Want clean install on new HDD

I amended my last post as I read your reference to making a Recov Disk wrong.

I also think 50gb might be sufficient for the OS partition if you're linking the User folders to another partition - but of course this depends on how many programs you have, and if you want to increase space (I use 20%) for System Restore points so you have more options if you need to rescue your System: System Protection - Change Disk Space Usage - Windows 7 Forums

However as the backup image only is as large as the used space, make OS/Programs larger if you want.

Remember you need to separately back up your User folders partition externally as well: Backup User and System Files - Windows 7 Forums. I just drag mine monthly to external.

gregrocker said:

Start with 50gb for Win7, 100gb for User folders linked from Win7 using the tutorial I linked earlier, then you can Resize later if needed using Disk Mgmt, or free Partition Wizard bootable CD when you need to Resize to the left.

The backup image will only be the used partition size.

What 10gb Recovery Disk are you referring to - is this the size Dell Recovery wants for your Vista Recov Disks?

Yeah sorry, the 10GB is the recovery disk that Dell had. To give you a better idea here is a picture of my HDD and External HD -

So when partition 50GB for win7 and 100gb for user folders this can all be done AFTER the clean install correct? Because, I have seen that you can allocate space during the clean install process.

You'll need 3 DVD's for the Dell Recov disks as DVD's are 4.7 gb.

I think what I would do during install is make the 50-100gb OS partition, then format, accepting the System Reserved boot partition which places the Repair console on F8 boot options menu.

Then after install and setup, when most programs are installed you can see if your OS partition is correctly sized before creating the data partition in Disk Mgmt to link User folders into using tutorial. Partition or Volume - Create New

Others may have fresh suggestions as I'm taking my dog to swim in the ocean.

gregrocker said:

You'll need 3 DVD's for the Dell Recov disks as DVD's are 4.7 gb.

I think what I would do during install is make the 50-100gb OS partition, then format, accepting the System Reserved boot partition which places the Repair console on F8 boot options menu.

Then after install and setup, when most programs are installed you can see if your OS partition is correctly sized before creating the data partition in Disk Mgmt to link User folders into using tutorial. Partition or Volume - Create New

Others may have fresh suggestions as I'm taking my dog to swim in the ocean.

Okay. I've already done a backup of my internal HD onto my external HD. So in terms of backing up my computer I should be okay there.

So during the install process you are recommending to partition 50-100GB for the OS? Sorry, bare with me, this is quite new to me.

Miskonduct said:

So during the install process you are recommending to partition 50-100GB for the OS? Sorry, bare with me, this is quite new to me.

Yes, that is a typical size. A bare Windows installation takes 8 or 10 GB, and then you add in your applications and updates. You might have 30 GB occupied when you are done, but you want to leave some spare space for growth over years.

ignatzatsonic said:

Miskonduct said:

So during the install process you are recommending to partition 50-100GB for the OS? Sorry, bare with me, this is quite new to me.

Yes, that is a typical size. A bare Windows installation takes 8 or 10 GB, and then you add in your applications and updates. You might have 30 GB occupied when you are done, but you want to leave some spare space for growth over years.

So how about something like this:
C: = 100GB for OS
D: = 350GB for programs

Is there a specific way to which drive the OS is installed on?

No.

100 for OS and programs.

350 for your data.

Assuming you have total space of 450 on the whole drive.

ignatzatsonic said:

No.

100 for OS and programs.

350 for your data.

Assuming you have total space of 450 on the whole drive.

What about:

100GB for OS and programs
400GB for data

And data is what exactly?

I'll have a 500GB HD. And you mean no to where the OS is installed? How do I separate things between the partitions?

That's fine. 100 for OS and programs and the entire rest of the drive for data.

The OS and all programs should be installed to the 100 gig partition. You can make that partition during the Windows installation. You can make the other 400 GB partition later if you want to.

Data? That's whatever you use the computer for. Letters to grandma? Games? Collecting music? Writing programs? Editing pictures with Photoshop? Whatever. Put all of your data on the big partition, separate from the OS and your programs.

ignatzatsonic said:

That's fine. 100 for OS and programs and the entire rest of the drive for data.

The OS and all programs should be installed to the 100 gig partition. You can make that partition during the Windows installation. You can make the other 400 GB partition later if you want to.

Data? That's whatever you use the computer for. Letters to grandma? Games? Collecting music? Writing programs? Editing pictures with Photoshop? Whatever. Put all of your data on the big partition, separate from the OS and your programs.

Okay, that makes sense now. What I'm curious about is when I install the OS, programs, and music, etc. How do I put the OS and programs on the 100GB drive and the music and everything else on the 400GB drive?