Formatting Phillips External HD with WinMe

I'm in fdisk ready to format my new Phillips external HD, the window is "Create DOS Partition or Logical DOS Drive", there are three options:
1. Create Primary DOS Partition
2. Create Extended DOS Partition
3. Create Logical DOS Drive(s) in the Extended DOS Partition

I simply want to use the new USB HD as an overflow to my fixed HD, for back ups, photos, movies etc, which option do I choose please, and why if you can be so kind.

 

Reading your subject line, I have to ask, are you trying to install Windows on this drive? If so, it would be a Primary DOS Partition. Please note that you will require a system that can boot from a USB device to do this, though.

Or, if its more like your post suggests, and you are using this drive strictly for storage, then you can format it as an extended partition.

 

Thnx Mada_Milty, I was following the "How To" Install Guide to the letter, How To connect, How To install, How To safely disconnect, How To quick format, How To format, etc., etc.,...... in fact being ultra cautious, but being eager to use this device I searched the Internet and found the Extended DOS Partition to be the general advice, trouble was when I hit Enter a pop-up said a Logical DOS Drive had not yet been created, sooooo I tried this and another pop-up said an Extended DOS Partition could not be found, Catch22! All that was left then was to hit #1, Create Primary DOS Partition, and thus another popup informed me that the HD was already partitioned..*%#@! Nowhere in Phillips info pack does it inform of this, in fact the exact words on the Format page are "How to format your new external HHD"
I'm sorry to have wasted your time but maybe at least readers here thinking of buying Phillips will be forwarned.

 

Here's the REAL test:

1. Power on the system
2. Open 'My Computer'

Here, you should see all the volumes available for your use. See if one exists for your external HDD. If it does, then try writing data to it. (A simple folder creation should be enough for this test.) If you can write, then your volume is partitioned, and formatted. If not, then you may need to format before the write. This should be available through windows (IIRC - been awhile since I've used ME) by right-clicking the drive and selecting 'Format'.

 

Thnx Mada_Milty,
I've already dragged half a dozen files onto the new HD, it works exactly same as my fixed HD. A bit troubling tho that a large company like Phillips cannot get instructions right.
As for WinME, I do not see the point in changing except that MS have stopped supporting it together with Zone Alarm etc. I see not advantage whatsoever in WinXP, speaking as a computer/Internet user rather than a software/hardware pro, it's not faster, easier, or anything else from my consumer viewpoint - I get to my destination in my well maintained '94 Ford in exactly the same shape as my neighbour in his '06 Jaguar. For me Linux is the way forward, only time will tell.
Once again thnx a lot for your replies, they are appreciated.

 

this is the point...security, security, security
Your operating system is your first line of defense.

ME will not support the latest security software. ie firewall, antivirus etc
This leaves you vunerable to attack whilst online as malware will not find it difficult to infiltrate your system with outdated software.
Malware is on the increase everywhere and is constantly being adapted by the writers of malicious code (you only have to look at the number of poor souls pleading for help in the malware forum here).

Do yourself a favour and keep the 94 ford, but update your OS with the money you save!

Regards......

 

Hi nitecrawler,
Oh yes I am aware of the safety features of a modern Jag compared to those of a '94 Ford, likewise Millenium v. XP, however since loading my pc with all the available Pro security software together with Firefox, plus surfing with cookies and Javascript killed I never get problems. I've been trouble free for 3 or 4 years since getting to grips with WinME, previously I was one of those desparately seeking help in techie Fora. Education and experience of the user is probably as bigger factor in computer malfunction/infection as super soft/hardware. Having said all that, one day I shall change my '94 Ford for a brand new Mercedes.