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Basic System Setup Scheme
Hey, folks!
Although I've used them at work quite frequently, I'm a new Dell home PC consumer. I've got a Dimension 8400 w/ Windows XP(SP 2). Consequently, I'm also new to Windows XP. I've got a few general questions, and I would certainly be grateful for some feedback.
1. In the past, I've always repartitioned my hard drives with Partition Magic. I see that XP's Disk Management utility has the ability to create partitions. I'm thinking that this functionality is fairly limited. Am I right? Can I take my unused space on C:\ and just allocate it to one or more new logical drives? Or, should I get Partition Magic 8.0? By the way, a Dell rep told me that I'd lose software support if I created additional partitions, but who wants to keep everything on C:\?
2. My system came with three partitions - C:\ and what appear to be two smaller hidden/unknown partitions. What are these mystery partitions all about? Does one contain restore data or OS files?
3. My PC came with a bunch of extraneous software that I don't want to keep loaded. For instance, I'm not a big McAfee buff and would like to remove that software suite. Should I do simple Add/Removes, or should I re-install the OS from the CD's Dell provided? I'm certain re-installing would be cleaner, but would it be a complete hassle? Can I re-install everything the way I want it? Can I partition my drive the way I'd like?
Thanks in advance! Responses would be appreciated.
Sheetserr
thegreenbandit
15 Posts
136
0
Posted June 30th, 2005 19:00
XP's Disk management utility is very limited as you assumed. With it, you cannot resize partitions, or do anything with the system volume (eg. C drive.) I have even had trouble managing extra partitions on the primary hard drive with Disk Management. Partition Magic is the way to go.- Hi again!I appreciate you guys fielding my questions.I have just one more.Regarding....."2. My system came with three partitions - C:\ and what appear to be two smaller hidden/unknown partitions. What are these mystery partitions all about? Does one contain restore data or OS files?
The ~35MB partition contains Dell Diagnostics which you can access at bootup for convenience. The diagnostics are available through downloads as well, however, so whether or not you keep that partition is up to you. The larger (3-4GB) partition contains the image of your system as shipped which can be used with the PC Restore utility. If you reinstall, that utility is no longer operational so you can delete the partition."If I add a couple of partitions from the free space on C:\ and do not touch the Dell factory partitions, will I lose the functionality of the Symantec/Dell PC Restore utility? I may never entertain using it, but I always hate to lose a good thing.
Thanks,
Steve
Denny Denham
2 Intern
•
18798 Posts
136
0
Posted June 30th, 2005 04:00
Let's take #3 first.
3. My PC came with a bunch of extraneous software that I don't want to keep loaded. For instance, I'm not a big McAfee buff and would like to remove that software suite. Should I do simple Add/Removes, or should I re-install the OS from the CD's Dell provided? I'm certain re-installing would be cleaner, but would it be a complete hassle? Can I re-install everything the way I want it? Can I partition my drive the way I'd like?
Reinstalling Windows XP is easier and quicker than any other Microsoft operating system. On a new system, which doesn't require backing up data, it can be done in 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Reinstalling will cripple the PC Restore feature which can be used to take your computer back to "as shipped" condition but most users who reinstall the operating system do so because they don't want that condition. Installation instructions (and partitioning can be done during the process) are here and special considerations for the Dimension 8400 are here.
2. My system came with three partitions - C:\ and what appear to be two smaller hidden/unknown partitions. What are these mystery partitions all about? Does one contain restore data or OS files?
The ~35MB partition contains Dell Diagnostics which you can access at bootup for convenience. The diagnostics are available through downloads as well, however, so whether or not you keep that partition is up to you. The larger (3-4GB) partition contains the image of your system as shipped which can be used with the PC Restore utility. If you reinstall, that utility is no longer operational so you can delete the partition.