Windows XP supports both FAT32 and NTFS. If you are concerned about security, NTFS is the way to go. For example, it allows you to set permissions at the file level instead of just at the folder level. When you installed the operating system, you may have opted to (or mistakenly) used FAT32. Not a problem since you have a one-time conversion from FAT to NTFS, without losing any of your data!

One way of converting to NTFS is to use the convert command from the command prompt. The syntax for the command is as follows:

Convert d: /fs:ntfs

After you press Enter, you’ll be asked to confirm your actions by pressing Y and the conversion is done. You can now set security at the file level. Now if your drive is currently in use, prime example is if you are trying to convert your system volume, you can opt to have the conversion take place the next time the computer is restarted.

A word of caution though as this is a one time conversion which means there isn’t any going back from NTFS to FAT32 unless you format the volume or find a third party utility that can perform this task.