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May 28th, 2004 01:00
Partitioned - Some Applications Install To Both Drives
The background...
This WinMe install pooped out on me after almost three years. During that time, I finally gained enough computer sense to do a solo install of the OS. I did a debug, fdisk and format before the install....and...partitioned a C: and D: drive. I'm still the worst kind of rookie, though.
What's happening...
The concern I have is that some applications are installing to C: and D: drives even though I pointed them to D:. It's probably a shared files "thing". Examples are Microsoft Office, Sound Blaster and Norton Internet Security. Norton, thanks to their install interface, as least told me that some of the files were going to C: regardless. So, I went ahead and installed ALL of Norton in C:.
The questions...
I don't want to be digging myself any deep holes to crawl out of. What are the implications of the applications being split up as they are? Should I install some programs exclusively to the same drive as the OS?
Thanks,
Joe
To give something back to the board, I'm posting this link to the site that gave me the information I needed for the debug and fdisk...
http://www.fdisk.com/fdisk/HardDrive.htm
and
http://fdisk.radified.com/ (this site is GREAT)
Denny Denham
2 Intern
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18.8K Posts
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May 28th, 2004 03:00
The logical thing to do is to install the operating sytsem and applications on the same partition. In the event problems require reinstallation of the operating system all applications will have to be reinstalled after the OS. However, other than this there is no compelling reason to accept the default location of an application (which will normally be C:\Program Files). Some programs may require that some files (specifically .dll files) be installed in C:\windows\system but should otherwise allow you to install the remainder of the program onto D:\.
JSumrall
75 Posts
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May 28th, 2004 05:00
Thanks for the reply, Denny.
I guess what I was hoping from setting things up this way...with a C and D drive...was to avoid having to reinstall all those applications. You know, a wall to insulate the apps from the OS. The Operating System install is simple. It's everything else that is a pain in the base of the back.
I need another strategy on this partitioning business. I didn't do my homework well enough.
Joe
osprey4
6 Operator
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34.2K Posts
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May 29th, 2004 15:00
Joe:
There is another way to do what you want to do, i.e., make reinstallation simple while not disrupting your data (although reinstalling the OS always means having to reinstall Windows-based applications). Get yourself a good drive backup program and back up your OS/Apps partition after everything is installed. One option is Norton Ghost, although there are others. I made a Ghost backup after my last complete reinstallation that fits onto two CD-RWs (about 2 GB of stuff compressed). It takes minutes to reinstall this Ghost image, and since I keep my data files on a separate drive, none of my data are affected.
osprey4
6 Operator
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34.2K Posts
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May 29th, 2004 18:00
Cool looking plane!!
I've got similar specs, 4100, P3-933 but upgraded video and two drives (20 & 80). It's been a real work horse for 3 1/2 years. I've actually got an XP disc but I like ME so I've never bothered to upgrade.
We've got NSW Pro, an older version that cost about $30. My son uses NAV and we use Ghost as needed. Other than that, I prefer not to use the other Norton programs.
JSumrall
75 Posts
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May 29th, 2004 18:00
Osprey,
Just this morning I was back at the RADIFIED site studying and read essentially the same thing...regarding having a good disk imaging software. After that, I went to Symantec's site to see if there were any deals on Norton System Works (Pro). Since I recently bought the new version of Internet Security (a real resource hog on my machine), I qualify for a mail-in rebate...$30 off. I think I'll go for it and start over on the partition project before I loose my momentum and my current data backups are fresh.
My sys specs...An 'ol Dimension 4100, PIII-1Gig, Radeon 32Mb, 40 Gig HD and running WinMe.
Hey, here's an Osprey for you.
Many thanks...... Joe
JSumrall
75 Posts
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June 4th, 2004 05:00
Osprey and Denny - I started over on this project. Increased the size of my C drive a little and have all the applications in there together. On a 40 Gig drive, C: now has just under 8 Gigs dedicated...the balance to D:.
Bought a copy of Ghost and made a couple of images of C: after I had all my core applications installed and configured to my liking. One image was made using Fast (?) compression and was saved on the D drive. The other image was made using highest compression and saved on two CDs. I selected the bootable option. 2.89 Gigs of data fit on two 650 Mb CDs. Wonderful stuff!
I have My Documents, Favorites, email and email addresses all defaulting to the D drive. :) So, If I have to replace the contents of C, my data will be safe.
Also, my only game, Flight Simulator, I installed on D:. It's a rather large package and normally I have it loaded with third party add-ons. All that will have to be built back from my backups. Really considered giving it it's own partition. Maybe when I get a second physical hard drive, I'll do that.
By the way, that second Hard Drive will be coming soon. They are not very expensive and it would be good insurance to have my images of the primary drive stored there. I'm anxious to try my newfound knowledge in utilizing it.
Joe
osprey4
6 Operator
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34.2K Posts
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June 4th, 2004 13:00