Can we change FAT32 into NTFS from win 7 without affecting boot menu?

[ITMountains]

Hi,

Since last last week i've installed Windows 7 and OpenSuSe 11.2 linux several time in my laptop. Each time i do something and Linux boot menu disappears and i again install both operating system. I have installed linux for the first time 6 days before in my life.

I am trying to live without windows. I know i can't for more few months as there is problem in every step for me.

Now i have both os running perfectly and boot menu appearing perfectly.

There are 3 partitions in FAT32 created while installing linux for Windows files. Now i want to change it in to NTFS. All drive are empty.
##1 Is it ok if i reformat it in windows 7 and change to NTFS?
##2 Does it creates problem in GRUB boot menu?
##3 Is there any way to do this from Linux without any problem?
##4 Is there any way to change FAT32 into NTFS without affecting GRUB?

I'm tired by installing again and again. I don't want any more trouble for next 1 month.

I am looking for different views so i can understand more...

[hrasdt]

Changing the filesystem shouldn't damage GRUB, and gparted is an easy way to resize/format partitions, in Linux or using a LiveCD. I don't think it preserves the data, but regular backups are a good idea anyway.

Note about dual-booting: always install Linux last. If you reinstall 7, then install a Linux distro, you won't have as much trouble with GRUB. Windows installs tend to clobber the bootloader, while GRUB is used to booting more than one OS.