I need a computer genius

[Mystic]

As in, knows about converting file systems. I'm gonna buy an external HDD. The two I'm looking at are FAT32. I gotta convert it to NTFS. XP comes with a conversion program. However, I've read that realigning the partition is needed. But according to people here, it's only needed if the partition was formatted by a pre-XP system.

But since it's an external HDD, not an installed inside computer one, do I need to do the realignment?

*hopes I didn't confuse every NSider...>_<*

[THEEVILSPERKY]

Plug it in
My Computer
Right-click on external hard-drive
Format
Select the desired File System (NTFS)
"Start"

[Sgt.Chilly]

I'm a Computer .....oh wait .... no I'm an Evil Genius.

Sorry never mind.

[Mystic]

Plug it in
My Computer
Right-click on external hard-drive
Format
Select the desired File System (NTFS)
"Start"

...

I just saw that on Microsoft's site...specifically for formatting external hard drives...

I feel dumb  :(

[Totla]

Plug it in
My Computer
Right-click on external hard-drive
Format
Select the desired File System (NTFS)
"Start"

...

I just saw that on Microsoft's site...specifically for formatting external hard drives...

I feel dumb  :(

You know, when you first plug in a drive, it automatically asks you to format it. Actually, I don't think you can use it until you do. >.>

[Mystic]

Plug it in
My Computer
Right-click on external hard-drive
Format
Select the desired File System (NTFS)
"Start"

...

I just saw that on Microsoft's site...specifically for formatting external hard drives...

I feel dumb  :(

You know, when you first plug in a drive, it automatically asks you to format it. Actually, I don't think you can use it until you do. >.>

Makes sense.

Amazing how NSider is more helpful than a bunch a sites dedicated to this stuff...

[えっちーせんぱい]

It would have been nice if you told me this was the external drive last night... I would have said this:

Plug it in
My Computer
Right-click on external hard-drive
Format
Select the desired File System (NTFS)
"Start"