Please Help...Windows XP + NTFS???

[Scola]

Ok. I recently had Windows 98, but I deleted everything on my pc, and reinstalled Windows XP Home. Basically, starting from scratch all over again. During the setup of Windows XP I was asked " would you like to convert FAT32 to NTFS ?". I clicked "Yes", because this was my whole main intent of me even getting Windows XP. So, after Windows XP finished its whole installation, I checked my "C Drive" to see if it had converted from FAT32 to NTFS, and it didn't. :bawling:

So, then I right clicked on my "C Drive" to re-format the file system to "NTFS". I click start, and then I get an error message saying " Windows can't format disk drive quit any disk utilites or other programs that are using this drive and make sure that no windows is displaying the content of the drive, and trying formatting again ". So, I close out all programs that I had opened, and tried to this again, but I was still getting the same message. :bawling:

After this I try to convert it from the "Command Prompt" I enter the command "C:/fs:ntfs" ,but then I get a message saying "Convert can't run, because the volume is in use by another process, convert may run if volume is dismounted first. All open handles to this volume will then be invaild. Would you like to force a dismount on this volume?". I typed "Yes". Then I get a message saying " Convert failed to dismount the volume convert cant gain exclusive access to the "C Drive", so it cant be converted now. Would you like to schedule it to be converted the next time the system restarts?". I then typed "Yes", and it tell me "The conversion will take place automatically the next time the system restarts". After reading this I get alittle happy. :)

I then restart my computer, so Windows XP is starting up...Then its telling me "The type of file system is a FAT32, a disk check has been scheduled"...Windows will now check the disk, windows will now verfy windows and files..Windows has checked the system, and found no problems...Conversion of FAT32 to NTFS has failed...So, I check the "C Drive" just to make sure, and its still a FAT32...:bawling:

Basically, I have tried EVERYTHING to convert from FAT32 to NTFS...And nothing is working for me...Then reason I got Windows XP, was to convert to NTFS, and plus I needed the upgrade...Can someone please help me out. :confused:

PS - Thanxs For Reading My Long Problem.

[Scola]

Ok. I Figured Out What The Problem Was...I Have Insufficient Memory, So Looks Like Am Going To Have To Get More Memory...And I Will See What Happens.

Aleast I Think This Is The Problem...When I Restarted It It Said I Had "Insufficient Memory".

Now I Really Don't Think This Is The Problem...Can Someone Help Me PLEASE.

[dragonmaster]

i think the best thing for you is to do a clean install of windows... so if you can put in an win98 boot up floppy and boot it up then type in "fdisk" and you'll be presented with some option... select the option about deleting logical drive.. and once you are done.. then create a primanry logical drive and set it to max... if you are not too good with computer... if not don't set it to max.. but set about 10-20GB pri partition and set the second one to max.. then restart and put in your winxp disk and run it and tell it to create a new and empty NSTF drive ...

by the way if you don't understand a bit what i am saying don't do it... you'll regret it.. if you do proceduce on with lots of caution if you messed up... you probably dont' know hwo to fix it...

[CousinFizz]

My other winME machine did something like this once. It won't change over so all I did since it had other problems was to do a 'low level format' such as a 'kill disk' and did a few passes, it takes a while, and it worked fine from then on. Make sure you have your video and sound drivers and do get the ram you need because XP uses alot! Have at least 256 on the ram if not more... like I say MORE is better. I have to upgrade there myself but that should be a good start. If you continue to have problems you may not be able to upgrade to XP, which is weird, but on my older 'puter it wouldn't let me upgrade to XP at all... :uhwell:


What machine do you have there?

[QWERTY]

You typed a long post but how about providing a little usefull information about the hardware you are using? What is the size of the harddrive, amount of RAM, etc. For all we now the "Insufficient Memory" error you are getting is really because there isn't enough free space on the harddrive for the NTFS conversion to take place.

[PhilEnfield]

Yup was going to ask the same .... System Specs ??

[kyle5077]

You can always try PartitionMagic.
But I agree, just try wiping the hdd again.

HTH

[Scola]

My System Specs Are:

AMD K6-2/400MHZ Processor
64MB SDRAM
80GB Maxtor Hard Drive

[nightheart]

You wanna install XP on that? 64 is the minimum required for XP, but it's very low and a 400 cpu, you system is going to drag A LOT. I'd try 2000 if you want NTFS, since it doesn't hog so many resources. Your system might just be to slow to handle the conversion, which means you need to wipe out your existing drive completely and do a clean install, on a freshly made partition..............good luck, your going to need it.


edit: I have seen XP run on a 266 pentium w/64 megs of RAM, but you had time to walk the dog, while it was booting up........my 2 cents

[Scola]

Alright, I Just Did A Clean Format Of My Hard Drive...Now, Am Ready To Install Windows XP, But...It Wouldn't Reconize The Disk, But It Will Reconize The Windows 98 Disk...I Think This Is, Because I Brought The Windows XP Home Upgrade Version...Was I Supposed To Just Get The Regular Windows XP Home Version?...

[PhilEnfield]

Try changing your settings in BIOS to boot from CD as 1st device ... then reboot with the XP Home CD in yr drive.

It will ask you to insert yr qualifying product (W98 disk), during installation.

[Scola]

Alright Its Working, Am Now Creating New Partition

[Scola]

:luxhello:...Well, I Just Installed XP, And I Got It To Convert To NTFS, Only Thing I Will Do Now It Buy More RAM...As, I Need That Upgrade To...I Would Like To Thanxs Everybody For There Help. Thanxs Alot! :t_up:

[CousinFizz]

I had a P3 733 and the XP just wouldn't work on it. I know what you're going through and hope it works for you... if not, well I think we all know what's the next step....

[Scola]

I Just Installed 256MB RAM, And WOW!!! :hdspin: I See The Difference. Thanxs Again! :t_up: