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This article describes how to convert a hard disk that uses the File Allocation Table (FAT or FAT16) file system to the FAT32 file system using Drive Converter. WARNING: After you convert your hard disk to FAT32, you are unable to convert it back...

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Microsoft Knowledge Base Article

This article contents is Microsoft Copyrighted material.
©2005-©2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use | Trademarks
Article ID: 180134 - Last Review: January 22, 2007 - Revision: 1.2

How to Convert a Drive to FAT32 Using Drive Converter

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System TipThis article applies to a different version of Windows than the one you are using. Content in this article may not be relevant to you. Visit the Windows Vista Solution Center
This article was previously published under Q180134

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SUMMARY

This article describes how to convert a hard disk that uses the File Allocation Table (FAT or FAT16) file system to the FAT32 file system using Drive Converter.

WARNING: After you convert your hard disk to FAT32, you are unable to convert it back to the original FAT system. Also, this procedure does not work if your hard disk has bad sectors.
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MORE INFORMATION

To convert a drive to the FAT32 file system, use the following steps.

NOTE: Before you convert to the FAT32 file system, uninstall any utilities or tools that protect or encrypt the Master Boot Record (MBR) or partition table (for example, uninstall Bootlock included with Symantec Norton Your Eyes Only).
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Method 1

  1. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, click Drive Converter (FAT32), and then click Next.
  2. In the Drives box, click the drive you want to convert to the FAT32 file system.
  3. Click Next, and then click OK.
  4. Click Next, click Next, and then click Next again.
  5. When the conversion is complete, click Finish.
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Method 2

At a command prompt, type cvt drive: /cvt32 and then press ENTER, where drive is the drive you want to convert to the FAT32 file system.

For more information about the FAT32 file system, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
154997  (http://kbalertz.com/Feedback.aspx?kbNumber=154997/EN-US/ ) Description of the FAT32 File System
NOTE: A drive must be at least 512 megabytes (MB) in size to be converted to the FAT32 file system.
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APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Windows 98 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
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Keywords: 
kbfaq kbfaq kbhowto KB180134
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