XP partition size

Hi,

I am about to replace my current HD with one with more space and this
will give me the opportunity to create a partition exclusively for the
OS.

My question is this - what size partition do I need to create to
comforably accommodate XP?

--
Cheers

Peter
--
Cheers

Peter

petert wrote:
Hi,

I am about to replace my current HD with one with more space and this
will give me the opportunity to create a partition exclusively for the
OS.

My question is this - what size partition do I need to create to
comforably accommodate XP?

Why? Leave it as one. If the OS craps and you reload, the apps on
the other partition have to be reloaded anyway.
Other than maybe data, and backups should handle that, is it worth it?

Is there a specific reason you want a separate partition for the OS?
"petert" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I am about to replace my current HD with one with more space and this
will give me the opportunity to create a partition exclusively for the
OS.

My question is this - what size partition do I need to create to
comforably accommodate XP?

--
Cheers

Peter
--
Cheers

Peter

If you install your applications to a second partition then
25GB should be fine for the average user.

JS

"petert" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I am about to replace my current HD with one with more space and this
will give me the opportunity to create a partition exclusively for the
OS.

My question is this - what size partition do I need to create to
comforably accommodate XP?

--
Cheers

Peter
--
Cheers

Peter

Big Al wrote:
petert wrote:
Hi,

I am about to replace my current HD with one with more space and this
will give me the opportunity to create a partition exclusively for the
OS.

My question is this - what size partition do I need to create to
comforably accommodate XP?

Why? Leave it as one. If the OS craps and you reload, the apps on
the other partition have to be reloaded anyway.
Other than maybe data, and backups should handle that, is it worth it?

I concur with Al. Leave it alone and do NOT just put it on its own
partition (not a good choice).

He probably thinks if anything goes wrong with his system, he can just
reload his op system to that partition again and be home free (and
everything else is protected on a different partition), but what he's
missing is that it doesn't work that way!

Unknown wrote:
Is there a specific reason you want a separate partition for the OS?
"petert" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I am about to replace my current HD with one with more space and this
will give me the opportunity to create a partition exclusively for the
OS.

My question is this - what size partition do I need to create to
comforably accommodate XP?

--
Cheers

Peter
--
Cheers

Peter

It works that way for me.
Windows on C: and most Applications on D:
Image backup of C: prior to any Windows Updates (Custom Option)
Image backup of D: prior to and after application updates from MS or others.
Once D: is defragmented it rarely needs defragging again.
C: on the other hand fragments much quicker.
Have restored C: many times without the need to restore D:

JS

"Bill in Co." wrote in message
...
He probably thinks if anything goes wrong with his system, he can just
reload his op system to that partition again and be home free (and
everything else is protected on a different partition), but what he's
missing is that it doesn't work that way!

Unknown wrote:
Is there a specific reason you want a separate partition for the OS?
"petert" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I am about to replace my current HD with one with more space and this
will give me the opportunity to create a partition exclusively for the
OS.

My question is this - what size partition do I need to create to
comforably accommodate XP?

--
Cheers

Peter
--
Cheers

Peter

Since the Program Files (and App Data and Windows) folder is all on C:, and
is inextricably linked to all the user program installations, what's the
point of trying to "separate" them, when you really can't? After the user
programs are installed, they are all tightly linked to the operating system
there, so if you're going to restore it, it makes sense to restore the whole
ball of wax. About the ONLY thing I can see you really separating out
is - the user's data.

JS wrote:
It works that way for me.
Windows on C: and most Applications on D:
Image backup of C: prior to any Windows Updates (Custom Option)
Image backup of D: prior to and after application updates from MS or
others.
Once D: is defragmented it rarely needs defragging again.
C: on the other hand fragments much quicker.
Have restored C: many times without the need to restore D:

JS

"Bill in Co." wrote in message
...
He probably thinks if anything goes wrong with his system, he can just
reload his op system to that partition again and be home free (and
everything else is protected on a different partition), but what he's
missing is that it doesn't work that way!

Unknown wrote:
Is there a specific reason you want a separate partition for the OS?
"petert" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I am about to replace my current HD with one with more space and this
will give me the opportunity to create a partition exclusively for the
OS.

My question is this - what size partition do I need to create to
comforably accommodate XP?

--
Cheers

Peter
--
Cheers

Peter

i wouldn't replace it.

instead add the new
drive to your current
system as a slave drive.

this will keep you from
reinstalling windows
and everything else.

further, since you
have added more space
to your system, you
can move all your personal
files to the new drive,
thus making room on
the other disk.

also, the new drive can
be used to hold back
ups too.

if you do utilize the
methodology above and
add the new drive, right
click on my documents
and use the option to move
the entire section to the
new drive (automatically).
--

db·´¯`·...¸)))º

"petert" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I am about to replace my current HD with one with more space and this
will give me the opportunity to create a partition exclusively for the
OS.

My question is this - what size partition do I need to create to
comforably accommodate XP?

--
Cheers

Peter
--
Cheers

Peter

On Wed, 28 May 2008 17:33:22 +0100, petert
wrote:

Hi,

I am about to replace my current HD with one with more space and this
will give me the opportunity to create a partition exclusively for the
OS.

My question is this - what size partition do I need to create to
comforably accommodate XP?

--
Cheers

Peter

OK, thanks for all your replies - a little more research is needed
before I go ahead
--
Cheers

Peter

Image backups of the C: partition go a heck of lot faster since most
but not all of an applications files are on the D: partition.

The image backup of C: (with compression enabled) also fits on a single DVD.

JS

"Bill in Co." wrote in message
...
Since the Program Files (and App Data and Windows) folder is all on C:,
and is inextricably linked to all the user program installations, what's
the point of trying to "separate" them, when you really can't? After
the user programs are installed, they are all tightly linked to the
operating system there, so if you're going to restore it, it makes sense
to restore the whole ball of wax. About the ONLY thing I can see you
really separating out is - the user's data.

JS wrote:
It works that way for me.
Windows on C: and most Applications on D:
Image backup of C: prior to any Windows Updates (Custom Option)
Image backup of D: prior to and after application updates from MS or
others.
Once D: is defragmented it rarely needs defragging again.
C: on the other hand fragments much quicker.
Have restored C: many times without the need to restore D:

JS

"Bill in Co." wrote in message
...
He probably thinks if anything goes wrong with his system, he can just
reload his op system to that partition again and be home free (and
everything else is protected on a different partition), but what he's
missing is that it doesn't work that way!

Unknown wrote:
Is there a specific reason you want a separate partition for the OS?
"petert" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I am about to replace my current HD with one with more space and this
will give me the opportunity to create a partition exclusively for the
OS.

My question is this - what size partition do I need to create to
comforably accommodate XP?

--
Cheers

Peter
--
Cheers

Peter

"Bill in Co." wrote in message
...
Since the Program Files (and App Data and Windows) folder is all on C:,
and is inextricably linked to all the user program installations, what's
the point of trying to "separate" them, when you really can't? After
the user programs are installed, they are all tightly linked to the
operating system there, so if you're going to restore it, it makes sense
to restore the whole ball of wax. About the ONLY thing I can see you
really separating out is - the user's data.



I strongly advocate the use of a dual-boot system as well as
compartmentalization of Windows components.

My computer is set up in this way, using two separate hard drives. I am
using hard disk 0 to run the following dual-boot system:

Windows 98SE is on one the first primary partition of disk 0. Only a few
essential Windows 98 non-operating system program files reside on this
partition (WinZip, Adobe Reader, CD burning software etc.). The program
files for all other Windows 98 programs reside on the primary partition of
hard disk 1 (drive D), along with all data files which can be shared between
98 and XP.

Windows XP pro is on the second primary partition of disk 0. Only a few
essential XP non-operating system program files reside on this partition
(WinZip, Adobe Reader, CD burning software etc.). The program files for all
other Windows XP programs and Outlook Express mail reside on the extended
partition (drive E) on hard disk 0.

I have made Ghost images of Windows 98, Windows XP and drive E. The program
files for Windows 98 are not that important, because I use it only as a
source for a DOS prompt, an Internet research tool when Windows XP is giving
me problems and to run a backup word processing program and database should
XP become inoperative again. All data files are backed up on other USB hard
drives and DVDs.

Having access to the Internet on Windows 98 was invaluable when I first
tried to get XP working. I was able to do searches based on error messages
and solve the problems. It turned out that it was a CMOS issue, but I would
never have figured this out on my own. Another time I had to find out how to
use the XP Repair Console to find a "missing" Boot.ini file after re-sizing
the partitions on drive 0. Having a dual-boot system is a lot like having
two separate computers.

Arranging my computer in this fashion really saves time when system
restoration become necessary. The ability to back up only the partition
containing the operating system (and not the data files and program files)
keeps the Ghost images small and cuts their creation time by at least 75%.

The vast majority of problems with XP are a result of screw ups in the
registry and other system files. Therefore, it is not necessary to restore
the entire XP group of operating system, program files and data files. With
one exception, restoring the operating system to its previous working
condition has solved all XP problems. The only time that I needed to restore
the XP program files on drive E was when WordPerfect 8 crashed. Restoring
the Ghost image of drive E took 25 minutes and was a lot easier than trying
to fix WordPerfect.

As a result of using this computer setup, I now have XP Ghost images, made
with Fast compression, which can be restored in about 45 minutes:

Ghost 17 -- Clean, well-functioning Windows XP SP2 system.

Ghost 18 -- Contains the addition of Internet Explorer 7.

Ghost 19 -- Contains the addition of Service Pack 3.

As a result of reading this newsgroup, I now know that I should have
installed Service Pack 3 before installing Explorer 7. Fortunately, I have
had no problems, but it's true, Explorer 7 cannot be un-installed. I can
leave things the way they are, or I can restore Ghost 17, install Service
Pack 3 and then install Explorer 7. This entire procedure would take a
little over one hour.

Anyway, I will probably get chastised for writing a book on the newsgroup,
so I will stop rambling now.

Well, that's probably true, but when I do a restoration, I want everything
back as it was - not a halfway job. :-)

But I don't rely on DVDs for the backup, as the external USB drive enclosure
works great for that (and is ONLY turned on when I make the backup image).


JS wrote:
Image backups of the C: partition go a heck of lot faster since most
but not all of an applications files are on the D: partition.

The image backup of C: (with compression enabled) also fits on a single
DVD.

JS

"Bill in Co." wrote in message
...
Since the Program Files (and App Data and Windows) folder is all on C:,
and is inextricably linked to all the user program installations, what's
the point of trying to "separate" them, when you really can't? After
the user programs are installed, they are all tightly linked to the
operating system there, so if you're going to restore it, it makes sense
to restore the whole ball of wax. About the ONLY thing I can see you
really separating out is - the user's data.

JS wrote:
It works that way for me.
Windows on C: and most Applications on D:
Image backup of C: prior to any Windows Updates (Custom Option)
Image backup of D: prior to and after application updates from MS or
others.
Once D: is defragmented it rarely needs defragging again.
C: on the other hand fragments much quicker.
Have restored C: many times without the need to restore D:

JS

"Bill in Co." wrote in message
...
He probably thinks if anything goes wrong with his system, he can just
reload his op system to that partition again and be home free (and
everything else is protected on a different partition), but what he's
missing is that it doesn't work that way!

Unknown wrote:
Is there a specific reason you want a separate partition for the OS?
"petert" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I am about to replace my current HD with one with more space and this
will give me the opportunity to create a partition exclusively for
the
OS.

My question is this - what size partition do I need to create to
comforably accommodate XP?

--
Cheers

Peter
--
Cheers

Peter

If nothing changed on the D: partition
(typical Windows security updates and not Office updates)
then the restore of C: is not a halfway result.

JS

"Bill in Co." wrote in message
...
Well, that's probably true, but when I do a restoration, I want everything
back as it was - not a halfway job. :-)

But I don't rely on DVDs for the backup, as the external USB drive
enclosure works great for that (and is ONLY turned on when I make the
backup image).


JS wrote:
Image backups of the C: partition go a heck of lot faster since most
but not all of an applications files are on the D: partition.

The image backup of C: (with compression enabled) also fits on a single
DVD.

JS

"Bill in Co." wrote in message
...
Since the Program Files (and App Data and Windows) folder is all on C:,
and is inextricably linked to all the user program installations, what's
the point of trying to "separate" them, when you really can't? After
the user programs are installed, they are all tightly linked to the
operating system there, so if you're going to restore it, it makes sense
to restore the whole ball of wax. About the ONLY thing I can see you
really separating out is - the user's data.

JS wrote:
It works that way for me.
Windows on C: and most Applications on D:
Image backup of C: prior to any Windows Updates (Custom Option)
Image backup of D: prior to and after application updates from MS or
others.
Once D: is defragmented it rarely needs defragging again.
C: on the other hand fragments much quicker.
Have restored C: many times without the need to restore D:

JS

"Bill in Co." wrote in message
...
He probably thinks if anything goes wrong with his system, he can just
reload his op system to that partition again and be home free (and
everything else is protected on a different partition), but what he's
missing is that it doesn't work that way!

Unknown wrote:
Is there a specific reason you want a separate partition for the OS?
"petert" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I am about to replace my current HD with one with more space and
this
will give me the opportunity to create a partition exclusively for
the
OS.

My question is this - what size partition do I need to create to
comforably accommodate XP?

--
Cheers

Peter
--
Cheers

Peter

But I change a lot of things, and I want to be covered in ALL cases, not
just a select "some" (including Office, or whatever).

Besides which, it only takes me 20 minutes to backup the ENTIRE C: partition
(about 20 GB worth of system, programs, and data). I can *certainly* wait
15-20 minutes to make this COMPLETE system backup, for the complete peace of
mind it offers. It covers ALL bases that way (and trust me, that's come
in handy, on occasion :-)


JS wrote:
If nothing changed on the D: partition
(typical Windows security updates and not Office updates)
then the restore of C: is not a halfway result.

JS

"Bill in Co." wrote in message
...
Well, that's probably true, but when I do a restoration, I want
everything
back as it was - not a halfway job. :-)

But I don't rely on DVDs for the backup, as the external USB drive
enclosure works great for that (and is ONLY turned on when I make the
backup image).


JS wrote:
Image backups of the C: partition go a heck of lot faster since most
but not all of an applications files are on the D: partition.

The image backup of C: (with compression enabled) also fits on a single
DVD.

JS

"Bill in Co." wrote in message
...
Since the Program Files (and App Data and Windows) folder is all on C:,
and is inextricably linked to all the user program installations,
what's
the point of trying to "separate" them, when you really can't? After
the user programs are installed, they are all tightly linked to the
operating system there, so if you're going to restore it, it makes
sense
to restore the whole ball of wax. About the ONLY thing I can see you
really separating out is - the user's data.

JS wrote:
It works that way for me.
Windows on C: and most Applications on D:
Image backup of C: prior to any Windows Updates (Custom Option)
Image backup of D: prior to and after application updates from MS or
others.
Once D: is defragmented it rarely needs defragging again.
C: on the other hand fragments much quicker.
Have restored C: many times without the need to restore D:

JS

"Bill in Co." wrote in message
...
He probably thinks if anything goes wrong with his system, he can
just
reload his op system to that partition again and be home free (and
everything else is protected on a different partition), but what he's
missing is that it doesn't work that way!

Unknown wrote:
Is there a specific reason you want a separate partition for the OS?
"petert" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I am about to replace my current HD with one with more space and
this
will give me the opportunity to create a partition exclusively for
the
OS.

My question is this - what size partition do I need to create to
comforably accommodate XP?

--
Cheers

Peter
--
Cheers

Peter