Partitions

[svasutin]

Over the course of several years, I've found partition and multiple hdds more and more useful. Generally I try to ensure there is at leat 15%, 512 MBs, or the size of the largest file in terms of free space.

I've found these partitions and sizes useful when I need to defrag, run a scandisk, or use data recovery. Typical hard drives have 4 partitions.

c: system drive = 5 GBs

reformat at the drop of a hat; I can't remember the last time I actually activated windows.

d: program files = 5-7 GB

most well writting programs have ini, inf files saved to the hdd. This way, reInstallation does not lose information. Any reInstallation should detect the old settings.

e: temps = 1.5->15 GBs; erased at log off

cd buring, real, win temp, usr temp, nero, wmp transcode, logs, streaming, downloads, useless stuff in general

f: pagefile = 4*(Max Mobo RAM); 4k cluster

I don't use a page file any more

g: email/favs/messenger = 1.25 GBs

could be smaller, but might not be able to defrag with pst.

h: drivers/updates/patches/cd images = 8 GB compresssed 512 cluster

office cd copied, drivers, etc, etc; don't like getting prompted for CD

i: cd80min = 1.5 gb

used in the days before nero 4.x and dvd burning. defraging was quicker and easier

j: audio/mp3/wavs = 10 GBs

k: my docs = 5 gbs

*.doc, *.xls, *.ppt, *.pub, *.mdb, *.txt

l: archive/zip/file backups 6 GBs

*.zip, *.cab, *.rar, and old programs I just want to keep. Typically transfered to DVD when i have time

m: desktop 1 gbs

all those **** shortcuts

n: slip_drive 6 gbs

xp home/pro/media, office 2k, 2k3

o: video = as large as possible

games also go here

p: shared 4 gbs

for going between systems, but using remote control more and more.

[ripken204]

wow, thats alot of partitions

[rjz]

I hope you back up your part table.

How do you fo that? How about the boot record? MBR?

[svasutin]

Only 1 time, since 2k, did I ever need to recover, but it wasn't too bad, as the Win NTFS always stores a hidden copy around the center of the drive; just grab your favorite disk hex editor and your usually good to go. Msft has a kb on the issue.

Aside from x-your-fingers approach, I've found runtime.org's software useful. A boot CD with a ntloader and boot.ini is also very helpful.

My typical systems include 2 hdds. Lately I've been flirting with the idea of getting a few 5 GB USB 2.0 jump drive for my docs and audio. This would make the sync'ing of certain files much easier between my computers and notebooks. I would most likely feel much better leaving certain systems always on and always connected.

One other trick, is to make an 4-8 GB partition after your first two partions, without formatting it, or assigning a drive letter; this allows you to install an OS at a later point if you really need to boot and don't want to lose too much.

wow, thats alot of partitions

Typically I really only use OS, Programs, Temps, Profiles (docs, email, favs, desktop, audio ... profiles directory, e.g. documents and settings), video, drivers, and backups; C->I. Some people ask for more, others less.

One time I was asked to perform some recovery work on a 200 GB (extensive search) drive (only 1 partition). The scan alone took over 5 hours. Some time after that, I started recommending more partitions per hdd. Also, i've learned with the exception of a nail through the hdd, some information can always be recovered.

of course, the physical order of the partitions is a different post.

[Vietfobster]

u got like 100 partitions lol

i only got two, my backup partition (music, software installers, important stuff), and the rest goes to the other partition (C:)