Partiioning confusion

[Boa Constrictor]

I remember reading a while ago somewhere on the internet that when you set up a new computer you should partion in a special way. I believe it called for a seperate partion for Windows and a seperate partion for everything else.

I know nothing of partions and have already partioned my Hard Drive as one big partion and put windows on it. Should I do these new partions and change anything around or is it not really required?

And if I should, how would I go about it?

 

[stars]

Its common for people with large drives to use 10/20GB for the primary OS partition. Then use the remaining for software/storage on a second partition. I would try to avoid using third party partitioning tools when the one included with Windows works fine. Since its a fresh install, slipstream sp2 w/ the xp disc and reinstall. If you choose to make just one partition during installtion you can make a second partition after the install: Administrative Tools - Computer Management - Disk Management.

 

[Boa Constrictor]

What's the difference between slipstreaming the SP2 or just installing SP2 on there and then going to da disk management

 

[stars]

Some people (just google for random stories I'm to lazy to type all the reasons) have had better success when slipstreaming.
You can not resize the Primary partiton while in Disk Management since the OS is on there and in use.

 

[Boa Constrictor]

How big should I make the OS partion?

10GB Seems large for just the OS

Also is it possible for the windows partion to be D and the one with software and such to be C ?

 

[stars]

If it was my install I would use 10GB for OS the partiton. Partitoning sizes depend alot on the individual and personal usage. Yes, you can install Windows on D but I dont see why would want to.

 

[Boa Constrictor]

What are the benefits of a seperate OS partion? How would I put it on D? How can I determine how much space I would need for an OS partion?

 

[P0ldy]

Originally posted by: Boa Constrictor
What are the benefits of a seperate OS partion? How would I put it on D? How can I determine how much space I would need for an OS partion?

Also is it possible for the windows partion to be D and the one with software and such to be C ?

1. A separate OS partition allows you to keep all your files safe should you need to reformat.

2. 10-15 gigs should be more than sufficient. I'm using ~8.5 gigs of 15 on it right now.

3. No. You can install Windows on D: if you want, but it's a poor idea to separate applications from the OS partition. If you lose your OS partition, all those apps won't be usable anyway because how closely tied into the registry they are. It's superfluous. C: should be OS + Apps. Another partition for 'the rest'.

 

[KoolDrew]

I would just leave it how it is. Having more partitions may help with fragmentation, but with Windows XP fragmentation of the OS files matters very little anyway so who really cares?

I ussually recommend just making two partitions and this is how I ahve it set up. My first partition is for OS, apps, games etc. Then my second is just storage including MP3's, videos, documents etc. This way if I reformat I still have all the stuff on my storage partition. Of course you should backup the things that you can't afford to lose on a CD-R though.

 

[Boa Constrictor]

Ok I'm having a problem here.

I decided to get two partions. One a normal partion and one as a backup. I only need about 30GB for backup at most, so I want the rest to be my main partion. However I cant get a partion smaller then 130GB for my main partion. I don't need 50GB for backup.

Any ideas on what to do? Driving me crazy here ::

 

[stars]

What are you using to resize the partition?

 

[Boa Constrictor]

Disk Manager in windows.

If you know of a better way please tell, something simple if you can...

 

[stars]

You can use a third party tool such as Partition Magic (I don't recommend using it) or you can reinstall Windows and repartition at the beginning of the installtion.

 

[Boa Constrictor]

I can't. When you install windows, it doesn't allow you to make a partion bigger then 130 GB. It only recognizes the other 50 after service pack 2 and if I reinstall windows it will be back at service pack none?

 

[stars]

That is why you should slipstream service pack 2. By doing that it will allow you to see the full size of the drive when you install Windows.

 

[Boa Constrictor]

That's extremely complicated. I'm trying to see how to go around it because I just cant seem to figure it out. Also it seems to require Nero which I dont have

 

[P0ldy]

It's not that hard.

 

[Boa Constrictor]

Ok this guide is WAY better then the other one I was looking at. This one I think I can do. So I'm pretty much making a copy of Windows XP with a service pack glued to it?

 

[P0ldy]

Basically, yes.

 

[Boa Constrictor]

Damn NLITE giving me errors and refusing to work argh

 

[Boa Constrictor]

ARGH my windows CD is not letting me copy a certain directory.