Here's our Windows 95/98 Tip for.. July 8, 1998
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FAT32 issues
Last month we talked abot Win98's FAT32 converter and how it can help you make better use of your hard disk space and even start programs faster. Well, it comes with a downside, several of them actually. Before you take the plunge, we just want to make sure you make an informed decision. Here are some of the issues to think about:
  • Win98 also ships with the enhanced DriveSpace3, for file compression. However, you cannot compress drives that use FAT32.
  • Once you convert your hard drive to FAT32 format using Drive Converter, you cannot return to using the FAT16 format unless you repartition and reformat the FAT32 drive. If you converted the drive on which Windows 98 is installed, then you must reinstall Windows 98 after repartitioning the drive.
  • Older disk compression software is not compatible with FAT32. If your drive is already compressed, you may not be able to convert to FAT32.
  • If you convert a removable disk and use the disk with other operating systems that are not FAT32-compatible, you cannot access the disk when running the other operating system.
  • Because previous versions of Windows are not compatible with FAT32, you cannot uninstall Windows 98 after converting.
  • Although most programs are not affected by the conversion from FAT16 to FAT32, some disk utilities that depend on FAT16 do not work with FAT32 drives.
  • If you convert your hard drive to FAT32 using Drive Converter, you can no longer use dual boot to run earlier versions of Windows (Windows 95 [Version 4.00.950], Windows NT 3.x, Windows NT 4.0, and Windows 3.x).