Proper way to partition a new OS

Hey all, I am getting Windows 7 and doing a clean install. I see people saying that they put documents and such on a separated partition away from the c: drive. So when I format the new drive do I need do anything special: allocate x amount of space for this? I am not going to do anything special, mainly internet and watch movies, so can I just allocate all the available hd space to the os? I have done this in the past with other installs and nothing really happened. I will be installing it on 1 hd system. Thanks for all your input!

 

PeteC Thanks so much for the quick reply, when I get my copy going right to the website!
I appreciate it.

 

Pete also, so do I put hte Os install files on the C: drive, and then would I put it "toward the back" of the drive, how the dell's do it? If so how do I do that?
Thanks again

 

Hey Pete, ok so right now I am installing vista on a dell machine to get it back to default settings cause I am selling it. I partitioned the drive into two one 280 gigs and the other 20 gigs and installed there. That is where I pan to put the drivers as well, which by the way what is the easiest way to do that without going through the rest of the setup? I appreciate your info

 

Hi cecelikeike,

PeteC is correct when he says, "The partition you create for the OS will be at the start of the drive and will become the C:\ drive when the OS is installed. "

This is the default install partition for allyour OS system drivers (MOBO, Video, Sound, USB, other hardware, etc.). The drivers are stored in the Windows and System32 folders for fast access.

However, I would suggest a different partitioning scheme from Pete: 10 to 20GB for the C:\ drive; 50GB for D:\ where you install all your programs; and the rest for "storage" of pics, vids, etc.

Just a suggestion.

 

Hi Pete,

(Re: Install Progs on D)

I agree that a few programs won't install elsewhere, but in my experience I've always found Defrag, Search and other things go much, much more quickly with a smaller main drive. And as far as slowdown, I've never experienced any - and I've done it both ways.

As to having to Repair or Reinstall the OS, I agree: Apps do have to be reinstalled. However (again), I've always found that with the apps\progs on the D drive, all I have to do is click the .exe file; I don't have to re-download the programs.

 

Pete, sorry I have been busy working and couldn't get online. I appreciate your repllies as well as yours JP. What I meant earlier about "putting it toward the back" I mean to say can I load the drivers before the OS. AS far as dell goes when I got one they has all the os files on the D drive. I build my own computers too, so the way you described makes me feel better knowing that is the way I partition the main OS files.

jp chris, thanks for your input too. I am off to go install windows 7 just got the upgrade disc, so I am going to do a clean install. I appeciate it GENTLEMEN

 

Hi cecelikeike,

Not to belabor the point, but, Pete is correct about the D partition; it has your Recovery files.

Short answer: No. Long answer: No because all your drivers, dll's, ini's, DAT, evt, log, et al, etc., ad nauseam, get loaded when you boot and they have to be "in front ". It's done automatically and all the above mentioned are part of the OS and are stored at the beginning on whatever partition or OS you boot from.

 

I would put it on the D: drive for the recovery, but good to know. I got W7 installed on the C: partition on a 250 hd, backing up to my WHS 2008. Well if I have another problem I know where to look, as well as read other people's problems.

 

New Dells ship with a recovery partition (designated as drive D: by the OS). It allows users to "restore" to factory in a very short time - 8-10 minutes.

 

Cool Thanks