Two OSes using same NTFS partitions

IvanV · Mar 4, 2005, 09:56 AM

I'd like to know if it would be safe to write to the same NTFS partitions from two instances of OS, as I believe I remember reading somewhere that this is not recommanded. I've got a dual boot system with Win2k as my primary OS and WinXP x64 for experimental purposes that both see all of the partitions on the HDD.

PangingJr · Mar 4, 2005, 11:35 AM

the problem may occur when you want to share same program files and folder to save your HDD space. some of programs can be used and shared between the two OSes and when running these programs from within either one of the OS won't cause any problem, but some of programs cannot be shared and will cause problem. and these would be my guess, can't think of anything else until i've tried it myself.

IvanV · Mar 4, 2005, 12:12 PM

Thank you. I was more concerned that if I, for example, wrote form Win2k to a partition that used by WinXP, I might cause some NTFS corruption, since NTFS stores ownership and some other data. Also, I wasn't sure if they use the same NTFS version and, although 2k obviously reads XP's partition I might make damage if I attempt writing to it.

md5 · Mar 11, 2005, 11:05 AM

Win2k and WinXP don't use the same NTFS version, 2k uses NTFS 5.0 and XP NTFS 5.1, although the differences are minimal

PangingJr · Mar 11, 2005, 12:15 PM

Versions of NTFS are different than the versions of the product.
it's really not NTFS 4.0, 5.0, 5.1... the NTFS versions will be like NTFS 3.0 or 3.1... even tho, sometimes we will see peoples referred to as version 5.0, 5.1...

Windows XP, XP 64-Bit Edition and Server 2003 - NTFS 3.1.

New Capabilities and Features of the NTFS 3.1File System
http://support.microsoft.com/default...;EN-US;Q310749

Windows 2000 - NTFS 3.0.

New Capabilities and Features of the NTFS 3.0 File System
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=253845

AFAICT, Windows 2000 won't have any problem with newer NTFS.

Windows NT3.xx and NT4.0 Workstation and Server - NTFS version 1.x.

Any Windows NT4 before SP4 (or SP6, not sure about this SP level) will have problem with the newer NTFS versions.

When you install Windows 2000/XP, existing NTFS volumes are upgraded to a newer version of the NTFS file system. This newer version of the NTFS file system includes capabilities such as disk quotas, encrypted files, journaling, and a number of other features that Windows 2000/XP components rely on to function correctly. Upgrading the NTFS file system volumes is mandatory, and you do not have any choice or control over this process. All local NTFS volumes, including removable media, are upgraded to the new version of the NTFS file system.
If, during the installation or upgrade process a version of NT earlier than Windows NT 4 SP4 or SP6 is detected, you receive a warning indicating that an earlier version of Windows NT was found and will not be accessible if you continue.

Mar 4, 2005, 09:56 AM	#1
IvanV HH Assassin Guild Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 5,921 Rep Power: 336 System Specs	Two OSes using same NTFS partitions I'd like to know if it would be safe to write to the same NTFS partitions from two instances of OS, as I believe I remember reading somewhere that this is not recommanded. I've got a dual boot system with Win2k as my primary OS and WinXP x64 for experimental purposes that both see all of the partitions on the HDD.

Mar 11, 2005, 11:05 AM	#4
md5 DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Inside DriverHeaven Posts: 856 Rep Power: 0	Win2k and WinXP don't use the same NTFS version, 2k uses NTFS 5.0 and XP NTFS 5.1, although the differences are minimal __________________

Mar 11, 2005, 12:15 PM	#5
PangingJr Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 5,989 Rep Power: 71	Versions of NTFS are different than the versions of the product. it's really not NTFS 4.0, 5.0, 5.1... the NTFS versions will be like NTFS 3.0 or 3.1... even tho, sometimes we will see peoples referred to as version 5.0, 5.1... Windows XP, XP 64-Bit Edition and Server 2003 - NTFS 3.1. New Capabilities and Features of the NTFS 3.1File System http://support.microsoft.com/default...;EN-US;Q310749 Windows 2000 - NTFS 3.0. New Capabilities and Features of the NTFS 3.0 File System http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=253845 AFAICT, Windows 2000 won't have any problem with newer NTFS. Windows NT3.xx and NT4.0 Workstation and Server - NTFS version 1.x. Any Windows NT4 before SP4 (or SP6, not sure about this SP level) will have problem with the newer NTFS versions. When you install Windows 2000/XP, existing NTFS volumes are upgraded to a newer version of the NTFS file system. This newer version of the NTFS file system includes capabilities such as disk quotas, encrypted files, journaling, and a number of other features that Windows 2000/XP components rely on to function correctly. Upgrading the NTFS file system volumes is mandatory, and you do not have any choice or control over this process. All local NTFS volumes, including removable media, are upgraded to the new version of the NTFS file system. If, during the installation or upgrade process a version of NT earlier than Windows NT 4 SP4 or SP6 is detected, you receive a warning indicating that an earlier version of Windows NT was found and will not be accessible if you continue. Last edited by Ctrl-Alt-Del; Mar 11, 2005 at 01:10 PM.

Mar 4, 2005, 11:35 AM	#2
PangingJr Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 5,989 Rep Power: 71	the problem may occur when you want to share same program files and folder to save your HDD space. some of programs can be used and shared between the two OSes and when running these programs from within either one of the OS won't cause any problem, but some of programs cannot be shared and will cause problem. and these would be my guess, can't think of anything else until i've tried it myself.

Mar 4, 2005, 12:12 PM	Thread Starter #3
IvanV HH Assassin Guild Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 5,921 Rep Power: 336 System Specs	Thank you. I was more concerned that if I, for example, wrote form Win2k to a partition that used by WinXP, I might cause some NTFS corruption, since NTFS stores ownership and some other data. Also, I wasn't sure if they use the same NTFS version and, although 2k obviously reads XP's partition I might make damage if I attempt writing to it.