work with a ntfs partition outside windows

[212121]

hello

in my computer i only install microsoft windows xp in one partition, until today i have been installing microsoft windows xp in a fat32 partition so that i could use a linux live cd and work with the system files without booting microsoft windows

but now i want to install microsoft windows xp to a ntfs partition, is there a way to work with the system files without being in microsoft windows?

thanks

[colemancb]

There is a website you can go to...

http://linux-ntfs.sourceforge.net/

that will answer all your questions.

Or, find a LiveCD with the NTFS driver integrated.

[Andromeda43]

Two questions,,,,two answers.

1. The easiest way to work with files on a FAT-32 HD is to boot up the system with a Windows 98 boot floppy (or CD). Then just use dos to move from folder to folder.

If you don't know how to use DOS,,,,,get a book and learn it. You'll be very glad you did.

2. Once you go NTFS you can never go back without a complete re-format of the drive.

Think twice before you do that.

I maintain complete control over my own HD's by keeping them all at FAT-32.

I won't give up that control for anything....ever! (OK, call me a control freak!)

I regularly back up my entire HD using Ghost 2003, a DOS program.

I store that file on a DVD which will boot up the system and do a restore, even to a brand new HD.

Had I gone to NTFS for my OS partition, I couldn't do any of that.

If you have your OS on a FAT-32 partition, you're very fortunate. Keep it!

Cheers,

Andromeda43

[InTheWayBoy]

Forget FAT32 and move on...NTFS is much better, and with the right tools it's almost no different than FAT32.

First off there are several DOS solutions for NTFS access...either a free read-only plugin or a paid full version...Winternals makes the one I know of.

Second, the way of the future is a bootable windows CD. Much like your Linux LiveCD's, a bootable windows CD is the same, but running a modern M$ OS. Rght now you have a few options:

1. WinPE - M$ official "Preinstallation Environment", which you are responsible for customizing to your needs. You need to jump through a few hoops to get this...but it is official.

2. BartPE - A much better alternative, but it's not 100% official. While currently it's running strong, I wouldn't be suprised if M$ but the hammer down and tried to finish them off once and for all. But for now, it's the best **** thing out there...you can customize it to no end.

3. ERD 2005 - A great bootable CD with custom applications that help a system/network admin. You not only get file access, but also there are tools to remotely edit the registry, change any users passwords, and disable problematic drivers or services. Problem is, this ain't cheap...but it's worth every single penny.

4. UBCD4Win - A pre-customized version of BartPE with some pretty standard tools. I find this is a good one to start out with, but I suggest making your own in the end.

5. BART CD - By Avast, I've never used it.

If you like geeking out, then take on making your own BatPE disc. It may be frustrating at first, but once you get the hang of it you'll be adding all your programs to it. I used to use it for virus scanning and spyware removal, as well as data backup before a reload.

Since all of these run off the WinXP OS, they have fantastic support. NTFS, Domain Support, PnP Hardware (Can be a pain to setup), and native access to USB Drives are just a few of the bonuses. People have customized this to the point where it rivals a standard WinXP install.

I do appreciate the concept of staying with FAT32 for file access, but it's really becoming an antiquated technology. I know there are other reasons, but when you think about the benefits NTFS offers it should be a no-brainer.

[Takeshi]

I quite agree with InTheWayBoy. It's time to move on.

Apart from the options listed above, there is another simple one - to have another NT OS as a dual boot, like a 2nd XP. I boot into the 2nd XP to maintain the first.