partition problem

[jimbob]

Have laptop Acer aspire 5050. model ZR3. windows xp media center edition 2005.windows set up c:\"windows xp media center edition.Installed xp pro disk. Existing partitions.
-:partition1 <eisa ultilities>4997mb(336mb free)
c:partition2<acer>[fat32]54486mb<35714mbfree>
D:partition3<acerdata>[fat32]54988mb<50911mbfree>
Which partition do i install xp pro? or delete partion-then install windows where? Should i use c: partition since media center is located there. What is on partiton C,D? Thanks

 

[donkey42]

Have laptop Acer aspire 5050. model ZR3. windows xp media center edition 2005.windows set up c:\"windows xp media center edition.Installed xp pro disk. Existing partitions.

well as is usually with relatavely new Acer machines, the first partition contains a preconfiguered recovery system. and this partition can't be reconfigured to be visible even by using 3rd party partitioners like the excelent Gparted (linux based LiveCD)

delete partion-then install windows where?

well deleting the recovery partition would be much easier to understand, to delete the partitions i personally would use the Gparted LiveCD assuming you don't need the recovery partition & is therefor a waste of space

Should i use c: partition since media center is located there. What is on partiton C,D? Thanks

the easiest thing to do would be to delete the recovery partition & c drive & install Win as usual but using NTFS instead of Fat32 as NTFS is a much more secure filesystem & isn't limited to 2GB filesize

 

[sabashuali]

Personally, I would start afresh. Unless you have data which you wish to keep like music, video etc, blast all to kingdom come and start with a clean slate. I favour two partitions - C: for system and programs and D: for data which is always kept...

Donkey, I did not understand your point regarding the recovery partition. Are you saying that the recovery partition cannot be deleted or reclaimed if not needed?

 

[donkey42]

Donkey, I did not understand your point regarding the recovery partition. Are you saying that the recovery partition cannot be deleted or reclaimed if not needed?

no, the recovery partition is a very good idea but as you suggest for some users[ot]really reading between the lines[/ot] (most with an OS CD/DVD) it is uneccesary and just a waste of usable space, as i suggested i would delete the recovery partition & c drive & install Win in the customary fashion (boot Win CD/DVD) using all free space & install to NTFS[ot]thankies Saba, i need people like you to ensure i'm correct, please continue to query my answers[/ot]