Best HD partition split up (XP SP2)

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I am setting up a new 250 GB harddisk to run under XP SP2. There is only one HD in this machine. I want a 4 “drives” (OS and all programs, Data, Downloads, Local “Backup”). How would you partition the harddisk:

a) c: as primary, and d:, e: and f: as logical partitions within the extended ?

Four primaries ?

c) A combination, for example to accomodate a disk image/mirror program ? Although, I think I will not use this kind of software anymore. The disk image of my last setup is of little use. It probably has the same flaky file structure which finally blew up and the new active partition is twice as big, so I will not risk it.

I do not intend to run several OS on this machine. It barely meets Microsoft’s _official_ Vista requirements and I already barely use Linux an another machine… But perhaps there is something I did not think of yet.

Best thanks in advance

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I always create additional partitions on a drive as logical. I won’t try to comment on the size of each, for only you can decide how much room you need for data and downloads. I will say that I would NEVER use another partition on a drive for backup of any kind. I always keep backups (image or file) on separate physical devices, be they USB external, extra internals or CD. One “glitch” with that drive and you’d lose everything, including backups. Now, if you’re gonna use a third-party partitioning program, the early decision shouldn’t be too critical as you can always come back later and re-size the partitions.

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Thank you for the reply. The _local_ backup is a duplicate of the ‘real’ backup which is done with a network added storage and, for the really important stuff, additionally with read-only DVDs. Additionally I use it as a convenient duplicate place to store of all the patches and downloaded updates needed for a full re-install of XP and all programs.

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In todays world, the separate partition for installed programs is not worth setting up. All of the Winnows programs write file to the system drive plus the registry. In the DOS day these program did NOT need to be reinstalled if the a new OS was installed. But today they must be reinstalled.

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

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The OS and the programs are all in the primary partition, as you said the registry almost mandates it (splitting would keep the partition image of the OS quite small, but also can create problems with new installs, updates and thinkering)

Although I could format the drive in XP _SP2_ to the full capacity without a problem, I am kind of wary as the BIOS (can not get a update for this special OEM version motherboard) lists it as 136 GB, as during the initial setup w/o the service pack (I have XP Home Setup CD and the freeware SP2 update CD) . Is this calling for trouble ? If yes, would this be a reason not to use a large extented partition but set up smaller primaries ? Or doesn’t it matter because the sound solution would have been to buy 2 x HD <=130 GB ?

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I have not run into this size limitation, I will wait for some one who has, to post their work around.

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

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