Partitions question

[jh88fan]

Just finished a new build, and when I installed Windows XP Home on my 500GB hard drive, I set up the partitions like this:

100GB "C" partition, for OS and programs
about 350GB "E" partition, for data files, photos, videos, etc.
20GB unallocated, for the backup utility software that came with the mobo

So far I've only installed Windows, device drivers, etc.

Wanted to install the backup utility program, but it reports that there isn't enough HD space, so I didn't install it yet.

In Computer Manager, it looks like the "E" partition and unallocated space were created as an extended partition (green border around both of them). There's no data on them, though I did format the "E" partition. Can I change this through Windows or do I have to start over? If I have to start over, is it OK to partition like that or does it cause problems? I've always just had one partition on previous systems, but with much smaller hard drive also.

Thanks

[JimmyDee]

Originally Posted by jh88fan Can I change this through Windows or do I have to start over? If I have to start over, is it OK to partition like that or does it cause problems? Thanks

No windows will not do it for you. You need a program like Partition Magic. There may be an open source program out there that won't cost you any money but not sure at this time. I have repartitioned on the fly and it works.
Jim
On edit: Here is an open source program that should do it. http://www.osalt.com/gparted

[freakitchen]

You can use Disk Management - built into Windows - to delete and create partitions, but you do need third-party software to manipulate existing partitions.

To jh88fan, extended partitions are fine and are in my opinion preferable to primary partitions for data. When using them, there's one extra step required, in that you need to create a logical drive inside the extended partition that you created.

Since you only have Windows installed, I suggest you run Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc at the run prompt), and delete everything apart from your windows partition. Then create as many more extended partitions that you want, remembering to create a logical drive within them. I'd be tempted to suggest creating only one partition for both your data and backups - it's possible that the latter may need to exceed 20GB at some point. There's also the consideration that a backup stored on the same drive as the original isn't as safe as it would be if it were located on a completely separate drive. If that drive dies, you've lost both data and backup.

More information on partitioning, and a link to the Microsoft KB article on the subject, in this sticky:
http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=175212

[jh88fan]

Originally Posted by Freakitchen I suggest you run Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc at the run prompt), and delete everything apart from your windows partition. Then create as many more extended partitions that you want, remembering to create a logical drive within them.

Thanks, that's what I needed to know. I'll just need one extended partition aside from the OS partition, and will go ahead and use up the rest of the available space for it. I have an external HD for making backups, so I'll probably just do that and not even mess with the backup program that came with the motherboard.

Thanks again

[freakitchen]

That's exactly how I'd do it. Google 'syncback' - free software that is great for setting automated backups of pretty much anything you want. I use it to back up important data to my external periodically.

[Detonate]

I use Gparted a lot. It will do what you want. Works great.