Re: partition&page file

From: Bob Harris (rharris270[SPAM)
Date: 01/26/05 

Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 21:47:37 -0500

First, consider how much RAM do you have. If it is enough, say, above 512
Meg, XP will not use the pagefile much, so it does not matter where it is
located. In fact, unless you run several memory-intensive programs, even
256 Meg may be enough to avoid using the pagefile. Conversely, for editting
high-resolution digital images, 1 Gig (or more) of RAM might be optimum.

As for the partitioning, I suggest that you keep the two partitions, and try
to move all your personal files (DOC, XLS, JPG, etc) to the non-system
partition. That way you might have the option someday, if necessary, to
re-install XP without losing all your data. Of course, an external backup
is also a very good idea, especially with CDs and DVDs being cheap, and
large USB hard drives being commonly available.

As for the file system, NTFS can be more secure and it has some additional
ability to fix itself (via the CHKDSK command and MFT). But, if you ever
need to get data off of the drive, or do some manual repairs to files, FAT32
would be simpler, since a DOS floppy can access a FAT32 drive. But, there
are also repair/rescue solutions for NTFS drives, such as Bart's PE builder,
and some small LINUX-on-CD downloads.

The real choice of FAT32 vs NTFS comes down to whether you need to access
the partition from another operating system, like 98, or LINUX. If yes,
then you need FAT32. If no, and if file security is important, then NTFS
would be better. Otherwise, flip a coin.

"psyke" <psyke@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:9F82495B-8D55-442B-9629-CCA5101D0A37@microsoft.com...
> Hi all.i have a hdd 60 gb.i ve used partition magic to tear it up into 2
> parts(30gb each)/the questions are :which of the 2 parts is used for
> virtual
> memory(page file)?
> should the one part contain just the OS?
> Additionaly which is best :NTFS or FAT32 for my case?My OS is win xp pro
> sp2.
> thanx in advance

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