Re: Windows XP file system convert utility

From: Andrew van der Stock (ajv@greebo.net)
Date: 05/14/02 

From: "Andrew van der Stock" <ajv@greebo.net>
Date: Tue, 14 May 2002 12:19:12 +1000

Actually no, look at the "file systems" chapter of the XP Pro Res Kit:

      Default permissions are applied to volumes converted to NTFS.
     Convert.exe now applies default permissions on volumes converted to
NTFS. This change ensures that converted NTFS volumes receive the same
access control lists (ACLs) as natively formatted NTFS volumes.

      A new parameter prevents the master file table (MFT) from becoming
fragmented during the conversion to NTFS.
     To prevent the MFT from becoming fragmented during the conversion to
NTFS, you can use the /cvtarea parameter in Convert.exe to specify a
contiguous placeholder file at the root directory to be used for the MFT.
Using this parameter improves NTFS performance after the conversion by
ensuring that the MFT occupies a contiguous space on the hard disk.

Also, NTFS has always preferred the first third to middle of the disk for
its meta data. Only some PC-centric meta data (partition tables, etc) are
placed close to the beginning of the disk on basic disks.

However, on heavily fragmented disks, I agree that it's likely that the MFT
(and others, like $BADCLUS) will squeeze in wherever it can.

thanks,
Andrew

"Crazy Legs" <jackson506@juno.com> wrote in message
news:tNYD8.53375$eV5.4432413@bin2.nnrp.aus1.giganews.com...
> I found this in regard to converting from FAT(32) to NTFS in an NT
> environment. I assume it's the same with XP:
>
>
> NOTE: There are several disadvantages of file system conversion. When
> Windows NT 4 is reinstalled on the NTFS partition, the setup secures the
> system files. However, if you convert from FAT to NTFS, the convert
utility
> does not secure the files, and you are left with an unsecured system.
>
> Another disadvantage of file system conversion is performance. When you
> execute a fresh format, the metadata required for NTFS are placed in one
> place at the beginning of the disk. During conversion, the metadata can
> get scattered throughout the disk, which has a negative impact on
> performance. The performance is also greatly affected by the default
cluster
> size, which is set to 4 KB when you fresh format and a mere 512 bytes when
> you convert.

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