Re: New XP - should I still partition?

Tech-Archive recommends: Fix windows errors by optimizing your registry

From: Ted Zieglar (teddyz_at_notmail.com)
Date: 09/27/04 

Date: Mon, 27 Sep 2004 13:12:40 -0400

Partitioning a hard disk actually does not make your computer run any faster
or more reliably under Windows XP or Windows 98. There is no issue with
files and applications becoming "muddled up" under either operating system.

The only time a hard disk needs to be partitioned is when you wish to
install more than one operating system on the disk. Otherwise, partitioning
is and always has been a matter of convenience. For example, some users like
to keep their data files on a separate partition to aid in backing up. It's
a matter of opinion.

If you have a second hard disk, you can gain some performance advantage
under the right circumstances, theoretically at least, by moving the page
file to the seond hard disk. You would be unlikely to notice the difference,
however, unless you are performing particularly disk-intensive tasks, like
editing a video.

If you decide to repartition your hard disk, you'll need to erase your hard
disk and re-do the installation - which would not be a good use of your
time - or purchase third party software. Partition Magic is a popular and
reliable choice. 

-- 
Ted Zieglar
"Stevie1308808305" <stevie1308808305@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:bc1d7327.0409270847.73703b7@posting.google.com...
> When I first bought my new computer around 5 years ago with Windows
> 98, I read that it was a good idea to partition the drive into 3 so I
> had for example, Windows 98 on drive c, applications and programs on
> drive d, and downloaded files, files that would be deleted and changed
> a lot etc into drive e. This way the windows 98 files and applications
> files would not get muddled up together resulting in better
> performance.
>
> I have now just ordered a new PC with windows XP and I'm assuming that
> it will come with just the one partition, drive c. Would anyone
> recommend that I do the same with my new computer, or with the speed
> of things vastly greater than they ever used to be is there little
> point? I am reluctant to do it simply because I don't want to possibly
> mess it all up if it arrives working perfectly!
>
> Thanks for any advice

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