In Windows 2000, which command should you run at the command prompt to convert drive C: from the FAT file system to NTFS without formatting the disk?

Introduction / Context:
Converting from the FAT file system to NTFS in Windows 2000 is a very common administrative task when you want to gain features such as file permissions, encryption, disk quotas, and compression without losing existing data. This question checks whether you remember the exact command line syntax used to convert an existing FAT volume on drive C: to NTFS without formatting and reinstalling the operating system. Understanding this distinction is important for real-world migration scenarios as well as exam questions, because choosing the wrong command may result in data loss or an unnecessary reinstallation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The computer is running Windows 2000.
Drive C: is currently formatted with the FAT file system.
You want to convert drive C: to NTFS while preserving existing data.
You will run the command from a command prompt.
You must choose the correct syntax from the given multiple-choice options.

Concept / Approach:
Windows 2000 provides two different command line utilities that are often confused: FORMAT and CONVERT. FORMAT prepares a disk or partition for use and typically erases existing data. CONVERT is designed specifically to convert an existing FAT or FAT32 volume to NTFS without deleting files. To convert a volume, you must specify the drive letter followed by a colon and use the /FS:NTFS switch to indicate the target file system. Remember that CONVERT changes the file system in place, whereas FORMAT creates a fresh file system and is destructive.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify whether you need a destructive or non-destructive operation. In this scenario you need to keep all existing files, so you must avoid formatting. Step 2: Recall that the FORMAT command is used to create a new file system and usually erases all existing data on the partition. Therefore, any option that starts with FORMAT is not appropriate for an in-place conversion. Step 3: Recall that the CONVERT command is specifically designed to convert FAT or FAT32 volumes to NTFS without deleting user data. Step 4: Examine the syntax. The correct switch to specify the target file system is /FS:NTFS with a colon, not /NTFS by itself. Step 5: From the options, the only command that is both non-destructive and syntactically correct is CONVERT C: /FS:NTFS.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify the syntax by remembering that the general form is convert drive_letter: /FS:NTFS. The question explicitly mentions Windows 2000, where this syntax is valid. Also, imagine running FORMAT C: instead; that would prepare the disk as if it were new, which contradicts the requirement to keep existing data. The correct command is therefore the CONVERT version with /FS:NTFS. After running the command, a reboot is often required to complete conversion on the system volume.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
FORMAT C: /FS:NTFS – This would format the volume and erase data instead of converting it in place.
FORMAT C: /NTFS – This is not the correct switch syntax and is also still a format operation, which is destructive.
CONVERT C: /NTFS – The /NTFS switch alone is not valid; the correct switch is /FS:NTFS. This option is therefore syntactically incorrect.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners confuse FORMAT and CONVERT because they both deal with file systems. It is easy to think that FORMAT with the correct switch might convert the disk, but it does not preserve existing data. Another common mistake is misremembering the switch syntax, such as using /NTFS instead of /FS:NTFS. On exams, similar looking options are presented to test whether you know the precise form. In practice, always double-check commands before running them on a production server, especially when they involve disks and partitions.

Final Answer:
The correct command to convert drive C: from FAT to NTFS without formatting on a Windows 2000 computer is CONVERT C: /FS:NTFS.