That FAT32 small partition is the Dell hidden EISA partition. The EISA FAT32 partition that exists on the drive, contains diagnostic software, that's installed at the factory when the system is built. The reason for this being setup on a FAT32 partition, is so that it can be accessed through a boot disk in case the NTFS partition is not bootable. You do not have to have this diagnostic partition on a system for normal operation, but it may be helpful for some types of technical problems, if you have to call into Dell Technical Support.
As all the same diagnostic tools are on your Dell Resource CD, this partition can be removed without causing a problem, but once removed, it can not be recreated.
When partitioning / reformatting my hard drive, I deleted a section taking about 65mg of space saying something about Fat 32. I partitioned, and installed using the NTFS system. Is this going to be a problem? Or do I need to contact Dell.
Since this JUST happened, and I have yet to install any software on the computer, I am not certain if there is a problem. I would like to know before I start installing a bunch of software that may or may not work.
Thanks for any help/suggestions/etc.
The answer I received was:
kathibear.
That FAT32 small partition is the Dell hidden EISA partition.
The EISA FAT32 partition that exists on the drive, contains diagnostic software, that's installed at the factory when the system is built. The reason for this being setup on a FAT32 partition, is so that it can be accessed through a boot disk in case the NTFS partition is not bootable. You do not have to have this diagnostic partition on a system for normal operation, but it may be helpful for some types of technical problems, if you have to call into Dell Technical Support.
As all the same diagnostic tools are on your Dell Resource CD, this partition can be removed without causing a problem, but once removed, it can not be recreated.
Bev.
However, now I am not able to find the drivers I need for the following devices:
Ethernet Controller
Multimedia Audio Controller
and I do not have a RESOURCE CD. Is that on a CD of its own or packaged with something else?
Also, do you work for Dell or are you just an experienced Dell user?
Since I have had this computer for over six weeks and am unable to use it at this point, any help will be appreciated. Thanks.
Message Edited by kathibear on 01-18-2005 09:59 AM
shesagordie
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
0
January 8th, 2005 20:00
kathibear.
That FAT32 small partition is the Dell hidden EISA partition.
The EISA FAT32 partition that exists on the drive, contains diagnostic software, that's installed at the factory when the system is built. The reason for this being setup on a FAT32 partition, is so that it can be accessed through a boot disk in case the NTFS partition is not bootable.
You do not have to have this diagnostic partition on a system for normal operation, but it may be helpful for some types of technical problems, if you have to call into Dell Technical Support.
As all the same diagnostic tools are on your Dell Resource CD, this partition can be removed without causing a
problem, but once removed, it can not be recreated.
Bev.
kathibear
4 Posts
0
January 9th, 2005 00:00
I wish I weren't such a dummy, but I appreciate knowing it will probably be ok.
shesagordie
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
0
January 9th, 2005 04:00
kathibear.
Pleased to have helped and thanks for the feedback.
Bev.
kathibear
4 Posts
0
January 18th, 2005 13:00
Since this JUST happened, and I have yet to install any software on the computer, I am not certain if there is a problem. I would like to know before I start installing a bunch of software that may or may not work.
Thanks for any help/suggestions/etc.
The answer I received was:
kathibear.
That FAT32 small partition is the Dell hidden EISA partition.
The EISA FAT32 partition that exists on the drive, contains diagnostic software, that's installed at the factory when the system is built. The reason for this being setup on a FAT32 partition, is so that it can be accessed through a boot disk in case the NTFS partition is not bootable. You do not have to have this diagnostic partition on a system for normal operation, but it may be helpful for some types of technical problems, if you have to call into Dell Technical Support.
As all the same diagnostic tools are on your Dell Resource CD, this partition can be removed without causing a problem, but once removed, it can not be recreated.
Bev.
However, now I am not able to find the drivers I need for the following devices:
Ethernet Controller
Multimedia Audio Controller
and I do not have a RESOURCE CD. Is that on a CD of its own or packaged with something else?
Also, do you work for Dell or are you just an experienced Dell user?
Since I have had this computer for over six weeks and am unable to use it at this point, any help will be appreciated. Thanks.
Message Edited by kathibear on 01-18-2005 09:59 AM