Asking Another Stupid Question

Hey all,
I've been reading about doing an image of my computer which I'd like next time it goes all weird because I'm still working out which settings I had.
What I'm wondering is how do I partition my C: because currently everything is on my C: I'd like to make things easier on myself.

Sorry about yet another silly question from me.

 

You're asking two questions.
1. How do I make an image of my hard drive?
2. How do I partition my C: drive (I guess into 2 partitions)

To answer # 2 first, you would use a tool such as the following:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/EASEUS_Partition_Master_Home_Edition_d5967.html

For making a disk image you would use a tool such as the following:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/DriveImage_XML_d4919.html

 

Thank you for the links, I'll look at them soon. Hopefully from there I'll be able to work out what I'm doing lol.
I've really got no idea what I'm doing, I'm a little slow.

 

Couple of things on partitioning.

1. Put all your software on C: The first time I did this I thought I could install all my apps on my d: so that I wouldn't have to install them when I re-formatted but the software installs entries to the system registry and also the windows folder. When you re-install the OS you will have to re-install all software.

2. You can store all your files on secondary partitions and you can migrate the particular elements of your profile (ie Documents, Music, Pictures) to the second partition so that when you open My documents it takes you straight there. Open your profile area then right click on your documents folder then select the location tab and choose the new location that you want to store them in (You may need to create the folder first). I should also say that I am using Windows Vist and 7 so I am not sure how to do it on XP but Google should be able to help.

 

Yes that's what I'm aiming to do but I don't know how to create the actual partition. Currently my drive only has one section, so it needs to be partitioned.

 

You need to use a partitioning application. Windows has a built in disk manager but you can not use that to change your C:\. Once you boot to windows your C:\ becomes locked and you cant change the partition. You need to use EaseUS partition utility, that abekl linked to, to reduce the size of your C:\ to a reasonable level then create a new partion in the free space. you need to make sure you dont rduce the size of your C:\ too much though.

It may be easier to just buy a cheap external HD. Problem solved

 

I do have an external drive, but it makes my computer slow when I have it plugged in. So I don't wanna leave it plugged in all the time.
I didn't understand how to use the EaseUS tool...but I also haven't googled the instructions yet.

 

http://www.partition-tool.com/easeus-partition-manager/help/about.htm

 

Is it USB2/3? If not you could always get a USB3 PCI card and USB3 drive. That should be pretty nippy. I cant recall whether you mentioned whether you have desktop or laptop but another option is a second internal disk?

 

I've got a laptop.
I've got a External Hard drive, I have no idea what you're taking about when it comes to the USB stuff.

 

There are three iterations of USB. USB1, USB2 and USB3. With each iteration the performance improves and you will get higher transfer speeds. Your computer should only run slowly if you have a USB1 device and it will only slow down when it is reading and writing to the drive. If your whole PC slows down when the device is connected and not reading and writing then there may be other issues with the disk.

You cant install a PCI into your laptop but there are options for a PCMCIA USB controller card Assuming that your PC has PCMCIA slots. what external drive and laptop do you have?

 

I have USB 2 I know that for a fact because the drive wouldn't run off a USB 1.
I have a Toshiba laptop, but other then that I really couldn't tell you. The external hard drive is a Seagate.
I think don't think I'll partition the drive because even after reading the instructions I don't understand how to do it and I don't wanna mess up my computer.