Win 7/HDD setup- separate partition for data?

coldengrey · 11 Jul 2011

I don't want to wear out my welcome w bunch of stupid questions (previously covered) but-
Think my fundamental knowledge of partitions and boot/hdd functions are likely lacking cause I'm confused...

1) Can you guys explain the pros/cons of the system reserved partition and more about its functions. I'm not sure I should write it off as unnecessary? I do have Windows Install disc.

The tutorial: SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation
says:
"The reason for suggesting to create the System Reserved at 200MB instead of the new default of 100MB is an attempt to curb some of the issues we're now seeing with the partition being too small when dual/multi booting and it also being needed for use with the Windows 7 Backup and Restore and BitLocker programs."

2)I'm doing this clean install on fresh 500gb hdd - which happens to be a dell inspiron 1520. I've gathered all of the dell specific drivers, ect that research has revealed are not handled well with windows 7 included drivers...
Should I burn those drivers to a data disc or will they be okay to install from my usb portable hdd?

3) I want to make sure to create real stable backups following the install...
At what stages should I create back ups? After all drivers installed, windows 7 updates, Norton security suite and update/definitions, malware bytes, ect (basic core necessities)? Or before I install anything non windows 7?

3.1) This type of back up should be 'image' w win 7 built-in back up? Which partitions, just the c: drive or d: with relocated user data, ect? Or do I just 'image/clone' entire hard drive?
I know this is awful basic stuff I should know...

karlsnooks · 11 Jul 2011

Opinions are like mouths. Everyone has one.

I do not use the System Reserved Paritions. Is is 100% useless! MS soon realized that the functions that they had intended for there weren't needed there, but the system reserved partition still remains.

After you have installed win 7, then we will look at the imaging routes.

System reserved partition or not. The imaging advice will remain constant.

essenbe · 11 Jul 2011

The 100 MB partition is the active partition and contains the boot files (enables system to boot)

If you use windows backup every backup will contain the 100MB partition.
Every system image will overwrite the last image. To avoid that happening either rename the image, place it in a folder or move it to a different location. To restore the image, you will have to rename it back to the origional name.

I would save 1 image of a clean install after all windows updates are through and drivers installed. I would save an image after you install basic programs. That gives you an option to reinstall.

I would recommend using 2 imaging programs. Even the best programs will fail on occasion. There are some great free programs.
Here is a tutorial on imaging stratigies
Another on imaging with Macrium free
If you have a Seagate or Western Digital hard drive they offer free scaled down versions of Acronis.
Paragon has a free imaging program.

karlsnooks · 11 Jul 2011

coldengrey,

You get Win 7 installed as you desire.

I will show you how to use the only imaging software that I now use, namely,

Windows Backup and Restore.

A marvelous, easy-to-use, 100% reliable imaging program.

whs · 12 Jul 2011

coldengrey, you have to understand the karlsnooks is a real windows7 imaging expert and fan. He does very well with this facility. Most people, however, like me, had nothing but trouble with Windows7 imaging. Besides, windows7 imaging has hardly any functions that you can specify.

Should you decide to use it, make sure you use a second imaging program (e.g. free Macrium or free Paragon) to make sure you can really recover your system in times of need. I am not saying that windows7 imaging may not work for you, but you are taking your chances.

coldengrey · 13 Jul 2011

thanks guys. Got my 4 gb RAM from new egg today. Now gotta wait for my new wd5000bekt and then I'll be able to start this install!

I asked on a different thread, but maybe you guys could clear up for me..
I have a Jtag xbox 360 and it can only read FAT and HFS+
So I have 750gb wd passport I formatted HFS+ (w MacDrive 8)

Is an HFS+ portable HDD going to be problematic to use as a back up device?

I have a second Segate GoFlex Network External HDD, is a network device also problematic if ever need to restore back up? Of course this one I can buy a USB cable and connect directly to laptop...

essenbe · 14 Jul 2011

WHS, I think I alreadysuggested that and linked hi to some of your tuts.

As far as the Xbox goes I can't help as I dont have one. But a mac can read NTFS it just can't write to it. That's why your Seagate Go Flex are formatted NTFS and can be used by both PC and Mac.

whs · 14 Jul 2011

Why don't you partition the passport (maybe half and half) and format the partition that you want to use for imaging in NTFS. That would at least work.

coldengrey · 14 Jul 2011

whs said:

Why don't you partition the passport (maybe half and half) and format the partition that you want to use for imaging in NTFS. That would at least work.

you know i never even thought of that- duh!

whs · 14 Jul 2011

coldengrey said:

whs said:

Why don't you partition the passport (maybe half and half) and format the partition that you want to use for imaging in NTFS. That would at least work.

you know i never even thought of that- duh!

Good, let us know whether that works for you.