Optimize System Performance with Win XP NTFS

[Guest]

Just received Sep Issue of Computer Pilot which included a copy of FS Catolog, within the catolog there is an item on "How to Optimize your System's Performance" which supports going to Win XP NTFS. Until I read this item, I thought best approch was FAT32 for FS2002. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.Soyo KT333 Dragon Ultra/AMD XP2200+512 DDR PC2100 (going to 333)Visiontek GEF3 TI500Win 98SE (Have Home Win XP but holding off installing it because the system is running great with 98SE) Erv Moore KSDF

[Guest]

It really depends on the harddrive(s) and partitionaing that you have setup on your PC. there is not a clean-cut answer. Both FAT32 and NTFS have advantages and drawbacks. I have decided to stick with FAT32 on my system. There is NO performance gain with NTFS. It's more about seek time on the harddrive and efficient use of space.If you aren't sure of the differences just stick with FAT32John-PaulToronto

[Guest emergency_pants]

I recently changed my second HD (the one which holds FS2002) to NTFS and didn't notice any performance gain in terms of access speed or FS2002 performance. But I chose to change because I think NTFS is a safer file system... less likelihood of losing files if I get a system crash... and I find that it wastes less HD space. Good for file security too, if you need it.However, I haven't changed my Primary HD over yet (the one that holds all my system files/Windows XP and my work applications... I will do when I get the time and can be bothered to backup my files (easier to do with a second HD, btw) and reinstall Windows XP. You can switch file systems using the command line, but I prefer to do a full HD format. I like things as clean as possible.Anyway... as John-Paul says, if you're not sure yet, then it might be worth holding off from switching until you're in a better position to change (i.e. changing to a new HD or re-installing stuff). It's far from an essential operation. There are several good support sites for XP which go into some detail, do a search for 'Windows XP tips'. That should throw up some good sites you can read.Simon.

[Guest]

Thanks guys! Erv

[greggerm]

When I last reinstalled, I switched both of my drives to NTFS. I have not noticed a performance increase, but I have DEFINATELY noticed the more efficient use of space.Between MSFS and my gobs of ripped CD's, I've reclaimed an awful lot of space being wasted under FAT32.The only reason I was maintaining FAT32 was because of the boot-disk factor, but since other alternatives have come around for it, I'm far less worried about it.If you have the need or desire to reload your system at some point, do yourself the favor and switch over then.Secure, efficient, and more crash-hardened! -Greg