My guide hard drive partitioning (for Windows XP users)
Let me start off by saying that this is intended to be a set of suggestions primarily for beginners or those who haven't given partitioning much thought.
This advice is based on my own personal goals which may be different from your own.
My goals are to keep things as simple as possible, while making it easy to automatically safeguard both my software and data.
My working principles are;
A) Install all software to one location.
B) Separate software from data as much as possible.
C) Don't move anything that will cause problems.
D) Use folders and not partitions to organize data.
E) Backup software to avoid unnecessary repair work.
F) Backup data to avoid losing anything important.
Part 1 - Partitioning.
1) Always use NTFS.
a) Use FAT 32 only if you must physically share the drive with an OS that doesn’t support NTFS.
b) Drives shared over a network can still use NTFS.
2) Install your OS to a small partition at the beginning of your fastest hard drive.
a) If using a partitioning utility, create a “Primary” NTFS partition and set it to “Active”.
b) Chose a partition size that is about 25% more than you will need for your OS and Installed software.
c) Internet/office users will need about 10 GB. Gamers may require around 20-40 GB.
d) Do not be tempted create an overly large C: partition. I personally have never needed more than 30 GB.
e) If necessary you can re-size your partitions latter with a utility such as Partition Magic 8, but backup anything important first.
f) Ensure that Windows XP designates this partition as C: during the install process.
3) Partition the remaining space on your fastest hard drive and assign it the letter D:
4) Create a single primary NTFS partition on all remaining hard drives.
a) Avoid the temptation to create elaborate partitioning schemes to organize your data.
b) Move your page file to a 2nd hard drive if one is available.
5) Reserve E: and F: for optical drives for consistency across systems.
a) Assign remaining drive letters to devices as you see fit.
Part Two - Separate Software and Data.
1) Install all software on C: - No exceptions.
2) Do not use C: for anything else - No exceptions
3) Move as many document folder from C: to D:
a) Create a folder on D: for each user account. Call it “Account Name’s” Folder.
b) Move as many document folders to that location as possible.
4) It is not safe to move the "Documents and Settings" folders or entire user profile folders.
a) These folders contain files that are part of the OS.
b) Keeping the current version of these files while restoring your OS to a previous state will cause severe problems.
c) In general do not move any folder unless you are have good reason to assume it is safe.
5) I can't give instructions for every application, but here is a partial list.
a) Right-Drag-Move each user's "Desktop" folder, then restart.
b) Move the "My Documents" using its property dialog.
c) Start Firefox and Thunderbird from the run menu with the -profilemanager switch and create new profiles. Replace the contents of the new profile folders with those from the old profile folder.
d) IE users can Right-Drag-Move their "Favorites" Folders.
e) Many programs automatically store documents inside your "My Documents" folder and so no action need be taken.
Part Three - Backups.
1) Start with the assumption that your hard drive will fail without warning.
2) Perform a “partition level” backup OS before and after any major software changes.
a) Chose software that can a backup your OS while it is running. I prefer True Image 9
b) If you have enough hard drive space, scheduling a daily, weekly or even monthly backups.
c) Make a backup after a clean install and save it so that you never have to reinstall Windows.
d) Split the images into 1.45 GB chunks for easy transfer to DVDs.
e) Always keep an external copy of a fairly recent backup.
3) Schedule “folder level” backups of important data on C: that you are unable to relocate to D:
a) Alternately, always perform a “partition level” backup prior to restoring your OS partition.
b) Scheduling a daily “partition level” backup will also ensure that any important files on C: are never more than 24 hours out of date.
4) Perform a “folder level” backup of all important data.
a) Try to keep all your personal data in a single folder for easy backup.
b) Many people just manually copying important folders to another hard drive. Perhaps adding the date to the folder name in the process.
f) True Image 9 can do both “partition level” and “folder level” backups.
g) Those advanced backup needs should consider Retrospect 7.5.
5) Anyone with data they can’t afford to lose needs to schedule automatic backups – No excuses.
a) Virtually no one will actually stick to a regular backup schedule unless it is automated.
b) Automatic backups require storage media that is always available, which means internal hard drive and network shares or an external hard drive which you will always leave connected.
c) Obviously storing the backup on the same drive as the original isn't the safest solution.
d) Moving the backup images to DVD or an external hard drive is an excellent idea.
e) Some data is valuable enough as to require off-site storage in case of a fire or similar disaster.
f) Redundant RAID arrays do not replace the need for backups. Data can still be lost due to viruses and more importantly user error.
6) Never get yourself into a situation where you can't follow your backup strategy. Burn some DVDs or buy a new hard drive before....
a) "Temporarily" download/store files on C:
b) Erase needed backup images to make room for more files.
c) Switch to manual backups because you no longer have space for automatic backups.
Part 4 - Explanations
Why use NTFS?
NTFS is in all ways superior to FAT 32.
When shouldn’t you use NTFS?
When physically sharing a partition with an OS that doesn’t support NTFS. There are no problems using NTFS when sharing a drive over a network connection.
Why use more than one partition?
To maintain separation between your software and your data.
Why separate your software and your data?
So you can fix software problems without affecting your data. Also software and data require different backup strategies.
Why make C: the first partition of the fastest hard drive?
This is the fastest part of your fastest hard drive.
Why not make an extra large C: partition?
Because you will eventually start using the excess space for storage.
What’s wrong with using C: for storage?
Eventually you end up unable to perform regular OS backups because the image files would be too large, and unwilling to restore because too many files will be overwritten.
Why put C: and D: on the same drive?
To ensure the special folders on D: are always present.
Why call the second partition D?
Because its the letter following C: and the words Documents and Data both begin with D:
Why reserve E: and F: for optical drives?
So that every system you setup will have consistent drive lettering.
Why not install software to multiple partitions?
Because there is no performance benefit, and it needlessly complicates backup operations.
Why not create multiple partitions on the remaining drives?
Data is best kept organized using folders, not partitions.
Why perform partition level backup?
Restoring from a backup will fix any software problem in about 15 minutes.
Isn’t a clean install always the best choice?
No, usually the solution has everything back the way you want it in 15 minutes is best. If you system could benefit from a clean install, its best to do so at a time of your own choosing.
Why backup your C: partition before making major software changes? Because something could go wrong.
Why backup your C: partition after making major software changes?
So you don’t have to repeat what you just did the next time you restore from a backup.
Why schedule daily, weekly and monthly backups if you have the disc space?
Because sometimes it takes awhile for you to notice a problem.
Why do you recommend True Image 9, Partition Magic 8 and Retrospect 7.5 over other software?
Personal preference, feel free to use whatever will get the job done. When choosing software, keep in mind the fact that most people have trouble sticking with a backup plan that isn’t fully automated.
Why are you not always using the most technically correct terms?
I know the difference between between physical disks, logical disks, partitions and volume, but its beyond the scope of this guide to explain it.
Why so many spelling/grammar/stylistic mistakes?
My degree's are in CIS and Philosophy not English. Also forum posting generally fall under the category of informal writing.
Mostly I am lazy and both in and out of college I have always found it easier to talk an English major or a professional writer into doing my proofreading.
(The fact that at any given time the English major/writer is invariable female and the reward for her efforts is invariable a home cooked meal and some moderately priced alcohol has done little to encourage me to improve my grammar)
Let me start off by saying that this is intended to be a set of suggestions primarily for beginners or those who haven't given partitioning much thought.
This advice is based on my own personal goals which may be different from your own.
My goals are to keep things as simple as possible, while making it easy to automatically safeguard both my software and data.
My working principles are;
A) Install all software to one location.
B) Separate software from data as much as possible.
C) Don't move anything that will cause problems.
D) Use folders and not partitions to organize data.
E) Backup software to avoid unnecessary repair work.
F) Backup data to avoid losing anything important.
Part 1 - Partitioning.
1) Always use NTFS.
a) Use FAT 32 only if you must physically share the drive with an OS that doesn’t support NTFS.
b) Drives shared over a network can still use NTFS.
2) Install your OS to a small partition at the beginning of your fastest hard drive.
a) If using a partitioning utility, create a “Primary” NTFS partition and set it to “Active”.
b) Chose a partition size that is about 25% more than you will need for your OS and Installed software.
c) Internet/office users will need about 10 GB. Gamers may require around 20-40 GB.
d) Do not be tempted create an overly large C: partition. I personally have never needed more than 30 GB.
e) If necessary you can re-size your partitions latter with a utility such as Partition Magic 8, but backup anything important first.
f) Ensure that Windows XP designates this partition as C: during the install process.
3) Partition the remaining space on your fastest hard drive and assign it the letter D:
4) Create a single primary NTFS partition on all remaining hard drives.
a) Avoid the temptation to create elaborate partitioning schemes to organize your data.
b) Move your page file to a 2nd hard drive if one is available.
5) Reserve E: and F: for optical drives for consistency across systems.
a) Assign remaining drive letters to devices as you see fit.
Part Two - Separate Software and Data.
1) Install all software on C: - No exceptions.
2) Do not use C: for anything else - No exceptions
3) Move as many document folder from C: to D:
a) Create a folder on D: for each user account. Call it “Account Name’s” Folder.
b) Move as many document folders to that location as possible.
4) It is not safe to move the "Documents and Settings" folders or entire user profile folders.
a) These folders contain files that are part of the OS.
b) Keeping the current version of these files while restoring your OS to a previous state will cause severe problems.
c) In general do not move any folder unless you are have good reason to assume it is safe.
5) I can't give instructions for every application, but here is a partial list.
a) Right-Drag-Move each user's "Desktop" folder, then restart.
b) Move the "My Documents" using its property dialog.
c) Start Firefox and Thunderbird from the run menu with the -profilemanager switch and create new profiles. Replace the contents of the new profile folders with those from the old profile folder.
d) IE users can Right-Drag-Move their "Favorites" Folders.
e) Many programs automatically store documents inside your "My Documents" folder and so no action need be taken.
Part Three - Backups.
1) Start with the assumption that your hard drive will fail without warning.
2) Perform a “partition level” backup OS before and after any major software changes.
a) Chose software that can a backup your OS while it is running. I prefer True Image 9
b) If you have enough hard drive space, scheduling a daily, weekly or even monthly backups.
c) Make a backup after a clean install and save it so that you never have to reinstall Windows.
d) Split the images into 1.45 GB chunks for easy transfer to DVDs.
e) Always keep an external copy of a fairly recent backup.
3) Schedule “folder level” backups of important data on C: that you are unable to relocate to D:
a) Alternately, always perform a “partition level” backup prior to restoring your OS partition.
b) Scheduling a daily “partition level” backup will also ensure that any important files on C: are never more than 24 hours out of date.
4) Perform a “folder level” backup of all important data.
a) Try to keep all your personal data in a single folder for easy backup.
b) Many people just manually copying important folders to another hard drive. Perhaps adding the date to the folder name in the process.
f) True Image 9 can do both “partition level” and “folder level” backups.
g) Those advanced backup needs should consider Retrospect 7.5.
5) Anyone with data they can’t afford to lose needs to schedule automatic backups – No excuses.
a) Virtually no one will actually stick to a regular backup schedule unless it is automated.
b) Automatic backups require storage media that is always available, which means internal hard drive and network shares or an external hard drive which you will always leave connected.
c) Obviously storing the backup on the same drive as the original isn't the safest solution.
d) Moving the backup images to DVD or an external hard drive is an excellent idea.
e) Some data is valuable enough as to require off-site storage in case of a fire or similar disaster.
f) Redundant RAID arrays do not replace the need for backups. Data can still be lost due to viruses and more importantly user error.
6) Never get yourself into a situation where you can't follow your backup strategy. Burn some DVDs or buy a new hard drive before....
a) "Temporarily" download/store files on C:
b) Erase needed backup images to make room for more files.
c) Switch to manual backups because you no longer have space for automatic backups.
Part 4 - Explanations
Why use NTFS?
NTFS is in all ways superior to FAT 32.
When shouldn’t you use NTFS?
When physically sharing a partition with an OS that doesn’t support NTFS. There are no problems using NTFS when sharing a drive over a network connection.
Why use more than one partition?
To maintain separation between your software and your data.
Why separate your software and your data?
So you can fix software problems without affecting your data. Also software and data require different backup strategies.
Why make C: the first partition of the fastest hard drive?
This is the fastest part of your fastest hard drive.
Why not make an extra large C: partition?
Because you will eventually start using the excess space for storage.
What’s wrong with using C: for storage?
Eventually you end up unable to perform regular OS backups because the image files would be too large, and unwilling to restore because too many files will be overwritten.
Why put C: and D: on the same drive?
To ensure the special folders on D: are always present.
Why call the second partition D?
Because its the letter following C: and the words Documents and Data both begin with D:
Why reserve E: and F: for optical drives?
So that every system you setup will have consistent drive lettering.
Why not install software to multiple partitions?
Because there is no performance benefit, and it needlessly complicates backup operations.
Why not create multiple partitions on the remaining drives?
Data is best kept organized using folders, not partitions.
Why perform partition level backup?
Restoring from a backup will fix any software problem in about 15 minutes.
Isn’t a clean install always the best choice?
No, usually the solution has everything back the way you want it in 15 minutes is best. If you system could benefit from a clean install, its best to do so at a time of your own choosing.
Why backup your C: partition before making major software changes? Because something could go wrong.
Why backup your C: partition after making major software changes?
So you don’t have to repeat what you just did the next time you restore from a backup.
Why schedule daily, weekly and monthly backups if you have the disc space?
Because sometimes it takes awhile for you to notice a problem.
Why do you recommend True Image 9, Partition Magic 8 and Retrospect 7.5 over other software?
Personal preference, feel free to use whatever will get the job done. When choosing software, keep in mind the fact that most people have trouble sticking with a backup plan that isn’t fully automated.
Why are you not always using the most technically correct terms?
I know the difference between between physical disks, logical disks, partitions and volume, but its beyond the scope of this guide to explain it.
Why so many spelling/grammar/stylistic mistakes?
My degree's are in CIS and Philosophy not English. Also forum posting generally fall under the category of informal writing.
Mostly I am lazy and both in and out of college I have always found it easier to talk an English major or a professional writer into doing my proofreading.
(The fact that at any given time the English major/writer is invariable female and the reward for her efforts is invariable a home cooked meal and some moderately priced alcohol has done little to encourage me to improve my grammar)
good post hope is a sticky
and if you have to restore one, you must restore the other.
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