The Disadvantages of an NTFS File System

By Gregory Hamel, eHow Contributor updated: November 29, 2010

Accessed on 23-March-2011 at 22:43; http://www.ehow.com/list_7423485_disadvantages-ntfs-

file-system.html

Windows NT operating systems Windows 2000, XP, Vista and 7 can run the hard drive file
system New Technology File System. Microsoft recommends using the NTFS file system on
systems running its latest operating systems. The file system has several advantages over
the older File Allocation Table file system, such as the ability to save large files and recover
data. Nevertheless, NTFS has several potential disadvantages.

High Space Overhead

The NTFS file system requires a significant amount of "space overhead" to function. Space
overhead is data storage space on a drive that is devoted to the file system itself and
therefore cannot be used to store data. In other words, if you format a drive with the NTFS
file system, you will lose some of the storage space. According to Microsoft, "space
overhead is in the form of NTFS system files that typically use at least 4 MB of drive space
on a 100 MB partition." This means that 4 percent or more of your drive space is lost due to
the file system's needs. As a result, Microsoft recommends that users avoid working with
the NTFS file system on drive volumes that are smaller than 400MB. Attempting to load
NTFS on smaller storage devices such as USB flash drive and older hard drives may result in
poor performance or inadequate storage space.

No Floppy Disk Formatting

Floppy disks cannot be formatted with the NTFS file system due to the space overhead
requirements. Floppy disk drives are common on older PCs running Windows XP or earlier
versions of Windows, and may be the easiest way to transfer files to and from an old
computer.

File Naming Limitations

The NTFS file system places several limitations on naming files. According to Microsoft, "file
and directory names can be up to 255 characters long." File names can contain capital
letters, but the system does not distinguish between a file with capital letters and lowercase
letters. For example, the system would recognize INTRO.doc and intro.doc as the same file.
According to Microsoft, the NTFS file system does not allow the use of the following
characters in file names:

?"/\<>*|:

Operating System Incompatibility

The NTFS file system is made to be compatible with Windows 2000 and later versions of
Windows. Windows 95, 98, ME and DOS are not compatible with NTFS. If you have an older
computer with one of these operating systems, you will have to use a FAT file system on
your hard drive.

Microsoft® Cloud Powerwww.Microsoft.com/Cloud

Learn All the Ins and Outs of Cloud Computing. See Demos by Microsoft.

Storage And Removalswww.browns-removals.co.uk

Aylesbury Based, We Can Help When You Need A Storage Space.

Data Recovery Serviceswww.abcdatarecovery.co.uk

Recover Your Lost Data Door to door service 0800 999 3282

NTFS Utilitieswww.NTFS.com

All you need to restore NTFS Data recovery, Imaging, Boot disks.

Ads by Google

References

Microsoft: Overview of FAT, HPFS and NTFS File Systems

NTFS: NTFS vs FAT

NTFS: NTFS Basics

PCStats: Format a USB Drive With NTFS File System

Microsoft: Formatting Disks and Drives: FAQ

Read more: The Disadvantages of an NTFS File System | eHow.com

http://www.ehow.com/list_7423485_disadvantages-ntfs-file-system.html#ixzz1HebrMoyH