Partition Tables, MBRs and FATs

I need to fully understand the fine differences in detail between Partition Tables, Master Boot Records and File Allocation Tables. I also need to understand how and where they are stored and how to backup and restore them.

Where can I find such information?

 

Tried looking around for a soup-to-nuts article. No luck so far. Did find some articles that may add to your knowledge store though.

Excellent article with links to more info is Hale's HIW .

One other little snippet that may help some is Q69912 which is mostly the history of what the various DOS versions began supporting partitions.

And some on how NT 3.1 / 3.51 does it in Q140418 .

And a thing here from Intel. You have to sort of sift thru this one.

And more that looks interesting but went right over my head (not hard with this stuff though) Here.

Is this helpful or all too basic for you?

 

Thanks, I have printed your links and will read them over later tonight.