FAT32 or NTFS? Which format is better for backups?

The FAT file system has the advantage over NTFS of being compatible with many operating systems. Furthermore, many other devices such as digital cameras and MP3 players also use FAT32. In contrast, NTFS is only supported by Windows operating systems. However, a decisive disadvantage of the FAT file system is the limited file size. The maximum file size for FAT32 is only 4 GB. This makes the FAT file system practically unusable for image backups.

If you perform an image backup to an external hard disk and then after a few minutes receive the error message "Disk full" appears even though there is still enough space on the external hard disk, this is because the external hard disk is set to the "Fat32" format.

How to change my backup disk from FAT32 to NTFS

1. connect the external hard disk to the computer

2. Format the disk: Right-click on the icon of the external hard disk and select "Format...":

3. here you can select a file system, select "NTFS" if this is not included by default. It is also best to select the "Quick format" method, as formatting will take much longer if this option is not checked.

4. format FAT32: As soon as you click on "Start", Windows will once again point out that all data will be deleted during formatting, confirm this process by clicking on OK.

After this process, the external hard disk will have the format "NTFS" and the data backups will now work properly.

Changing the file system from FAT32 to NTFS without deleting files

There is also a method to change the format on the fly without deleting any files. This method is done via command line. Proceed as follows:

1. go to "Start/All Programs/Accessories" and right-click on "Command Prompt". Select the command "Run as administrator".

2. enter the command "convert" in the command prompt - followed by the corresponding drive letter and the parameters "/fs:ntfs". To convert the file format of the external USB hard disk with the drive letter G: from FAT32 to NTFS, enter the following command: "convert G: /fs:ntfs".

3. confirm the entry of this command by pressing "Enter".

This option reformats the format, but does not guarantee 100% success. In general, there is no risk of data loss, but use it at your own risk. Microsoft writes the following:

"While the possibility of corruption or loss of data is minimal, it is still recommended that you back up the data on the disk you want to convert before converting."

We therefore recommend backing up the data again before formatting to ensure that no data is lost.