One operating system, two partitions

comperroruter · Dec 1, 2005

Is it possible to create two partitions, both with XP on them? When I first received the computer I reformatted and conveniently lost the Recovery section of my hard drive (the one Dell sets aside so it is always there), because I deleted all partitions. Now I would like to have a back-up of my system in one partition while I use the other for the day to day stuff.

Secondly, if I am able to do such, how would I go about creating this once I have XP tweaked and all programs loaded?

I know that System Restore does the same thing but, if I am not mistaken, another partition cannot become infected, while System Restore can.

Thirdly, If I were to purchase an external hard drive it would be possible to back-up my system daily, right?

Any help is appreciated.

DavidGP · Dec 1, 2005

Yes while you can create a dual boot situation on your HD and have XP installed twice, their is one snag you will need two licences, one for each install.

your best option is to use an app like Acronis True Image and clone your HD with OS and software/tweaks etc installed on, onto as you say either an external HD or a slaved 2nd internal HD. Then you can backup daily/weekly/monthly... its upto you, you just setup a scheduled backup.

System Restore does not backup everything unlike the Imaging/Clone apps like Acronis and Nortons Ghost.

comperroruter · Dec 1, 2005

I will have to wait awhile to get a slave drive. Are there any size limitations involved in choosing a slave drive? I assume that I will have to make sure there is room in my rig also? If you can point me to link I could stop harrassing you with annoying questions, but what fun would that be.

My brain has been on sponge mode since I found this site.

DavidGP · Dec 2, 2005

comperroruter said:

I will have to wait awhile to get a slave drive. Are there any size limitations involved in choosing a slave drive? I assume that I will have to make sure there is room in my rig also? If you can point me to link I could stop harrassing you with annoying questions, but what fun would that be.
Click to expand...

Size limitations, nope not if your using XP and NTFS.

Yes you will have to not only check that you can fit another HD into the case but also check you have a spare PSU connector, IDE/SATA connection and your PSU can take the power requirements for another HD.

back to your original question, what size HD do you have at present? you can partition that into two separate drives and end up with eg. C: OS and installed software and D: downloads, backups etc

but you will need to use a 3rd party partition program like Acronis Disk Director or Partition Magic to split the already installed OS hard drive up as safely as can be. Their are other free options under http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?id=8 but I have not used any of them, Partition Logic 0.58 seems promising but if you do use, remember to backup adn be prepared for a re-install.

comperroruter · Dec 2, 2005

I have an 80Gb now, which is why I was interested in partitioning it out for the exact reasons you stated. Downloads, back-ups, etc. I checked into backing up my system with the new Windows app and it would have taken 12 CD's to do it. A little excessive. I am also considering getting an external floppy drive to use for a bootable back-up source.

How would I repartition for the reasons stated above? I assume that 80Gb is plenty of room.

When and if I do this, will I be able to move the files between partitions without any corruption or errors in the files? For example, say I download the Zone Alarm update and save it in the D: drive and want to install it in the C: drive. Is it just a matter of copying it from one drive to another?

I guess it still would not be possible to back-up windows though, without another medium.

Thanks for the help Halo, all of it.

One last thing, not relevant to this thread, would it be possible to set-up the Administration account on one partition and the other accounts on another? I am guessing no. If not, is it really a bad thing to use the Administration account as a regular account, ie; daily basis?

Log in or Sign up

One operating system, two partitions

comperroruter Darth Meatloaf

DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

comperroruter Darth Meatloaf

DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

comperroruter Darth Meatloaf