Partitioning is a personal choice.

 

1  I like to have the Operating System on one partition and all my data on another.  This means you can reinstall the operating system without losing your files.   You would need to make a partition of around 10GB for XP and Programs.  You can then make as many partitions as you like.

 

2&3   You cannot partition the hard drive without reinstalling XP unless you use a 3rd party program like Partition Magic

 

http://www.symantecstore.com/dr/sat4/ec_Main.Entry17c?SID=27685&SP=10023&CID=189671&PID=627117&PN=1&V1=627117&CUR=826&API1=65&API2=GOOGLE_UK&API3=partition_magic_exa&API4=Search&API5=www.google.co.uk&DSP=&PGRP=0&ABCODE=&CACHE_ID=0

 

So you either buy Partition Magic (or similar program) and partition now, or you reinstall XP and create the partitions during the reinstall

 

 

Thanks, but I just have a couple more questions.

 

1) If I use Partition Magic will I still be able use the Dell PC Restore?

 

2) Is it a good idea to install your antivirus software on a separate partition?

 

1  If you have Dell PC Restore you had better not use Partition Magic, or you will lose it.

Any partitioning will lose Dell PC Restore

 

2  I have never heard of the suggestion to install your antivirus on a separate partition.

I think it is best to install it to Program Files, where it wants to go by default.