Printable View
If I'm not planning on using another operating system (XP) are there any benefits in partitioning a 40 gig HD? I have a 2ghz P4.
I've used computers since the 286 was HOT, but still not sure what advantage there is to adding partions.
Trying to decide if I want to install Ranish.
I partition large drives because
A: Smaller partitions defrag faster.
B: I can format and reinstall my OS and not lose everything else.
C: It looks cooler to see two drives in My Computer than just one drive. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
Hi Bama Bob,
Heck, there's not much to add to the excellent answer that dAm gave you, especially that third one! :D
But, I'll try anyway. A good friend of mine recently asked me this same question in an email. I replied to him, and this thread seems to be an appropriate place to use my reply to him as a means of response to you. There are basically three reasons that I am prone to use partitioning on my drives:
1) Backup Strategy
For those who have information that they do not want to lose (and that's ALL of us), there comes a point where you must ask yourself how you are going to protect that data. I used to support backup products (Fastback Plus, Norton Backup and Central Point Backup), and did so for several years. In all of the thousands of support calls that I took from customers in those years, I never, ever heard a single customer ever say, "Ya know... I think I've been backing my stuff up too frequently!" To the contrary, I've heard a *multitude* of people lament, "Boy, I sure wish that I had been diligent to make frequent backups!" So, with that kind of vocational background, and knowing the value of having a current backup to rely upon when the proverbial "wheels come off", I guess you could say that I am a "backup nut!" https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ Without going in to all the possible means of backing one's data up, the thing that I want to comment on is the "ease" of doing so. I can accomplish that in a single sentence -- It is much easier to implement a backup strategy when the hard drive is sub-divided into partitions.
2) File Organization
I enjoy having the ability to put different types of files into a separate partition. This machine that I've just built has a 20Gb drive as the "main drive", with a secondary drive of 60Gb that I use primarily for saving backups to. I have this 20Gb drive partitioned into C thru G and the first four partitions are about 3.5Gb in size, with drive G being about 4.5Gb in size. (These sizes have no profound significance, other than being the sizes that I arbitrarily chose when I set the drive up.) The D drive is primarily used for holding the data from various applications that I use. Drive E has a ton of MP3 files that I enjoy listening to, and that is about all that I put on that drive. Drive F is generally where I install all my applications to. And drive G is the partition that I download things to. You might ask, "What about the C drive?" The only thing I purposely install on C is the operating system. As you know, over the course of time, the C drive will always "grow" as time goes on. Some applications are going to stick a bunch of DLL files into the WINDOWS\SYSTEM (or SYSTEM32) folder, no matter what. Many programs will try to install themselves (by default) into the C:\PROGRAM FILES folder. I rarely let them, preferring to redirect them to my F drive, even though they will put some of their support files on C anyway.
3) Access Potential
This is perhaps the main reason that I use partitions. If your entire hard drive is all in drive C, and something manages to corrupt the Master Boot Record (MBR) to that C drive, you have suddenly lost access to *everything* that you have. Sure, you can boot to a floppy, and run various kinds of utilities in hopes of repairing the MBR, or perhaps just running FDISK /MBR in hopes of recovering. But what about when something happens to such a catastrophic extent to where (as is sometimes said in the computer industry), your C drive is "hosed?" Unless you have a valid (and recent) backup at that point (that you can get to and restore), then all you have left of your "stuff" is the memory of how much you enjoyed having it while you had it. Whereas, if the drive is partitioned, it is entirely possible that, if for some reason one of the partitions gets corrupted or becomes inaccessible for whatever reason, that may not have an impact upon the contents of the other partitions.
Also, as dAm so aptly mentioned, if the drive is all in one partition and you reach a point to where formatting and starting over looks like it's going to be the only solution, then you wipe out everything. Conversely, by using partitioning, you would only need to "nuke and pave" the C drive, while all your other stuff will still be just fine. No question about it, there are differing ideas on this subject. For those who want their drive to be all in drive C, hey, more power to 'em! :D As for me and my house, we're going to cross the river that leads to where the land is divided into different tribes. Wait! I think I'm getting my stories mixed up! https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
Happy Computing!
Limerick
https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
[This message has been edited by Limerick (edited 03-17-2002).]
yeah, but ya got more parts to defrag! lol. tho, I'm not about to argue iffin (2) 20gig parts de*** faster than (1) 40gig part.Quote:
A: Smaller partitions defrag faster.
Exactly!Quote:
B: I can format and reinstall my OS and not lose everything else.
Limerick,
Couldn't have said it better. It hit the point dead on.
mac :P
------------------
If computers are so smart, why can't they fix themselfs??
So how large should I partion drive C ? On my Win 98 machine it was 1gb, do I need to allow more room for XP (he)?
Thanks for all your responses!
Very true, but it doesn't "seem" as long.Quote:
yeah, but ya got more parts to defrag
Since you have a 40 gig drive, split it 4 ways with 10 gig in each partition. 10 gig for "C" OS only, "D" programs like word, antivirus program, etc. "E" for your files, small zipped files, videos etc, and"F" for music files.
Just make sure that "C" has only the os, that way if you need to reinstall the os, you lose nothing else.
gl mac https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
------------------
If computers are so smart, why can't they fix themselfs??
[This message has been edited by pmckinnie (edited 03-18-2002).]
I'm in agreement with everything said . However I prefer to install my programs to C: .
As Limerick stated previously there aren't many programs that DON'T stick a DLL or something in Windows/System32 . I suppose it all depends on the program . I'd like to see what would happen to Office 2000 if I installed it to D: and then lost my C: drive . Can't help feeling that I'd be doing a complete reinstall of Office after reinstalling the OS .
One thing I do do is save all my application UPDATES to a seperate partition .
Anyway , everyone to their own thing .
Paul
------------------
Things to do with your PC when it's dead .
I can't tell you how many times I have been saved by having my OS's files backed up on the (other) Partition. I also synchronize certain files so the important ones are Always current.
I am amazed that someone who has been using a computer since the 286 (386 for me) hasnot thought at least once, ..."Darn! I wish I had saved that file/program/whatever..."
With a Partition, you download to the Partition, go to Add/Remove Programs and point the "Browse" to where it is on the other partition, it installs what it needs to C..., and install. The program shows upin C Drive, you just select the partition as the location to install FROM. Same as if it was a CD or a floppy... Then, the program is Always and forever available to you...
------------------
1) AMD Athlon 750MHz, 365Ram, onboard Audio and Video.
2) AMD K6/2 550Mhz, 194RAM, Monster Fusion, and Vortex/Aureal Sound...
3) Linksys router and Cable Modem.
[This message has been edited by cyndy10 (edited 03-18-2002).]
Most XP installs take 1 - 1.5 gb for the basic install. Plus if you leave system restore on for all your partitions it will save (on c)10% of your total hd space for that which means another 4 gb. Right off the bat you're looking at almost 6gb. I would go with the 10 x 4 suggestion.Quote:
do I need to allow more room for XP
If you put the OS on C & programs on another partition,dont the programs put information in the REGISTRY & you will loose that information if you format C & reinstall the OS??????????????
------------------
Thank's for the help in advance.
Hi Folks,
You are surely correct that there are some things that will have to be reinstalled if you format the C partition. Any application that has written its info to the Registry will obviously not be able to access that info after the format, and will have to be reinstalled.
But this thought moves this thread in a different direction. This ushers in the value and efficiency of a product such as Drive Image, or Ghost. I have long been an ardent user of Ghost. To be able to grab an image of a partition (or of an entire drive, with multiple partitions) and to pop it back into service in just a few minutes, gives one a bit of the "high atmosphere" of "safe and careful computing!" I simply would not be without Ghost, and the weekly imaging regimen that I prefer. But then, that's a whole 'nother issue. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
Limerick
This is a fascinating thread. I have a 40gb HD which currently is all one partition (C https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ I have another physical HD in the machine (D https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ which I use for back ups. Also installed are 2 CDRom Drives (E: & F https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
I would like to partition the 1st drive and have it contain just me OS but can I do that without uninstalling and reinstalling XP?
------------------
All the best
Batteneye
i like several partitions for storing stuff.
win98 is on one. xp is on one. Linux is in a few.
all saved files on one.
Size does matter! I have reversed a previous therory of using 8GB or smaller for the efficient disk space usage to that of making the active partition above 16GB in size to allow faster disk transfer speed. I move files all the time and the larger the cluster size, the less files are split among clusters and fewer clusters are moved.
Partition that 40Gb in at least halves.
After Windows screws up so badly you decide to reload it, you can do it without ever putting a CD in the drive. Store your oSs and setup files all on the second partition, and install from there.
Keep a copy of your email, IE favorites, drivers, documents, files, etc all on the second partition. They are safer there!
kevin
------------------
Zephyr in the sky at night I wonder
Do my tears of mourning sink beneath the sun
God Monsters!
Got a good thread going here.
Yes, you are right to think that all programs add something to the registry. There-fore I have an 8gig drive which I use to backup the "C" partition. Just ran it again tonight so I now have everything I have done in the last 2 weeks since my last backup.
That way all installed programs, no matter what partition they are installed remain connected to the OS.
By using Ghost 2001 to make the copy, it only takes me about 7 minutes to go from dead in the water to what I had before, within the 2 week range.
The price of hard drives being down makes this a viable way to go. This backup drive is then stored in my desk for the day I might need it.
Have been doing this since I started using win98 and it has saved many hours and a lot of hair, of which I don't have much of anyway.
GL and cheers mac https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
------------------
If computers are so smart, why can't they fix themselfs??
BattenEye:
With PartitionMagicyou can do that. The big misconception paeplehave is that by downloading to and saving the "setup files" onto say Partition named D Drive, that the program will INSTALL there. This is simply not the case. Thinkof the D Drive partition the same way you would as storage. When you install from a CD you still have the CD. When you download from the net onto the partition it's the same as storing it there in case you need it. If you need to reformat C, you still have akk those downloads safe on D.
Programs ALWAYS install to C Drive, unless you tell them to do otherwise. All necessary files go to C Drive, just as if you were installing from a CD or floppy. And after install, you don't RUN IT FROM D DRIVE,it RUNS FROM C, justlike any other install. It'll show upin C:/Program FIles/ like everything else.
I have things on my D Drive, and also backed up toa CD that I burned. Double protection. Either source setup files will install the same as the other.
I have a 3rd Partition called MY COMPUTER, wherein I have ALL INFO and proprietary drivers related tomy Processor, Chipset, BIOS, etc, all my needed Soundblaster files, all diagnostic programs and long written instructions on how to install each and system recovery information.
So mine is like this:
A Drive - Floppy
B Drive - Empty
C Drive - 9 Gig - WINXP and all installed programs - 4 gigs left
D Drive - 9 Gigs - All downloaded MP3's and Programs (backed up setup files of things I have no CD for) - 2/3 full
E Drive - 9 Gigs - MY COMPUTER FILES, includes the XP OS files, and copied of ALL Windows Updates to date. Anything relating to MS Windows XP add-ons, etc, like WinMediaPlayer, Copies of the Java Virtual Machine, stufflike that, but no SOFTWARE. (5 gigs left)
F Drive - 7 Gigs - Extra space.
G Drive - CD-Rom/RW
H Drive - CD-Rom
I would have no less than 6 Gigs for C Drive with XP, I would prefer 7-10. You will run out space, it requires 200MB of space just for padding, I know because I had to use Partiton Magic when I started with 3 Gigs and installed a few big programs (EZCDCreator, Office, and more)..., a nice warning message pops upand advises you to dump files, that you are "Running Out Of Hard Disk Space"
Like you, I used to NEVER partition, but once you start, you never go back. Plus,it's simple with P.M....
Good Luck.
------------------
1) AMD Athlon 750MHz, 365Ram, onboard Audio and Video.
2) AMD K6/2 550Mhz, 194RAM, Monster Fusion, and Vortex/Aureal Sound...
3) Linksys router and Cable Modem.
In all these years of using computers I've never lost a file due to HD failure so I guess my luck my be about gone!
Thanks for all the info, sure is nice to get advice from those with experience.
I think I'm going to make four 10gig drives out of my 40. I'll probably also aquire an identicle drive for making future backups.
Here's my 2cents.... I have 2 40 gig drives; the first one holds my OS XPPro NTFS. The 2nd one is fat32 and has 3 partitions: files, music & pictures & backups.
My old machine had one drive partitioned (via partition magic - this one too). The ONLY thing, as far as I'm concerned, was that it gave me a place to backup my hard drive. To me, it's not worth loading programs on another partition because if you have to reinstall your OS, you have to reinstall all of your programs ANYWAY - so what's the difference. As far as defrag, do it once a week - and it won't take long - no matter how big the drive is.
Actually, I always keep all of my DATA files on a CD using direct CD. That way, I have all of my files. It will let you know if the disc is starting to wear - you will get warnings - then just copy it over to another disc. I NEVER have to worry about files - My 2nd drive is mainly for backups and downloading music......and data that I most likely will not keep.
QUOTE..............
To me, it's not worth loading programs on another partition because if you have to reinstall your OS, you have to reinstall all of your programs ANYWAY - so what's the difference.
END QUOTE..........
The difference is that you don't have to Download them again. THAT is plenty of reason in my opinion. I use a lot of freeware and shareware, I don't use a Zip or Jazz Drive, I use a partition for storage.
------------------
1) AMD Athlon 750MHz, 365Ram, onboard Audio and Video.
2) AMD K6/2 550Mhz, 194RAM, Monster Fusion, and Vortex/Aureal Sound...
3) Linksys router and Cable Modem.
Hi. I may have got some nitty-gritty facts for having a backup hard drive:
Well then, If you have 100GB of hard drive, you might also buy another 100GB hard drive for a back up. Man... This may sound like you have 200GB of hard drive! LOL!!
But hold on. I'm not joking.
Because if you have:
60GB left of HD Space out of 100GB in Drive C,
then you can back up to:
60GB left of HD Space out of 100GB in Drive D.
Well, it's better t update your hard drive and copy (update) to the back up hard drive. This may make sense.
------------------
Aptiva 2140-L5H
Pentium II 233MHz w/ MMX Tech
128MB ram
4.2GB hd (3GB left)
Windows ME
2 ICSC (Crystal CS4232 and CS4610 Sound Accelerator)
ATI Xpert 128