Re-installing Win XP and Partitioning

[oleblue73]

I'm soon going to be doing an re-build of my computer. I'm going to be re-installing Windows XP on an 80GB HDD and using my present 40GB drive as a catch-all drive. I have a few questions:

1. I'd like to have Windows XP on it's own partition.(the "system" drive) How much space should I use?

2. I want the "Program files" folder to be it's own partition. How do I set that up so when I go into the start menu I'll see all the programs I've installed?

3. I'll be changing out my proc, mobo, and installing Windows on a new hardrive. How will this affect Windows Activation?

Thank you for any answers anybody can give me!

[Statica]

1) About 10GB should be pretty good
2) It is recommended that you leave 'Program Files' alone; a lot of installations (including security updates) are designed to write to %SYSTEM DRIVE%\Program files as the default location for what they deem are common files. Unless you want to tinker with a lot more settings that pretty much may change from program to program .. leaving the program files alone is a good idea. However, what I do recommend is that you manually install programs to your separate partition by entering the install directory. (For example instead of letting Office install to C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\; take the time to tell the installation script to install to D:\Office instead. You will face no issue on the start menu; those are just shortcuts to wherever you installed.
3) Well you will have to try automatic activation; and usually it will work seamlessly with your new hardware. If not you will be prompted with a toll free number; call the number and you should be activated in no time at all. (provided your copy of XP is legal). WPA isnt designed to prevent people from doing upgrades to their computer