Questions on a reformat and the mbr

[LT4CAMSS]

Well, I'm about to stick this one hd in another computer. I remember a long time ago I did that and the computer would refuse to work because (I guess) that master boot record was configured with the previous hardware configuration and putting the hdd in a new cpu/mobo/ram environment would render it unbootable.

Long story short, I have this hdd, it's got two partitions. The second (D) is storage for work and files, the first (C) is storage for OS and programs. Since simply sticking it in a new setup means I won't be able to reuse it, that means I have to reformat the C drive partition. Is there a way I can do it to where I can reformat only the C drive with a new, fresh install of an OS and still be able to access the D drive?

I would appreciate any comments. Thanks.

Regards.

 

[BlueWeasel]

If you've got 2 partitions, then formating the first one (C:\) won't affect the second one (D:\). I have a similar setup: OS/Programs on C, Games on D, and Data/Documents/Music on E.

When it comes times to reinstall, I just simply reformat C and the data on the other partitions is untouched.

 

[LT4CAMSS]

BlueWeasel - Thanks for the help, I really appreciate it. Last quick question...all I will have to do after is enable the "missing," or "hidden" space (that is, the D partition) in Disk Mananagement and it'll become available again, correct? I just wanted to make sure, b/c this is one physical drive. Thanks again.

 

[LT4CAMSS]

Question. With D as the second partition on this one physical drive, does that mean when I type "format c:" I'm actually erasing my d drive as well? If so, is there a work-around so that I only erase the C partition? I would appreciate any help as it's been a while since I have played around with this stuff. Thanks...

 

[LT4CAMSS]

Anyone? Somebody's gotta have an answer to this.

 

[zigCorsair]

Originally posted by: LT4CAMSS
Question. With D as the second partition on this one physical drive, does that mean when I type "format c:" I'm actually erasing my d drive as well?

No, but:
1. Noone wants to be responsible for sendingn your data to its death
2. noone types format c: anymore either



When you install windows, you probably want to "repair" the existing windows installation on C:. If that doesn't work, then try deleting the C partition (NOT D). You'll lose everything on C and get to keep D, so long as you leave D alone.

Also, it stands a shot of "just working" without any reformat. Depends upon the chipset maybe? Someone more qualified can give a more accurate guess, but it might work with a format.

Good luck, and I will not be held responsible .