Help needed - Computer stuff
 

I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough room for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is FAT 32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).
--
John H

"All decisions are the result of binary thinking."

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:07:52 -0500, John H.
wrote:

Now what?

Buy a new computer.

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:07:52 -0500, John H.
wrote:

I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough room for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is FAT 32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).

Don't fool around. Just buy a bigger HD, and format it in NTFS.
Then reformat the other one, and use it too.
Better to have at least 2 backup drives for Murphy Law insurance.

--Vic

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

"John H." wrote in message
...
I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough room
for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is FAT
32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).
--
John H

"All decisions are the result of binary thinking."
You need to reformat Fat 32 wont work. Sorry. You will need to copy that 50
GB back and start over. But you know that now.
The manual for the hard drive should explain hoe to do it

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

Vic Smith wrote:
On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:07:52 -0500, John H.
wrote:

I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough room for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is FAT 32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).

Don't fool around. Just buy a bigger HD, and format it in NTFS.
Then reformat the other one, and use it too.
Better to have at least 2 backup drives for Murphy Law insurance.

--Vic


I don't usually help idiots because it only encourages them,
but you can easily convert a FAT32 drive to NTFS without a great risk of
losing data.

First, stop the backup. Then:

Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click
Command Prompt.

At the command prompt, type the following, where drive letter is the
drive that you want to convert:
convert drive letter: /fs:ntfs
(As an example, type the following command to convert drive E to NTFS:
convert e: /fs:ntfs)

(Note If the operating system is on the drive that you are converting,
you will be prompted to schedule the task when you restart the computer
because the conversion cannot be completed while the operating system is
running. When you are prompted, click YES.)

When you receive the following message at the command prompt, type the
volume label of the drive that you are converting, and then press ENTER:

The type of the file system is FAT.
Enter the current volume label for drive drive letter

When the conversion to NTFS is complete, you receive the following
message at the command prompt:
Conversion complete

Quit the command prompt.



These are Mickeysoft's directions, not mine. I've done this a few times
without complications and without losing data.

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

HK wrote:
Vic Smith wrote:
On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:07:52 -0500, John H.
wrote:

I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my
documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough
room for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is
FAT 32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).

Don't fool around. Just buy a bigger HD, and format it in NTFS.
Then reformat the other one, and use it too.
Better to have at least 2 backup drives for Murphy Law insurance.

--Vic


I don't usually help idiots because it only encourages them,
but you can easily convert a FAT32 drive to NTFS without a great risk of
losing data.

First, stop the backup. Then:

Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click
Command Prompt.

At the command prompt, type the following, where drive letter is the
drive that you want to convert:
convert drive letter: /fs:ntfs
(As an example, type the following command to convert drive E to NTFS:
convert e: /fs:ntfs)

(Note If the operating system is on the drive that you are converting,
you will be prompted to schedule the task when you restart the computer
because the conversion cannot be completed while the operating system is
running. When you are prompted, click YES.)

When you receive the following message at the command prompt, type the
volume label of the drive that you are converting, and then press ENTER:

The type of the file system is FAT.
Enter the current volume label for drive drive letter

When the conversion to NTFS is complete, you receive the following
message at the command prompt:
Conversion complete

Quit the command prompt.



These are Mickeysoft's directions, not mine. I've done this a few times
without complications and without losing data.



Whoops...forgot the URL

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307881

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:10:30 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:07:52 -0500, John H.
wrote:

Now what?

Buy a new computer.

Yeah but..yeah, but... oh ****.
--
John H

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 07:13:58 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote:

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:07:52 -0500, John H.
wrote:

I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough room for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is FAT 32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).

Don't fool around. Just buy a bigger HD, and format it in NTFS.
Then reformat the other one, and use it too.
Better to have at least 2 backup drives for Murphy Law insurance.

--Vic

Damn, that's easy. Will any external hard drive be formatable in NTFS?
--
John H

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:19:39 -0500, "Jim" wrote:


"John H." wrote in message
.. .
I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough room
for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is FAT
32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).
--
John H

"All decisions are the result of binary thinking."
You need to reformat Fat 32 wont work. Sorry. You will need to copy that 50
GB back and start over. But you know that now.
The manual for the hard drive should explain hoe to do it

I was afraid of something like that. Damn.
--
John H

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:22:28 -0500, HK wrote:



Whoops...forgot the URL

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307881

Whatever works. A serious discussion about backups is pretty boring,
and most don't have the stamina for it.
I've got a pretty good system - non-networked - and if anybody is
interested, let me know.

--Vic

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

John H. wrote:
On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 07:13:58 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote:

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:07:52 -0500, John H.
wrote:

I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough room for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is FAT 32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).
Don't fool around. Just buy a bigger HD, and format it in NTFS.
Then reformat the other one, and use it too.
Better to have at least 2 backup drives for Murphy Law insurance.

--Vic

Damn, that's easy. Will any external hard drive be formatable in NTFS?

Normally they are, in fact, today most computers purchased with WinXP
are formated in NTFS.

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:22:28 -0500, HK wrote:

HK wrote:
Vic Smith wrote:
On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:07:52 -0500, John H.
wrote:

I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my
documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough
room for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is
FAT 32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).

Don't fool around. Just buy a bigger HD, and format it in NTFS.
Then reformat the other one, and use it too.
Better to have at least 2 backup drives for Murphy Law insurance.

--Vic


I don't usually help idiots because it only encourages them,
but you can easily convert a FAT32 drive to NTFS without a great risk of
losing data.

First, stop the backup. Then:

Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click
Command Prompt.

At the command prompt, type the following, where drive letter is the
drive that you want to convert:
convert drive letter: /fs:ntfs
(As an example, type the following command to convert drive E to NTFS:
convert e: /fs:ntfs)

(Note If the operating system is on the drive that you are converting,
you will be prompted to schedule the task when you restart the computer
because the conversion cannot be completed while the operating system is
running. When you are prompted, click YES.)

When you receive the following message at the command prompt, type the
volume label of the drive that you are converting, and then press ENTER:

The type of the file system is FAT.
Enter the current volume label for drive drive letter

When the conversion to NTFS is complete, you receive the following
message at the command prompt:
Conversion complete

Quit the command prompt.



These are Mickeysoft's directions, not mine. I've done this a few times
without complications and without losing data.



Whoops...forgot the URL

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307881

Thanks!! That'll be cheaper than a new computer or a new hard drive!

Isn't Microsoft great?
--
John H

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

On Jan 10, 8:07*am, John H. wrote:
I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough room for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is FAT 32..

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).
--
John H

"All decisions are the result of binary thinking."

Don't make it any more complicated than it needs to be. Just by a new
big external HD, they are cheap.

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

"John H." wrote in message
...
I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough room
for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is FAT
32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).
--
John H

"All decisions are the result of binary thinking."

There are some utilities like "Partition Magic" that will allow you to
resize/create partitions without losing data, of course no guarantees. If
the backed up data is just that, a backup then the data you're concerned
about is still on your main HDD(s).

With on the partition utilities you could create a new partition on your
160GB HDD, format this new partition as NTFS, move the data from the FAT32
partition, reformat the FAT32 partition to NTFS.

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

John H. wrote:
I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough room for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is FAT 32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).

Forget about windows backup utilities and get Retrospect.

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

BAR wrote:
John H. wrote:
I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my
documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough
room for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is
FAT 32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).

Forget about windows backup utilities and get Retrospect.




And Bertie claims to be a computer expert.

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

John H. wrote:
On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:10:30 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:07:52 -0500, John H.
wrote:

Now what?
Buy a new computer.

Yeah but..yeah, but... oh ****.

Rather than using backup, can you just copy the files manually using
windows explorer. Or perhaps different backup software?

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

JimH wrote:
"HK" wrote in message
...
wrote:
On Jan 10, 8:07 am, John H. wrote:
I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my
documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough room
for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is FAT
32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).
--
John H

"All decisions are the result of binary thinking."
Don't make it any more complicated than it needs to be. Just by a new
big external HD, they are cheap.

What's next? A treatise on computer science from the ReggieJerk that
summarizes something he read somewhere?

All Herring has to do is CONVERT the drive from FAT32 to NTFS. It is a
simple, straightforward procedure and the data on the drive will still be
there.


This is turning out to be just as funny as the battery charger thread he
started.

BTW: You were spot on regarding conversion of FAT32 to NTFS. Even a 10
year old kid can do it w/o a problem.




It obviously is too complicated a procedure for many of the "computer
experts" here, who suggested he needed a new hard drive, a new computer,
a new operating system, a new hairpiece, new teeth, whatever. Some of
these "computer experts" probably have the same level of "boating
expertise."





--
George W. Bush - the 43rd Best President Ever!

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

HK wrote:
JimH wrote:
"HK" wrote in message
...
wrote:
On Jan 10, 8:07 am, John H. wrote:
I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my
documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough
room for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is
FAT 32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD
that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).
--
John H

"All decisions are the result of binary thinking."
Don't make it any more complicated than it needs to be. Just by a new
big external HD, they are cheap.

What's next? A treatise on computer science from the ReggieJerk that
summarizes something he read somewhere?

All Herring has to do is CONVERT the drive from FAT32 to NTFS. It is
a simple, straightforward procedure and the data on the drive will
still be there.


This is turning out to be just as funny as the battery charger thread
he started.

BTW: You were spot on regarding conversion of FAT32 to NTFS. Even a
10 year old kid can do it w/o a problem.



It obviously is too complicated a procedure for many of the "computer
experts" here, who suggested he needed a new hard drive, a new computer,
a new operating system, a new hairpiece, new teeth, whatever. Some of
these "computer experts" probably have the same level of "boating
expertise."






It is cute to watch Harry and JimH high fiving each other over this.
The only thing missing is for Don to repeat whatever harry says.

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 10:24:57 -0600, Scott Sexton wrote:

Scott Sexton
Hobie 16
Mako 21

How old is your Mako?

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:22:28 -0500, HK wrote:

HK wrote:
Vic Smith wrote:
On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:07:52 -0500, John H.
wrote:

I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my
documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough
room for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is
FAT 32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).

Don't fool around. Just buy a bigger HD, and format it in NTFS.
Then reformat the other one, and use it too.
Better to have at least 2 backup drives for Murphy Law insurance.

--Vic


I don't usually help idiots because it only encourages them,
but you can easily convert a FAT32 drive to NTFS without a great risk of
losing data.

First, stop the backup. Then:

Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click
Command Prompt.

At the command prompt, type the following, where drive letter is the
drive that you want to convert:
convert drive letter: /fs:ntfs
(As an example, type the following command to convert drive E to NTFS:
convert e: /fs:ntfs)

(Note If the operating system is on the drive that you are converting,
you will be prompted to schedule the task when you restart the computer
because the conversion cannot be completed while the operating system is
running. When you are prompted, click YES.)

When you receive the following message at the command prompt, type the
volume label of the drive that you are converting, and then press ENTER:

The type of the file system is FAT.
Enter the current volume label for drive drive letter

When the conversion to NTFS is complete, you receive the following
message at the command prompt:
Conversion complete

Quit the command prompt.



These are Mickeysoft's directions, not mine. I've done this a few times
without complications and without losing data.



Whoops...forgot the URL

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307881

Well, I tried. I'm getting told I have a 'dirty drive' and to run chkdsk,
which I do with the 'fix' option. Checkdisk comes back and tells me
everything is great, so I run the convert program again. Get told the same
thing.

Maybe a new drive and reformatting is the way to go.
--
John H

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:29:34 -0500, "Reginald P. Smithers III" "Reggie is
Here wrote:

John H. wrote:
On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 07:13:58 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote:

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:07:52 -0500, John H.
wrote:

I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough room for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is FAT 32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).
Don't fool around. Just buy a bigger HD, and format it in NTFS.
Then reformat the other one, and use it too.
Better to have at least 2 backup drives for Murphy Law insurance.

--Vic

Damn, that's easy. Will any external hard drive be formatable in NTFS?

Normally they are, in fact, today most computers purchased with WinXP
are formated in NTFS.

The drive in the computer is NTFS. The external drive bought a couple years
ago, is FAT32.
--
John H

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:35:55 -0500, wrote:

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:07:52 -0500, John H.
wrote:

I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough room for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is FAT 32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).

You have a couple of options.

If there is enough room on your computer's harddrive, copy the
archives there temporarily while you work on the external drive. Then
you can use a program called "Partition Magic" to do the
reconfiguration without risk to your archives. Partition Magic "could"
do the conversion with the files in place, BUT: No matter what method
you use to convert the disk to NTFS, the only way to guarantee your
files will be safe is to back them up somewhere else.


The other option is to buy another external hard drive. They are dirt
cheap these days. Newegg is very reliable to deal with and has a ton
of external drives to chose from. They even have a no name 160gb drive
for less than $70 including shipping. I've got several Maxtor's and
they have been great. Still relatively cheap.


I also HIGHLY recommend that you do NOT use Windows Backup for
anything you care about. The reason is simple: When you want to
recover those backups a couple of years from now, you will find that
every new version of Windows has a new version of windows backup, and
they are NOT compatible! Use a separate backup program.



Good info. Thanks Salty.
--
John H

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 09:14:08 -0500, wrote:

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:41:43 -0500, HK wrote:

wrote:
On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:07:52 -0500, John H.
wrote:

I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough room for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is FAT 32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).

You have a couple of options.

If there is enough room on your computer's harddrive, copy the
archives there temporarily while you work on the external drive. Then
you can use a program called "Partition Magic" to do the
reconfiguration without risk to your archives. Partition Magic "could"
do the conversion with the files in place, BUT: No matter what method
you use to convert the disk to NTFS, the only way to guarantee your
files will be safe is to back them up somewhere else.


The other option is to buy another external hard drive. They are dirt
cheap these days. Newegg is very reliable to deal with and has a ton
of external drives to chose from. They even have a no name 160gb drive
for less than $70 including shipping. I've got several Maxtor's and
they have been great. Still relatively cheap.


I also HIGHLY recommend that you do NOT use Windows Backup for
anything you care about. The reason is simple: When you want to
recover those backups a couple of years from now, you will find that
every new version of Windows has a new version of windows backup, and
they are NOT compatible! Use a separate backup program.




Jesus. This is overkill. It is a relatively trivial task to convert a
drive from FAT32 to the New Technology File System, aka NTFS. There's a
simple procedure to accomplish it, which I posted here. You can do it
without losing the data on the hard drive. I've done it a few times
without any problems.

I don't care if you've done it a thousand times with no problem. It's
HIS data on the drive, and he said he doesn't want to lose it. I
believe him, and took that into account.

You have firmly established your lack of computer expertise in many
previous posts. Now you are recommending that he risk data he said he
doesn't want to lose. Guess what? You could cross the freeway
blindfolded as many times as you've converted drives while they have
data on them, and you might survive every time, as well. Please try
THAT experiment and get back to us.

One more time:
"No matter what method you use to convert the disk to NTFS, the only
way to guarantee your files will be safe is to back them up somewhere
else"

Which is the same advice Microsoft gives.
--
John H

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 09:27:43 -0500, Gene Kearns
wrote:

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:35:55 -0500, penned the following
well considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:

|I also HIGHLY recommend that you do NOT use Windows Backup for
|anything you care about. The reason is simple: When you want to
|recover those backups a couple of years from now, you will find that
|every new version of Windows has a new version of windows backup, and
|they are NOT compatible! Use a separate backup program.

Suggestion:
http://www.superflexible.com/

Thanks Gene. There are so many different backup programs around, I don't
know which to get. What I'd like is a program that's nice and simple, only
for backing up.
--
John H

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:43:53 -0500, HK wrote:

wrote:
On Jan 10, 8:07 am, John H. wrote:
I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough room for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is FAT 32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).
--
John H

"All decisions are the result of binary thinking."

Don't make it any more complicated than it needs to be. Just by a new
big external HD, they are cheap.


What's next? A treatise on computer science from the ReggieJerk that
summarizes something he read somewhere?

All Herring has to do is CONVERT the drive from FAT32 to NTFS. It is a
simple, straightforward procedure and the data on the drive will still
be there.

Harry, don't get yourself into an uproar. It's not good for the heart. I
tried your advice, and it didn't work. Now I've got to try something
different.

You and JimH can have fun talking about how stupid I am, OK?
--
John H

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:24:25 -0500, "Reginald P. Smithers III" "Reggie is
Here wrote:

HK wrote:
JimH wrote:
"HK" wrote in message
...
wrote:
On Jan 10, 8:07 am, John H. wrote:
I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my
documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough
room for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is
FAT 32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD
that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).
--
John H

"All decisions are the result of binary thinking."
Don't make it any more complicated than it needs to be. Just by a new
big external HD, they are cheap.

What's next? A treatise on computer science from the ReggieJerk that
summarizes something he read somewhere?

All Herring has to do is CONVERT the drive from FAT32 to NTFS. It is
a simple, straightforward procedure and the data on the drive will
still be there.


This is turning out to be just as funny as the battery charger thread
he started.

BTW: You were spot on regarding conversion of FAT32 to NTFS. Even a
10 year old kid can do it w/o a problem.



It obviously is too complicated a procedure for many of the "computer
experts" here, who suggested he needed a new hard drive, a new computer,
a new operating system, a new hairpiece, new teeth, whatever. Some of
these "computer experts" probably have the same level of "boating
expertise."






It is cute to watch Harry and JimH high fiving each other over this.
The only thing missing is for Don to repeat whatever harry says.


He might be at work. Give him a chance.

JimH took no time for his comments. He's wrong, but so what? Being wrong
doesn't seem to bother him much.
--
John H

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 07:54:37 -0600, Del Cecchi
wrote:

John H. wrote:
On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:10:30 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:07:52 -0500, John H.
wrote:

Now what?
Buy a new computer.

Yeah but..yeah, but... oh ****.

Rather than using backup, can you just copy the files manually using
windows explorer. Or perhaps different backup software?

That's what I've been doing. Do you delete all the old folders and files
first, or do you just copy on top of the old?
--
John H

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

"John H." wrote in message
...
I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough room
for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is FAT
32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).
--
John H


When you get this working properly, where will the external hard drive be
kept most of the time?

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

wrote in message
...
On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:07:37 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

"John H." wrote in message
. ..
I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my
documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough room
for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is FAT
32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).
--
John H


When you get this working properly, where will the external hard drive be
kept most of the time?


One step at a time, Doug. That issue was part of why I suggested the
idea of buying another drive for this project to John. :')



Small enough to fit his safe deposit box at the bank, right? :-)

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:48:22 GMT, wrote:

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:43:15 -0500, John H.
wrote:

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 09:14:08 -0500, wrote:

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:41:43 -0500, HK wrote:

wrote:
On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:07:52 -0500, John H.
wrote:

I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough room for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is FAT 32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).

You have a couple of options.

If there is enough room on your computer's harddrive, copy the
archives there temporarily while you work on the external drive. Then
you can use a program called "Partition Magic" to do the
reconfiguration without risk to your archives. Partition Magic "could"
do the conversion with the files in place, BUT: No matter what method
you use to convert the disk to NTFS, the only way to guarantee your
files will be safe is to back them up somewhere else.


The other option is to buy another external hard drive. They are dirt
cheap these days. Newegg is very reliable to deal with and has a ton
of external drives to chose from. They even have a no name 160gb drive
for less than $70 including shipping. I've got several Maxtor's and
they have been great. Still relatively cheap.


I also HIGHLY recommend that you do NOT use Windows Backup for
anything you care about. The reason is simple: When you want to
recover those backups a couple of years from now, you will find that
every new version of Windows has a new version of windows backup, and
they are NOT compatible! Use a separate backup program.




Jesus. This is overkill. It is a relatively trivial task to convert a
drive from FAT32 to the New Technology File System, aka NTFS. There's a
simple procedure to accomplish it, which I posted here. You can do it
without losing the data on the hard drive. I've done it a few times
without any problems.

I don't care if you've done it a thousand times with no problem. It's
HIS data on the drive, and he said he doesn't want to lose it. I
believe him, and took that into account.

You have firmly established your lack of computer expertise in many
previous posts. Now you are recommending that he risk data he said he
doesn't want to lose. Guess what? You could cross the freeway
blindfolded as many times as you've converted drives while they have
data on them, and you might survive every time, as well. Please try
THAT experiment and get back to us.

One more time:
"No matter what method you use to convert the disk to NTFS, the only
way to guarantee your files will be safe is to back them up somewhere
else"

Which is the same advice Microsoft gives.

It's also just plain common sense.

The difference between me and HK is that I am presently employed by a
medium sized city (one of the larger cities in Connecticut) to oversee
the entire city network, which includes all city departments, Police,
Fire, Utilities, school system and libraries. A few more than 40
servers, and 2500+ desktops.

And this is my "retirement job"!


Just keep in mind that Harry's probably managed *two* large city networks
(LA and NYC, for example), with at least 100 servers, and well over 5000+
desktops.
--
John H

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:07:37 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

"John H." wrote in message
.. .
I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough room
for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is FAT
32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).
--
John H


When you get this working properly, where will the external hard drive be
kept most of the time?

Same place.
--
John H

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

wrote in message
...
On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:21:58 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

wrote in message
. ..
On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:07:37 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

"John H." wrote in message
m...
I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my
documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough
room
for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is
FAT
32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that
I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).
--
John H


When you get this working properly, where will the external hard drive
be
kept most of the time?


One step at a time, Doug. That issue was part of why I suggested the
idea of buying another drive for this project to John. :')



Small enough to fit his safe deposit box at the bank, right? :-)


Probably, but that wouldn't be such a great spot for it. As I'm SURE
you know, the biggest failure of any backup plan is that if it is too
inconvenient, it won't get done. A backup stored onsite is 1000%
better than a backup that doesn't get done.

I do my backup onto an external drive and bring it to the office.


John doesn't have an office. So, when his "onsite" burns to the ground,
there goes his backup hardware, too. I'm in the same situation. I have a
choice to make: Two sets of media, one of which I can't get to if the bank
is closed. Or, no off-site media, and then I'm phuqued if the place burns
down.

Off site doesn't mean the backup doesn't get done. Use the one at home for a
week, then take it to the the safe deposit box and swap for the other one.
Or, someone else's house. Anything's better than storing all your backup
media in the same building. No sane corporation does that, unless they have
a storage arrangement like a bank's.

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

"John H." wrote in message
...
On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:07:37 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

"John H." wrote in message
. ..
I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my
documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough room
for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is FAT
32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).
--
John H


When you get this working properly, where will the external hard drive be
kept most of the time?

Same place.
--
John H


Then, you are protecting yourself against only one type of catastrophe: A
computer hardware failure. Storing both drives in the same building means
that when the building burns to the ground, you lose everything. Got a safe
deposit box at the bank, or is there another location where you could store
one of the drives?

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:50:54 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

"John H." wrote in message
.. .
On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:07:37 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

"John H." wrote in message
...
I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my
documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough room
for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is FAT
32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).
--
John H


When you get this working properly, where will the external hard drive be
kept most of the time?

Same place.
--
John H


Then, you are protecting yourself against only one type of catastrophe: A
computer hardware failure. Storing both drives in the same building means
that when the building burns to the ground, you lose everything. Got a safe
deposit box at the bank, or is there another location where you could store
one of the drives?


Good idea. I wouldn't store a drive anywhere else, but putting some data on
CD's and into the safe deposit box is an idea I hadn't thought of.

Thanks.
--
John H

Help needed - Computer stuff
 

JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
wrote in message
...
On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:21:58 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

wrote in message
...
On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:07:37 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

"John H." wrote in message
...
I have a 160 GB external hard disk to which I tried to back up my
documents
and settings using the Windows backup system.

After about a half hour, I get a message saying there's not enough
room
for
the backup, and that if the hard disk is FAT 32, the backup can be no
larger than 4 GB. So I checked, and sure enough, the external HD is
FAT
32.

Now what? I already have about 50 GB of stuff on the external HD that
I
don't want to lose by reformatting (if that's what's required).
--
John H

When you get this working properly, where will the external hard drive
be
kept most of the time?

One step at a time, Doug. That issue was part of why I suggested the
idea of buying another drive for this project to John. :')


Small enough to fit his safe deposit box at the bank, right? :-)

Probably, but that wouldn't be such a great spot for it. As I'm SURE
you know, the biggest failure of any backup plan is that if it is too
inconvenient, it won't get done. A backup stored onsite is 1000%
better than a backup that doesn't get done.

I do my backup onto an external drive and bring it to the office.


John doesn't have an office. So, when his "onsite" burns to the ground,
there goes his backup hardware, too. I'm in the same situation. I have a
choice to make: Two sets of media, one of which I can't get to if the bank
is closed. Or, no off-site media, and then I'm phuqued if the place burns
down.

Off site doesn't mean the backup doesn't get done. Use the one at home for a
week, then take it to the the safe deposit box and swap for the other one.
Or, someone else's house. Anything's better than storing all your backup
media in the same building. No sane corporation does that, unless they have
a storage arrangement like a bank's.




Feh.

I bought a used "two hour" fire safe at a bankruptcy auction to store
papers, valuables, guns and my computer backup drives. I also use an
"on-line" storage site to hold important data files.

The safe was a "steal," but it cost me mucho dinero to get it delivered
and brought into the basement. Damn thing must weigh at least half a ton.