Windows 7: Dedicate a separete partition for the OS on a harddrive?

The reason I ask this question is because I have heard of it but never really known how or, how large to make the partition. Also what are the pros and cons of this method vs using the whole drive as one partition? Thanks for all advice!

Have a look at this tutorial, which explains how to partition your hard drive: Partition or Volume - Create New

Many of us do it to create a separate partition for personal data.

It enables us to create two separate backups: a system image backup of the Windows drive and a separate backup of the personal data drive.

The important thing to remember is that you cannot create more then four primary partitions on a single drive. If you need more partitions, you would need to create logical partitions as part of an extended primary partition.

Thanks very much for the quick reply! I will surely read the tutorial.

You're very welcome.

If you do decide to go ahead and partition your drive, post back here if you need further advice.