Partitioning question

Rather URGENT questions--bought a NEW *gamer* laptop for kid in which RETURN DATE is tomorrow, Sun. May. 9th.

Concern about the 80GB partition dedicated only to Win7 (OEM, do not have a disc).

1) Does having Win7 on it's own partition slow the machine down?

2) Will all new programs data go automatically to the other partition *D* Drive?

3) Any way to just merge the other partition TO the *C* Drive?

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I have done lots of Clean Installs and Reformats/Clean Installs, but never anything with a partitioned HDD, so don't want to screw something up, especially on a new machine! TIA!

The best arrangement is to have your programs on the OS drive, then place your User files on the data drive. This way if your OS crashes, you can simply reinstall or reimage it's drive, while your data remains safe in its own "vault." Here's how: User Folders - Change Default Location

However if you want to merge the OS drive with the other data partition, just delete the data partition in Disk Management (after making sure it is empty) and Extend your OS drive into that space by whatever amount you want: Partition or Volume - Extend

Sorry for posting in the wrong area and thanks for the quick reply!

Do I need to make the backup discs recommended for the O/S partition BEFORE doing the Extend?

Stupid question, but what if the O/S section of a partitioned drive crashes?
Wouldn't you still have to reinstall ALL programs + the O/S?

---SIDE NOTE--kid wants to use computer for video editing with something like Pinnacle, so would it be best to leave HDD as is (I need some ammo for convincing).

Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

Think of your programs and OS as inextricably linked since programs during install write multiple keys to the OS registry, therefore would have to be reinstalled with OS.

However reinstalls are a thing of the past with Win7 backup imaging; just boot the DVD or Repair CD to Recover Using an Image to reimage the HD or a replacement in 20 minutes.

Thanks all, I did read the immediate responses, just haven't had time to get back here and post.

Ended up returning the machine as kid was not happy with keyboard feel, BUT this is something good to know if it comes up in the future!

Appreciate the replies. :)