NTFS Info

In addition to the Windows command described in last night's tip, you can also find the size of a master file table with an appelet available on the Microsoft site, called NTFS Info.

NTFS info was designed by Mark Russinovich. After installing it on your PC, it allows you to run a new command (in admin mode). Use the cd command to change to the directory with the ntfsinfo.exe file that you downloaded. Then enter the command:

ntfsinfo.exe c:

. . . in order to get information about your C drive. As you can see in the screen grab below the size of the master file table is given in MB.

Converting Numbers Between Decimal, Binary, and Hexadecimal

If you want a quick and easy way to convert numbers between their decimal, binary, and hexadecimal form use Programmer mode in Windows Calculator.

Windows Calculator has come installed on all Windows operating systems for a long time now. Look in the accessories menu or just type calc at start to run it.

Go to the view menu and select 'Programmer' mode.

The setting at the left for the number form should default to decimal.

If you enter a number and click one of the other radial buttons, the number will be automatically converted.

Assign a Drive Letter Permanently to a Flash Drive

You can force your Windows operating system to always assign the same drive letter to a flash drive.

Go to Administrative Tools in the Control Panel. Then Click on Computer Management.

In Computer Management, you'll see a list of all of the drives connected to your computer. If you right click on a drive you'll have the option to change the drive letter.

Clicking 'Change' . . .

. . . will give you the option to assign a drive letter.

Anytime in the future when the drive is plugged into your PC, it will be assigned the chosen letter.