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Trying to convert USB drive from FAT32 to NTFS

Command prompt: 

CONVERT f: /FS:NTFS

(where f is the relevant USB drive)

Appears to run through command, but doesn't finish, gives this message:

Convert cannot run because the volume is in use by another process. Convert may run if this volume is dismounted first. ALL OPENED HANDLES TO THIS VOLUME WOULD THEN BE INVALID. Would you like to force a dismount on this volume? (Y/N)

However it is not in use by any other process.

Entering Y to force a dismount does not work

Any suggestions?

gronostaj
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SteveM
  • 181

2 Answers2

1

As I understand it, the prompt always means the files are being used on the volume that you are trying to convert. You could try to convert format in Safe Mode to check. Or you can use unlocker program to see what processes have open handles to any files on a drive. http://www.emptyloop.com/unlocker/
Also you could right click f drive in File Explorer and choose the format option to check if it works fine. enter image description here

Please note: back up important data first.

daidai
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  • 1
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0

It definitely sounds like another program has control of the drive, like an anti-virus, spyware, backup, etc. You can try booting into safe mode and attempting the conversion. Or booting off a CD/USB and using Gnome Partition Editor.

You can try to figure out what process is using the drive with Sysinternls ProcMon.

Keltari
  • 75,447