Wizard.

16. In Computer Management ⇒ Disk Management, observe your new FAT partition named DATA.

17. Minimize the Computer Management console.

Creating Data on the New FAT Partition

Converting the New FAT Partition

1. Still logged on as the Administrator, select Start ⇒ Run and enter CMD. Then click OK.

2. At the command prompt, enter the command CONVERT /?.

3. Review the switches associated with the Convert utility.

4. At the command prompt, enter the command CONVERT X: /FS:NTFS, where X: is the drive letter for your new DATA partition. In our example, the DATA partition has E: as the drive letter.

5. Where prompted, enter the name of the FAT partition, DATA, and then press Enter.

6. The Convert utility completes with a summary of its progress.

7. Close the command window.

Confirming the New NTFS Partition

1. Open the Computer Management console. Notice the DATA partition now shows as NTFS.

2. Close the Computer Management console.

3. Launch Explorer by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Explore.

4. In the left pane, select your new DATA partition. Notice the new System Volume Information folder. This is a component of an NTFS partition.

5. Double-click on your New Text Document.txt file.

6. Confirm the file is readable.

7. You have successfully converted from a FAT partition to an NTFS partition and could implement folder and file permissions as well as encryption on all of the content on this new volume. This NTFS partition now supports the use of extended attributes, providing valuable features like permissions, auditing, ownership, compression, and encryption.

Criteria for Completion

You have completed this task when you have successfully converted your new FAT partition to an NTFS partition and have confirmed no data loss.