New laptop, partition size confusion! Advice please!

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  1. Posts : 41
    Windows 7 Ultimate
       #1

    New laptop, partition size confusion! Advice please!


    Hi,

    I recently bought a new laptop with a nice big 750GB HD. Then it broke and had to be sent in for repair.

    I now have it back with a new HD and have to reinstall everything from scratch.

    The thing is, the guy in the workshop has installed a partition on it and I've never really understood the point of them.

    So, before I set about reinstalling things, I have a few questions!

    1) The size. He has split it as follows; C drive 339GB and D Drive 339GB. Do this sound right? I always thought one partition was meant to be much smaller but, as I say, I don't really understand it all.

    2) The point of it. From what I've read I should keep Windows AND any programs I download on the C drive and then save/keep all my personal stuff (Documents, Music, photos etc...on the D Drive. I understand this keeps it all safe if Windows has a hiccup. Is that all correct?

    3) If so, I take it I need to relocate my libraries to the D Drive? (I can Google how to do that) What I don't want to have to do is specify that I want to save in the D Drive everytime I save something, so I assume I can easily set Windows to "default save" to the libraries now relocated in the D partition?
    I can probably Google how to do that as well, so a yes or no will do (unless you're feeling super helpful, of course.. ).

    Right, I think that's about all for now!

    Thanks for reading!

    Mark
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 6,292
    Windows 7 64 Bit Home Premium SP1
       #2

    You have the major concepts correct.

    But questions about "how to partition my hard drive" are like asking "how do I organize my kitchen?". The true answer is: it depends. It depends on what you've got and what you do. Every individual is different.

    So, I can't speak for everyone but the reason I keep my OS in it's own small partition is because:

    • Backup Disk images go faster
    • Virus and malware scans go faster
    • General cleanup and maintenance (like defragging) goes faster.

    Most people keep the OS and all installed programs on the C: drive. But for W7 and most modern programs you can install programs on another partition without issue.

    You can then have as many personal data partitions as you want/need. It all depends on how many pots and pans you have!

    If you need help re-partitioning your new hard drive just ask for help here. You can make as many or as few as you need and of whatever size you want. Best to have a plan before you begin though!
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 7,730
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
       #3

    1. Many of us use Partition Wizard to make changes to the hard drive, as this tutorial explains: Partition Wizard : Use the Bootable CD
    2. Before you start, do make sure you have backed up anything of importance.
    3. You mention libraries: personally I don't bother with them as I have a reasonably small Windows/Applications partition (100GB should do) and a larger partition used purely for storing all my personal data. As mentioned by TVeblen, you can create more than one data partition depending on how organised you like to be.
    4. My system partition is backed up as a system image and my personal data is backed up to an external drive.
    5. If you decide to use Partition Wizard you need to download the ISO and burn it to a blank disc. You then boot into your PW disc, shrink the Windows volume and extend the non-Windows volume to the left to take up the resultant unallocated space. After applying the changes and waiting for PW to complete the tasks you then boot back into Windows.
    6. I recommend using ImgBurn to burn the Partition Wizard ISO to a disc. http://www.imgburn.com/
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 41
    Windows 7 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Aha. Many thanks for that! And indeed, if you could advise me on resetting the partition that would be most helpful (or even link me to an easy to follow and idiotproof guide to doing it!).

    I am still assuming that, if I'm just keeping the OS on it and any installed programs, that 339GB is a bit excessive? If I reduce it to, say, 150GB do you think that will be enough? I've been reading some people use as little as 60GB for theirs so I would assume 150GB still leaves a lot of leeway?

    I'd only want the two to keep it simple. So OS+programs on one and libraries (photos, docs, music, videos) on the other (D). So not too many pots and pans in this kitchen! :)

    Will this mean, if I set D as the default download drive (for library type stuff) then every time I install a program I'll have to manually make sure it saves to the C drive? I can live with that if so, but if there's a way around that...
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 41
    Windows 7 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Sorry Seavixen32, only read your reply after I posted mine. That sounds a little intimidating to be honest! Is that really the easiest way to do it? If so I will give it a go, but bear in mind I'm not the most technologically gifted of users!
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 1,800
    Windows 7 Pro x64 SP1
       #6

    marco772 said:
    Aha. Many thanks for that! And indeed, if you could advise me on resetting the partition that would be most helpful (or even link me to an easy to follow and idiotproof guide to doing it!).

    I am still assuming that, if I'm just keeping the OS on it and any installed programs, that 339GB is a bit excessive? If I reduce it to, say, 150GB do you think that will be enough? I've been reading some people use as little as 60GB for theirs so I would assume 150GB still leaves a lot of leeway?

    I'd only want the two to keep it simple. So OS+programs on one and libraries (photos, docs, music, videos) on the other (D). So not too many pots and pans in this kitchen! :)

    Will this mean, if I set D as the default download drive (for library type stuff) then every time I install a program I'll have to manually make sure it saves to the C drive? I can live with that if so, but if there's a way around that...
    Marco772, as you said the simple way is the best.
    I would recommend using the internal microsoft shrink/expand volumes.

    First if you don't have anything on the drive D, I would remove the partition, then I would shrink the C drive to what you said (around 160G), then you can creat the New D drive with the added space from the shrunk C and you will have two good partitions.
    As Always, make sure that you have any data you value, backed up. Just for a warm fuzzy.

    Rich
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 41
    Windows 7 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Ahh, that sounds good. Can I do it following this guide? It doesn't say anything about removing the partition though, just resizing it?
    Resize a Partition for Free in Windows 7 or Vista - How-To Geek

    Thanks again.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 7,730
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
       #8

    marco772 said:
    Sorry Seavixen32, only read your reply after I posted mine. That sounds a little intimidating to be honest! Is that really the easiest way to do it? If so I will give it a go, but bear in mind I'm not the most technologically gifted of users!
    The reason I suggested it is because it is more flexible than Microsoft's disk management utility, which only lets you shrink a partition once.

    However, MS disk management is easier to use.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 6,292
    Windows 7 64 Bit Home Premium SP1
       #9
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 41
    Windows 7 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Thanks. Just a quick question to be on the safe side. If I shrink the C drive from it's current 339GB down to a still generous 150GB, it won't wipe anything off will it? I'm only using 40GB of it at present but want to allow for further program installations.
    Just checking that it will be safe to shrink the partition before doing so!

    Ta.
      My Computer


 
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