Unsure about partitioning...

[7.62]

Hi there

I have a new computer coming soon and I have my 2x80gig drives still installed on this computer.
The first 80gig is split into 3. Windows and apps on one part, installers on another, and storage the last.
The second drive is a dedicated storage drive. Now..... (not really sure if this is going to be clear enough)


What is the most effective way of creating 4 partitions on a brand new raw 500gig HDD?
Then, what is the best way to transfer all of my data onto that new disk?

Current drives are PATA, and new drive is SATA2.

[Mussels]

you can partition it when you format the drive.

Best way is to install windows fresh on it, if you're installing an OS on it. moving from IDE to sata wont play nice cloning the drive. Any installed programs will need to be reinstalled, however data files (anything that you didnt need an installer for, music, movies etc) can be copied straight across.

If you are installing windows to the SATA drives, i suggest you unplug the IDE drives before installing windows, as sometimes the drive letters get screwed up having more than one drive installed.

[phanbuey]

you don't need separate partitions for installers and storage... just use directories...

first partition is the fastest make it your OS and pagefile youre done. Partitioning everything else is a bit pointless no?

Once you have windows 7 installed, just copy the other files over - the best way for me is just to plug the drives into the new computer... otherwise you can buy a $20 extrenal PATA/IDE case from best buy or TigerDirect... put each drive in the case and plug them in through the USB port.

something like this http://www.pacificgeek.com/product.a...8&ID=79514&P=F

[Mussels]

i usually set a 40-80GB C: drive for windows and apps, and then the remainder of that drive for games/movies and shows i'm watching.

I never use a partition for backups, cause if the drive dies you're gunna lose every parition anyway.

[7.62]

Hmm.

That was the idea of partitioning it. Im more concered about Windows dying that the drive. That way I can just nuke my C: and get a fresh install of windows.
The First drive is 40g windows and apps, and 2x 20g partitions.

So..Ill plug in my new 500GiG SATA HDD, boot from Vista CD, format and partition from that.
Get into Windows after all the install crap, (With the computer off ) plug in my 80GiG storage and copy all that across, unplug the drive and shut down.
Then plug in my old XP (this one) windows partitioned drive, and copy all the Documents, and all that crap over...

Is this sounding like the way to go? Lucky this new MOBO had PATA, and SATA2... pheeew

[Mussels]

best plan:

Unplug all IDE drives, insert SATA II drive.
Make sure BIOS is set to AHCI mode, if it has the option.
Install vista (provide SATA/AHCI/RAID drivers on USB stick if OS install cant see drive/crashes)
I suggest say, an 80GB partition for windows, and leave the rest as one large partition.

Once windows is installed and working, shut down and plug the IDE drives in. Go into the BIOS and make sure the boot priority is set to the drive you want (you can copy your old data from the old OS, or the new one - it doesnt matter)


Once all your data is across and everything is happy, i suggest using the older drives as your backup drives. copy anything important to them and then leave them unplugged - data cant be harmed if the drives not powered on

[7.62]

Excellent.
Thats an unreal idea.

BUT, this new MOBO (GA-X48-DQ6) should be able to see my new SATA drive? if not, and even if I do have my little USB stick with SATA drivers on it, how am I going to install them on a unformatted raw drive? through BIOS?

Wait, your saying put the NEW drive into this computer? not the new machine to install windows on?

[Mussels]

x48 is supported in vista, so you wont need the drivers, no.

you install teh drivers when you install windows - if it cant find a HDD, it has a button to 'load additional drivers"

i thought you were installing windows on a new drive in your old machine, i may have got confused there. doesnt matter, you can install windows on the new machine, then move the sata drive to the old one to get the data across.