windows 7 partition

[Jeff Lam]

I am about to make the switch from xp to win7. I have a new 1tb drive to install on and I wanted to know if it is still best to break up the drive into 2 partitions like how i had it in xp. One for system and the big one for data. And if so, what size should i make the system partition? Is 50 gigs enough?

Since win7 uses libraries now and the win explorer doesn't use roots and drive location like in xp, does it get confusing having multiple partitions with system files and folders?

[EzyStvy]

The concept behind partitiions is to help YOU find Your files more easily. So whatever works for you would be the way to go.

[Jeff Lam]

File location was never an issue in xp. I split the OS and data on different partitions just in case I needed to do a new clean install.

[cowboyup6983]

Creating a separate partition from the OS is always a good idea. I recommend installing 7 probably on like 80-100GB partition, right after installing drivers and updates, quickly go ahead and make a system image backup using a program called Macrium Reflect Free Edition.

I would then create a backup image of your DATA partition after installing your files and programs/games, etc...

So for my purposes I have three partitions and 2 physical drives. OS(60GB/43.7 free), DATA and IMAGES on its own drive.

If for some reason why need to reformat lets say for a virus, you can simply RECOVERY to the first image you created right after installing Win 7. The process is quick and easy.