In Microsoft Windows XP, there is an inbuilt tool, called convert.exe, which enables you to convert FAT formatted hard drive (or particular FAT partition) to NTFS. In order to convert the hard drive from FAT32 to NTFS, you are required to use the “convert drive: /fs: ntfs” command (here the drive denotes name of hard drive to be converted). This is a non-destructive procedure, but sometimes you may find that after applying this command, your system does not boot up and gives you some sort of error messages. In such situations, the hard drive partitions can not be accessed and thus partition loss situations occur. In order to retrieve your lost partitions in such cases, you are required to go for Partition Recovery solutions.

You come across an error message, which indicates that the NTFS driver file (Ntfs.sys) is damaged and thus Windows could not start. After conversion, when you attempt to start your Windows computer, you might encounter the underwritten error message:

"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: System32DriversNtfs.sys"

This issue occurs only in Microsoft Windows XP.

What is the cause of this problem?

This issue takes place after applying the convert.exe utility on the Windows XP hard drive for converting its file system. The major cause behind this problem to occur is that either the Ntfs.sys file is either damaged or missing. At this point, File Recovery becomes essential to recover lost partitions and stored data.

How to sort out this problem?

You can resolve this issue by repairing the Windows XP installation through Recovery Console by using below steps:

·        Boot your computer using XP boot CD.

·        Press R when prompted on ‘Welcome to Setup’ screen.

·        Select Windows installation to repair.

·        Rename damaged Ntfs.sys file through command prompt.

·        Replace damaged file with new Ntfs.sys.

·        Remove Windows CD and quite Recovery Console.

This method is helpful in some all such cases, but can not help you always. When it doesn’t work, you need to format the hard drive and reinstall operating system. But it removes all of the hard drive partitions and stored data. At this point, you are required to go for Partition Recovery Software. These applications are capable of handling most of the partition loss situations effectively.