Ways to Convert from FAT16 to FAT32 in Windows 98

There are three different ways in which you can convert a partition from FAT16 to FAT32

1. Delete the partition using Fdisk and then create a new FAT32 partition. This method will cause you to lose all the data stored on the partition in question
2. Buy a partition utility like PowerQuest's PartitionMagic. This allows you to convert a partition from FAT16 to FAT32 without losing any data. It will also allow you to resize partitions etc.
3. Use Microsoft's FAT16 to FAT32 converter, supplied with Windows 98. This allows you to convert a partition from FAT16 to FAT32 without losing data.

Method 1 (Delete the partition)

Remember that doing this will destroy all the data stored on the partition that you want to convert.

Please make sure that you understand all the steps. If you make a mistake you may end up with an unbootable system.

1. Backup any files that you wish to keep.
2. If the partition that you wish to convert contains the files needed to run Windows 98 you must complete step 3. Even if the partition that you are going to convert does not contain Windows 98 it is a very good idea to still create the system disk.
3. Create a Dos system disk in the following way; click on Start|Settings|Control Panel|Add Remove Programs|Create StartUp Disk. Insert a floppy disk and let windows create the disk.
4. Exit to DOS and type "fdisk" at the command prompt then press enter.
5. When prompted "Do you wish to enable large disk support?" select Yes. This means that any new partitions that you create before rebooting will be FAT32.
6. Select "3. Delete Partition or Logical DOS Drive"
7. If the partition that you wish to convert is a Primary Partition then select "1. Delete Primary Partition". If the partition that you wish to convert is a Logical DOS Drive then select "3. Delete logical DOS drive(s) in the Extended DOS Partition
8. Follow the prompts to delete the partition that you wish to convert
9. Reboot your computer into DOS. If you have deleted the partition that Windows 98 was installed on then you will need to use the system disk that you created in Step 3 to reboot.
10. Type "fdisk" at the command prompt
11. Once again select Yes when prompted "Do you wish to enable large disk support?"
12. Select "1. Create DOS Partition or Logical DOS Drive"
13. If the partition that you deleted in Step 7 was a Primary Partition then select "1. Create Primary Partition". If the partition was a  Logical DOS Drive then select "3. Create Logical DOS drive(s) in the Extended DOS Partition".
14. Follow the prompts to create the partition. Assuming that you do not wish to add any more partitions you should use 100% of the free space to create the partition.
15. Reboot your computer as in Step 9
16. At the command prompt type "format %driveletter%". Where %driveletter% is the drive letter assigned to the  partition that you created in Step 14
17. Follow the prompts and when the format is finished you will have a working FAT32 partition.
18. If you have destroyed the Windows 98 installation. You will now have to install Windows 98 followed by all your Applications.

Method 2 (Buy a Partition Utility)

Not much to say here except that this is the most versatile option. You will be able to adjust cluster sizes, resize partitions as well as convert between FAT16 and FAT32. But remember whereas the other two methods are free you will have to pay for this software.

PowerQuest's Partition Magic Home Page

Method 3 (Use Microsoft's FAT16 to FAT32 converter)

1. Click Start|Programs|Accessories|System Tools
2. In the Drives box, click the drive you want to convert to FAT32
3. Click Next, and then click OK.
4. Click Next, click Next, and then click Next again.
5. When the conversion is complete, click Finish.