How can I tell if I have an NTFS or a FAT32?

[Chefguy]

I’m thinking of buying an external storage device for backing up my laptop (running Vista) and am looking at the Maxtor One Touch 4 Mini 250GB. In the review, it says:

Although its disaster-recovery is only for Windows XP or Vista users with NTFS-formatted drives, the OneTouch 4 Mini is one of the best portable drives available, and it once again earns our Editors’ Choice.

and further on:

The SafetyDrill utility, which creates an image of your PC’s drive and backs it up to the OneTouch 4 Mini, is still limited to NTFS drives, leaving FAT32 users in the cold.

My laptop is less than six months old. How can I check to see which of these (whatever they are) I have on my computer? Thanks.

[Amp]

Go to MY Computer and right click on the drive you want to check. Click on properties. It will tell you what file system you are using.

[Chefguy]

@Amp

Go to MY Computer and right click on the drive you want to check. Click on properties. It will tell you what file system you are using.

That was entirely too simple. :smack: Thanks mucho. It’s NTFS, by the way.

[nivlac]

My laptop is less than six months old.
It’s NTFS.

[Rigamarole]

Nobody can diagnose you over the internet. You’re going to have to see a doctor.

[Chefguy]

@nivlac

My laptop is less than six months old.
It’s NTFS.

Sigh. I really should try to get current with things.

[sunstone]

Here is a bit of information (Ha, I said bit) comparing the two different types:

http://thundercloud.net/information-avenue/ntfs-vs-fat32/

[Uosdwis_R.Dewoh]

@sunstone

Here is a bit of information (Ha, I said bit) comparing the two different types:

NTFS vs FAT32, Which should I choose when setting up Windows XP?

Warning that site is NTFS!