Hdd Has Partitions.

[saengsureeya]

About a year ago I bought a laptop.

Just recently I noticed that I do have a C:, D: and E:-drive

C: drive is 98Gb

D: drive is 249Gb (empty)

E: drive is 249Gb (empty)

The D: and E: drives aren't being used and only the C: drive contains programs, files and is basically my working-drive.

What's the purpose of the other 2 drives and how can I possibly transfer files onto them safely?

[lopburi3]

It dates back to slow computers/checking for errors and backups. Today we should always backup to a new physical drive as they are dirt cheap and the speed of computers makes partitions redundant for most (although you will need to run dual operating systems and people will find other uses) - but for most of us one is enough. As you are not using the bulk of your drive I would just make one large C drive and not worry about it. Although you can manually move data/video/music or such to them, or instruct programs to do this, it really just makes more work for you.

If you decide to merge search Google for merge partitions windows 7 (or system you using) and follow instructions - there will also be videos available - you do not want to make a mistake so read a couple of sites before you do - it is actually easy but you want to press the right buttons.

[Daffy D]

I assume because it's a laptop you only have one drive partitioned (divided) into three sections.

This can be useful for storing files on that you don't want to be on your main © drive.

Just use drag and drop to move files between drives.

The safest way is to click on the two drives you want to move filed between so you have both windows open then copy the file over, once safely copied you can delete the original file.

If, say, you have your photos on Drive "E" you can put a shortcut on the desktop for easy access to your photos folder.

:-)

[TwentyBaht]

You might consider this also;

C:Drive (partition) has your program files on it. (The Windows OS is normally installed to this partition.)

D:Drive and E:Drive are data partitions.

Partitioning a harddrive this way does have a couple of advantages;

(1) You can reinstall the Windows OS to the C:Drive without losing (formating over) data on the other two partitions.

(2) File fragmention will occur mostly on the OS partition. So, degragmenting the smaller OS containing partition will take less time than defragmenting a much larger single partiton.

Cheers

[impulse]

From experience, back up your partitions before attempting to modify them. Normally, you won't have a problem, but I have lost entire partitions on a couple of occasions when I've used Partition Magic to merge smaller partitions into one big one. Not a slam on PM, because I don't know if any other software does better.

An advantage of multiple partitions is that you can hide and/or encrypt the partition on which you keep all your porn confidential data. It won't help you if an expert gets ahold of your computer, but it could be useful to keep casual lookee-loos from figuring out where you're hiding all your assets...

[PattayaParent]

You might consider this also;

C:Drive (partition) has your program files on it. (The Windows OS is normally installed to this partition.)

D:Drive and E:Drive are data partitions.

Partitioning a harddrive this way does have a couple of advantages;

(1) You can reinstall the Windows OS to the C:Drive without losing (formating over) data on the other two partitions.

(2) File fragmention will occur mostly on the OS partition. So, degragmenting the smaller OS containing partition will take less time than defragmenting a much larger single partiton.

Cheers

I also thought that an advantage is that if the disc fails then the data can be easily read and retrieved from the other partitions whereas it may not be possible to read partition C?

[MichaelJohn]

2 suggestions;

1) you can move your "My Documents" from c: to either of the other drives - Google will tell you how. This is why the design was created; OS on c: and docs on other partition.

2) Merge the partitions into one big drive - software like Partition Magic is good. Again a Google search will tell you how. Backup first!

[lopburi3]

Windows 7 does not need any other program to change partitions. The chance of one partition being readable while others are not are just about nil - it is the same physical hard drive so if the drive fails it is gone for all. The need to re-install Windows to fix system is just about gone and almost nobody installs programs on anything but C drive default these days (and with speed of internet re-install of programs is easy). Most people do not need multi partitions today. To hide areas today's free security programs allow easy encryption/hid of folders/files if that is your thing.

[Pib]

Just use Win 7 built-in capability to merge the partitions but be sure to move any data from the partitions you plan to merge into another partition as any data on that partition you merged into another partition will be loss. Actually you are expanding one partition by merging-in one or more other partitions. Having various hard drive partitions won't save just certain partitions when the hard drive decides to fail one day....it kinda like when only one cylinder throws a rod in a 4 cylinder engine...the whole engine is still dead although only one cylinder really has a problem.

[WhizBang]

There are advantages to having multiple partitions. The main one, for me anyway, is backup and control. I make a disk image after I get the OS installed. This makes restoring the OS easy should you ever need to, and fast too.

Personally...

Drive C is the OS (and only the OS)

Drive D is the OS Common files. A lot of programs dump crap into the common folder, so I move it to a separate partition.

Drive E is for software, ie: programs, and only programs, no data.

Drive F is for Data.

At the end of the HD I place a partition to keep the Temp files of the OS (both the OS and the User). This is also where I put the swap file, temporary internet files and miscellaneous rubbish (such as the 'My Documents/Photos/Videos'... etc folders). I never use these predefined folders as they are easy targets for malware.

Needless to say, I run a highly customized version of windows, as I have stripped out as much of the bloat as I can prior to installation of the OS and after installation I do a lot of registry tweaks to gain control.

Anyway, works for me.

[saengsureeya]

Thanks guys, more than helpful.

I'll use one of the 2 empty partitions as a data-bank and keep the C;-drive for OS and programs.

Will start moving files by dragging-and-dropping now.

Thanks again.

[topt]

There are advantages to having multiple partitions. The main one, for me anyway, is backup and control. I make a disk image after I get the OS installed. This makes restoring the OS easy should you ever need to, and fast too.

Personally...

Drive C is the OS (and only the OS)

Drive D is the OS Common files. A lot of programs dump crap into the common folder, so I move it to a separate partition.

Drive E is for software, ie: programs, and only programs, no data.

Drive F is for Data.

At the end of the HD I place a partition to keep the Temp files of the OS (both the OS and the User). This is also where I put the swap file, temporary internet files and miscellaneous rubbish (such as the 'My Documents/Photos/Videos'... etc folders). I never use these predefined folders as they are easy targets for malware.

Needless to say, I run a highly customized version of windows, as I have stripped out as much of the bloat as I can prior to installation of the OS and after installation I do a lot of registry tweaks to gain control.

Anyway, works for me.

I would respectfully suggest that what you call "miscellaneous rubbish" tends to be the items most often used/saved by the average user .

I have been wondering if you move libraries (my docs etc) to a different partition does it automatically find them when you go to save? IE currently if I save a Word or excel file it automatically opens up My Documents (in Win 7 and Vista) for you to save in, pictures go to My Pictures etc. Or can this be easily set up?

[bendejo]

I'm a big booster for multiple partitions.

C: is for your windows installation. Mine is about 30Gb (win7) and hardly uses above 25Gb.

The rest of the paritions are for data, program packages to reload, my own files of various sorts, and backups.

I like to keep partitions smaller than 95Gb, just my own preference.

The most important thing, IMO, is keeping all you own files off of the C: drive, so if something goes bad, like you get hit by virus/malware or Windows decides to go south for some reason, you can restore the system without loosing your own stuff. Most Windows programs, by default, will save your work somewhere under C:\Users\<your_user_name>\AppData

Many will allow you to assign other directory locations but some will insist on keeping their settings under this directory.

I use Acronis True Image to back up, but I know there are lots of other programs that do the same thing. When I run the backup I save it to another partition on the same disk. This allows the backup to run faster, and avoid the hazards of the USB cable to the external drive being jiggled, or something like that. Later I'll copy it over to the eternal drive.

Once you get comfortable with the idea of multiple partitons check out some of the partitioning software, like Acronis Disk Director, which will let you resize existing partitions, create new ones, etc. You can easily salvage 50Gb of space from your existing C: drive. And, as someone mentioned above, back up all your stuff before diddling around with the partitions.

Another thing is if the system crashes and takes the partition table with it, with a little luck you can run partition recovery software that will re-discover your existing partitons. Don't even think of recovering the C: drive, just replace it with a backup.

[ianwuk]

You might consider this also;

C:Drive (partition) has your program files on it. (The Windows OS is normally installed to this partition.)

D:Drive and E:Drive are data partitions.

Partitioning a harddrive this way does have a couple of advantages;

(1) You can reinstall the Windows OS to the C:Drive without losing (formating over) data on the other two partitions.

(2) File fragmention will occur mostly on the OS partition. So, degragmenting the smaller OS containing partition will take less time than defragmenting a much larger single partiton.

Cheers

I always use this tactic if I ever partition a hard drive. Makes it easier for restoring but since I now have a Macbook I just perform regular Time Machine backups so no real need for partitioning.

[astral]

I also thought that an advantage is that if the disc fails then the data can be easily read and retrieved from the other partitions whereas it may not be possible to read partition C?

Not correct.

If the disk fails, ALL the partitions will be lost

There are advantages to having multiple partitions. The main one, for me anyway, is backup and control. I make a disk image after I get the OS installed. This makes restoring the OS easy should you ever need to, and fast too.

Personally...

Drive C is the OS (and only the OS)

Drive D is the OS Common files. A lot of programs dump crap into the common folder, so I move it to a separate partition.

Drive E is for software, ie: programs, and only programs, no data.

Drive F is for Data.

That is the way I have my system set up.

Backing up is then very simple

Be very careful about merging the partitions, especially on Win 7

as there may well be a recovery partition.

If you loose that, then you will be in trouble later if the OS gets screwed up

and you did not create the recovery DVD's..

You did create the recovery DVD's didn't you?

[NanLaew]

Yes, I did make a set of recovery DVD's but when the Win7 installation started falling over, I was in Scotland and the recovery set was in Udon! However, I have always set up a C partition for o/s and programs and a D partition for my work and personal stuff. When the manufacturer recommended a recovery, I backed up My Documents, emails, browser favourites, etc., and all the D partition. However, I was pleased to see that the recovery option recognized the multiple partitions and gave the option of 'one or all' recovery so selecting C only meant a very fast recovery with the bonus that my D data was untouched. In my experience, most recovery routines don't give the option to select this way. As usual, re installing programs took a bit of time but I recommend that you only install a program when you need it rather than re installing everything. That way you weed out the programs that you hardly ever use, save time and disk space. You may be surprised at the stuff you have downloaded, installed and forgotten about!

I have a question for those that keep the C partition for the o/s ONLY and programs on the D (or other) partition. Does this make the re installation of programs any easier after a C recovery? I would imagine that a 'virgin' registry wouldn't be able to work with programs that are already installed. Also, is there any overhead or latency when the o/s is on one partition and the programs on another? Since the o/s is constantly handshaking with a running program, I would think that having o/s and Programs on the same partition would be if not a tad faster, a fair bit more reliable?

[bendejo]

(...)

I have a question for those that keep the C partition for the o/s ONLY and programs on the D (or other) partition. Does this make the re installation of programs any easier after a C recovery? I would imagine that a 'virgin' registry wouldn't be able to work with programs that are already installed. Also, is there any overhead or latency when the o/s is on one partition and the programs on another? Since the o/s is constantly handshaking with a running program, I would think that having o/s and Programs on the same partition would be if not a tad faster, a fair bit more reliable?

The programs that require installation with registry settings (as opposed to portableapps -type etc) will have to be re-installed if the OS was re-installed, so yes, having the executables for such apps on another partition does not buy you anything. Also some programs will still install parts of itself on the C; drive, like under C:\Program Files\Common Files. I'm sure if you have the time and inclination this can be modified, but life's too short. So yeah, to me a Windows installation is the OS and installed programs all set up as I like. The backup image is the entire C: drive. If something goes bad instead of repairing or de-lousing I may just restore instead.

But for the sake of defying predictability I like to install things like anti-virus stuff on a small primary partition I keep for such things.

Eg, some dipsh_t could write a piece of malware with it's first priority of messing up your anti-virus program, and will assume it is located under the default suggested by the program's install utility, probably C:\Program Files\your_program_name

Using a different drive and directory name makes it more difficult. I learned this when I discovered some crud written to a standard IE directory, and I never use IE except for maintenance via a MS website.

On the other hand I tried using a speech-to-text recognition program that had to learn the way I spoke, which resulted in a multi-gigabyte installation. I tried installing it on another partition but it kept insisting on writing stuff to C: regardless. I played around with links but it just became too much of a pain in th arse, and I didn't use the program much anyway.

I try to keep it so my complete C: backup with Acronis will fit on a 8Gb pen drive. So far so good. But Windows just grows and grows, yet another version of ,NET gets added to the soup, etc. The updates released this past week added 100Mb to my maximum-compressed Acronis image.

Then there is MS Office, which installs a copy of it's installation files on your C: drive under MSOCache. I assume these are for maintenance if you want to modify MSO features etc. It's app. 700Mb, the size of a CD, and appears to be static. I moved this to another partition and created a link to it, no sense repeatedly backing up a static dir.

Edited April 13, 2012 by bendejo

[JSixpack]

There are advantages to having multiple partitions. The main one, for me anyway, is backup and control. I make a disk image after I get the OS installed. This makes restoring the OS easy should you ever need to, and fast too.

Personally...

Drive C is the OS (and only the OS)

Drive D is the OS Common files. A lot of programs dump crap into the common folder, so I move it to a separate partition.

Drive E is for software, ie: programs, and only programs, no data.

Drive F is for Data.

At the end of the HD I place a partition to keep the Temp files of the OS (both the OS and the User). This is also where I put the swap file, temporary internet files and miscellaneous rubbish (such as the 'My Documents/Photos/Videos'... etc folders). I never use these predefined folders as they are easy targets for malware.

Needless to say, I run a highly customized version of windows, as I have stripped out as much of the bloat as I can prior to installation of the OS and after installation I do a lot of registry tweaks to gain control.

Anyway, works for me.

You could just use different folders to accomplish the same organization. (And you could even assign drive letters to the folders!) As lopburi3 said, there's no need for separate partitions nowadays. In fact the "partition religion" is left over from the days of Win98 and refuses to die.

For backing up, a separate disk MUST be used. The real danger of backing up to a different partition on the same physical disk is that it gives the illusion of safety.

Edited April 14, 2012 by JSixpack

[Daffy D]

Just to add my couple of pence worth, I keep things like My Photos and My Music plus E-Books and Britannica things that I know are "safe" drive "D" with a shortcut on the Desktop.

This saves drive "C" from getting to big and the makes a virus scan quicker as it does not have to plough through all the "safe" stuff each time.

:-)

[JSixpack]

Just to add my couple of pence worth, I keep things like My Photos and My Music plus E-Books and Britannica things that I know are "safe" drive "D" with a shortcut on the Desktop.

This saves drive "C" from getting to big and the makes a virus scan quicker as it does not have to plough through all the "safe" stuff each time.

:-)

If' you're talking about one disk, you still have the same total amount of space anyway. Most people who do this kind of thing underestimate the amount of space they'll need on their C parttion. It's merely an overcomplication.

And you can simply tell your virus scanner to exclude certain folders or filetypes No problem.

[Daffy D]

Just to add my couple of pence worth, I keep things like My Photos and My Music plus E-Books and Britannica things that I know are "safe" drive "D" with a shortcut on the Desktop.

This saves drive "C" from getting to big and the makes a virus scan quicker as it does not have to plough through all the "safe" stuff each time.

:-)

If' you're talking about one disk, you still have the same total amount of space anyway. Most people who do this kind of thing underestimate the amount of space they'll need on their C parttion. It's merely an overcomplication.

And you can simply tell your virus scanner to exclude certain folders or filetypes No problem.

I have 3 separate physical disks. Not a great fan of paritions.

:-)

[JSixpack]

no sense repeatedly backing up a static dir.

Uh, incremental/differential backups don't repeatedly backup what's already backed up.

In some restore situations, programs look for data in particular places--like where they put them earlier--and they just get their panties all in a wad if they can't find them. And make you put them right back to where they're supposed to be!

Love the KISS principle myself.

[bendejo]

no sense repeatedly backing up a static dir.

Uh, incremental/differential backups don't repeatedly backup what's already backed up.

In some restore situations, programs look for data in particular places--like where they put them earlier--and they just get their panties all in a wad if they can't find them. And make you put them right back to where they're supposed to be!

Love the KISS principle myself.

I have seen unimpressive results with incremental backups in the course of my career. Haven't tried any lately, but probably won't. I do a full bu of the system drive every week or so. Maybe a little simple-minded, but as you say KISS.

[astral]

I have 3 separate physical disks. Not a great fan of paritions.

:-)

OK on a desk top, not so practical with a notebook.

I use a File Synchroniser to help reduce the work for backups

[JSixpack]

no sense repeatedly backing up a static dir.

Uh, incremental/differential backups don't repeatedly backup what's already backed up.

In some restore situations, programs look for data in particular places--like where they put them earlier--and they just get their panties all in a wad if they can't find them. And make you put them right back to where they're supposed to be!

Love the KISS principle myself.

I have seen unimpressive results with incremental backups in the course of my career. Haven't tried any lately, but probably won't. I do a full bu of the system drive every week or so. Maybe a little simple-minded, but as you say KISS.

I've done incremental backups of my system drive for years w/ Acronis and it's always worked a treat. Great product, highly recommended. Trouble w/ always doing a full system backup, besides the extra time needed (which leads you to move files around) is that, unless you have another such backup, you're left briefly w/ no backup at all as you overwrite the old backup. If your system disk happened to fail during that time--unlikely, perhaps, but possible--you're screwed.

[bendejo]

I've done incremental backups of my system drive for years w/ Acronis and it's always worked a treat. Great product, highly recommended. Trouble w/ always doing a full system backup, besides the extra time needed (which leads you to move files around) is that, unless you have another such backup, you're left briefly w/ no backup at all as you overwrite the old backup. If your system disk happened to fail during that time--unlikely, perhaps, but possible--you're screwed.

Or keep a backlog of them

I too use Acronis and am impressed with their stuff.

I'll start the backup before going out, or going to sleep -- let it run, save to another partition, and set auto-shutdown. I prep by running a cleanup and full defrag. Takes about 20 minutes and 7Gb. I then validate and copy it over to a pen drive and external HD.

I tried an incremental once, it was a few years ago, and after a half-hour or so it was still trying to figure things out, so I gave up. The machine had 4Gb of RAM.

A few years ago I picked up a sleeper piece of malware that one day went active and all hell broke lose. By looking through my old bu's I figured out it had been sitting there for months.

Anyway, being a veteran of these these things (I worked for a software company once that made bu software that turned out to be snake oil, but the customer would never know that until the poor bastard actually needed to restore), there is nothing more disheartening than discovering, after all the planning put into a bu regimen, that when trying to recover from a system crash that your bu is out of sync with your incremental. It's in the same category as experiencing a disaster, then having your insurance company ask 'who the &lt;deleted&gt; are you?'

Each to his own, whatever helps us sleep at night.

Sometimes when thinking of all these gigs of disk space I recall the time I spent US$1,000 on a 500Mb drive that was nearly the size of a cigar box and weighed a ton. That was a bargain price, too, about 20 years ago.