How to Convert FAT to NTFS file system

To convert a FAT partition to NTFS, perform the following steps.

1) Click Start, click Programs, and then click Command Prompt.

2) In Windows XP, click Start, click Run, type cmd and then click OK.

3) At the command prompt, type CONVERT [driveletter]: /FS:NTFS.

4) Convert.exe will attempt to convert the partition to NTFS.

NOTE: Although the chance of corruption or data loss during the conversion from FAT to NTFS is minimal, it is best to perform a full backup of the data on the drive that it is to be converted prior to executing the convert command. It is also recommended to verify the integrity of the backup before proceeding, as well as to run RDISK and update the emergency repair disk (ERD).

5 tips to maintain a virus free computer

The Internet is full of nasty viruses and malware. Viruses can also infect your computer from USB drivers, CDs and other removable media. Taking these into consideration, you may have to take active steps to protect your computer from viruses are other nasties.

Here are 5 simple tips to maintain a virus free computer:

1) Install a reliable antivirus product. A virus scanner with realtime protection is the best preventive measure against viruses and other malware applications. Many antivirus products also come with a firewall application which prevents viruses and hacking attempts from the Internet.

2) Scan all incoming email attachments. Viruses often spread via email. Malicious programs such as Trojan horses can infect your computer by appearing to be from a friendly source. For this reason, don’t forget to scan all attachments before opening them.

3) Do not download cracked/pirated software. Virus developers often bundle viruses with pirated software. For this reason, stay away from pirated software. Always download software from reliable sources. If you can’t afford a particular software, try alternatives. There are many open source software that provide the same functionality.

4) Update your anti-virus software frequently. An antivirus software program is only as good as the frequency with which it is updated.

5) Update your operating system regularly. Install all the hotfixes, patches and service packs as and when they become available. Viruses spread via security holes and vulnerabilities. Patches and updates are meant to fix these and make your system more secure and stable.

Most of the time when hard drives fail, you will see warning signs. Here are some indications that your hard drive is about to fail or has failed already:

- An increasing number of errors and bad sectors occur. As you start your computer, you may see access or read errors or the infamous BSOD (Blue Screen of Death). When you run Check Disk or other disk utilities, you may see errors.

- Drive performance gets reduced. Disk access becomes very sluggish. Defragmenting the drive doesn’t help.

- The drive becomes louder and louder. If you hear any sounds, back up the data on the drive ASAP. Usually, clicking sounds or whistling or grinding noises may be heard–these indicate that the drive has crashed or is about to crash.

You should note that hard drives often crash when your computer is on. If you suspect trouble, quit all the programs to minimize writing to the disk, and leave the computer on until you can do a full back up. Your computer may not restart after the disk has crashed.

Troubleshooting a computer can prove to very difficult at times. However, there is one important fact that will help ensure success over failure: Be systematic and methodical.

Don’t make changes to the computer without understanding what you are doing. Chug and plug doesn’t always work. Importantly, don’t make lots of changes to the system at once. Make a single change, see if it fixes the problem and then try the next if needed.

Here are some important things you should keep in mind while troubleshooting your computer:

- When searching the Web for answers, be as precise as possible. Include as many keywords as possible that are related to the issue. If you get an error message, enclose the exact error message in quotes and search for it.

- Ask yourself what has changed. Did you add something new? Did you change a setting? Knowing when the problem started occurring and what changes happened right before it could give you a head start on finding the solution.

- Make one change at a time, testing the problem after each change to see if it is resolved.

- Take notes. When you make a change or test something, jot it down so that you will know what you changed and when.

- Don’t be surprised to find that what appears to be a single problem could actually be multiple problems.