Can i install Windows XP Pro on a FAT32 partition?

[edison]

hi,

I have an 80GB HDD that has FAT32 partition with Windows ME. I wish to install Windows XP Pro replacing Win ME. I do not wish to switch to NTFS due to file access limitations on various partitions.

Let me know your suggestions.

With Regards...

[RJ]

Well, Windows XP does support FAT32, but only up to 32 GB. For larger partitions, you need NTFS.
And you should use NTFS. What do you mean by file access limitations ? You want to remove ME, and install XP. So what do you need FAT32 for ?

RJ

[edison]

Hi RJ,

I referred to http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=184006
and that clearly states that 32 GB applies to a drive volume.

I'm not clear as to whether 32GB applies to a drive size or the entire HDD size
MY C Drive is only less than 20GB. That should probably work, right?

what do u feel ?

with regards...

[RJ]

32 GB is the maximum partition size. You can create multiple partitions with max. 32 GB on one big hard drive.
If you have a small drive for your Windows anyway, it's no problem. Just intall Windows XP there.

But then, still, what do you need FAT32 for ? NTFS is better anyway, and you should use that with Windows XP. What do you mean by file access limitations ?

RJ

[(51)]

Can you install XP over 98 and still save all of your files that are currently on a FAT32 format? Will it 'reformat' the files to NTFS "on the fly"???

[RJ]

No. But you can install XP over 98, so that you don't have to reinstall all your programs. And once XP is installed, you can convert the file system to NTFS without losing files.

RJ

[glc]

You certainly can install XP on a preexisting 80gb FAT32 partition - it's just XP cannot CREATE a FAT32 partition larger than 32gb. You will have to use a 98/ME bootdisk or Partition Magic to format it.