Partitioning (can't understand)

If I partition the drive as follows:

main partition = Operating sys
sub partition = data
sub partition = software

and then format the main partition and re-install the OS does this mean that none of the software will work and have to be re-installed anyway?

If so then what is the point of having a seperate partition for OS and software?

Many thanks
CP

 

I don't see any point in a separate partition for software. As you say, it needs to be reinstalled so the reg entries and shortcuts are replaced, anyway.

 

Partitioning

Mostly personal preference.

Allows for a much smaller C: drive.

Allows keeping of programs and their date files ( at least most of ) intact if C: drive does need formating. If we do things right we should have backups of any data files anyway. This depends on where the program stores its data. If it stores it within its. own folders then all is quite well is it is on another partition. But this is where the USER must be familiar with their software.

Keeps Scandisk and Defrag times to a minimum.

Allows to put the swap ( page ) file of a fixed minimum size on another partiton. Thereby reducing the amount of fragmentaiton of the C: drive.

Allows ( me anyway ) to install and usethings like Eudora E-mail on another partition so it DOES NOT get messed up or lost if I do have to format C:. Not even when changing the OS.

Allows to store downloaded stuff on a different partition so it does not get lost on a format.

Allows to keep copies of My Documents, Favorites, Start Menu ( complete ) stored on another partition. All of which can be copied back into most any version of Windows. Not sure about this on XP though. XP is an animal that I have not figured out yet.

Actually my My Docs is on another partition where nothing gets lost if I do format.

Yes. Some software does need to be reinstalled. But that is where the copy of Start Menu comes in. You can copy it back and know what you had and where it is. But you also might be ( as I was ) amazed at what will run without being re-installed.

Also keeping the size of C: a down helps keep down the wasted space due to cluster size. All of those maybe Hundereds of 300 to 500 Byte shortcuts on 16K ( or larger ) clusters WASTES A lot space.

These are my thought anyway.

BillyBob