Travel Technology - New Year, Formatting my Laptop Hard Disk

OK, I think I've managed to install and delete enough software on this computer to make a mess of the good old registry

I have the recovery CD, and all the software that I need to install

But there is something that always bothers me, that I am going to forget to save a file that I am going to need later on

Is there a nice and free utility out there to backup the hard disk onto another hard disk?

I have an external 200GB that will do the job nicely.

Copying the c: drive into the external drive won't work, as I am sure I will get the error of a file being used and aborting the whole thing.

Thanks :)

OK, I think I've managed to install and delete enough software on this computer to make a mess of the good old registry

I have the recovery CD, and all the software that I need to install

But there is something that always bothers me, that I am going to forget to save a file that I am going to need later on

Is there a nice and free utility out there to backup the hard disk onto another hard disk?

I have an external 200GB that will do the job nicely.

Copying the c: drive into the external drive won't work, as I am sure I will get the error of a file being used and aborting the whole thing.

Thanks :)
The "backup" program which comes with the system is sufficient for what you want to do. You can just right-click on the "c" drive, click properties, then "tools."
Depending on what's messed up, you can also try an "upgrade" re-install, which does not remove applications or user files. It does remove and rebuild the system hive (registry).

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341/en-us

new year new formatted drive, new file organisation.

make 2 partitions.

1. for OS (trigger happy formatting anytime)
2. for data (keep all your data there)

If this is XP, try the File and Setting Transfer Wizard found under Accessories | System Tools. It should back up settings and files. Just make sure you put it on the external drive.

I second the method of a drive for OS and one for everything else.

Q for those of you who recommended using one drive for OS and a second for everything else--where do you put your programs?

Q for those of you who recommended using one drive for OS and a second for everything else--where do you put your programs?

first drive, unless u have programs that are standalone and don't intefere with the various windows directories.

fyi i have more than 2 partitions. =) so one of them is used for apps.

Q for those of you who recommended using one drive for OS and a second for everything else--where do you put your programs?
OS on the 1st partition, programs on the 2nd or additional partitions. At times I've created a partition just for the swap file.

I think I need to format my new laptop's hard drive also. So far, it shows only c drive and no other partitions.
1) Exactly what would I need to do in order to partition drive (and make a back up copy).
2) Is it possible to do a back up to a jump drive or do I need a different kind of hardware for this?
3) If I can successfully partion the drive, how do I program to automatically get all data info into new partition? By this I mean, when downloading info, I notice that it all goes into c drive, but I think it would be better to store this kind of stuff separately from OS in C drive?

TIA for your assistance!

I think I need to format my new laptop's hard drive also. So far, it shows only c drive and no other partitions.
1) Exactly what would I need to do in order to partition drive (and make a back up copy).
2) Is it possible to do a back up to a jump drive or do I need a different kind of hardware for this?
3) If I can successfully partion the drive, how do I program to automatically get all data info into new partition? By this I mean, when downloading info, I notice that it all goes into c drive, but I think it would be better to store this kind of stuff separately from OS in C drive?

TIA for your assistance!

For $$ - get Partition Magic - it's simple. If you don't want to spend $$, download a Linux distribution, make a CD of it and boot from that CD. There are many repartiton options available. You'll need documentation.

For $$ - get Partition Magic - it's simple. If you don't want to spend $$, download a Linux distribution, make a CD of it and boot from that CD. There are many repartiton options available. You'll need documentation.

Thanks mbreuer. But what do you mean by "documentation"?

Thanks mbreuer. But what do you mean by "documentation"?

The purpose of the repartitioning isn't to make room for another windows partition, it's to make room for Linux. You have to get far enough to create the new partition table, and they use the WXP install to install XP vs. Linux. Of course you *could* just continue and give Linux a try :)

The purpose of the repartitioning isn't to make room for another windows partition, it's to make room for Linux. You have to get far enough to create the new partition table, and they use the WXP install to install XP vs. Linux. Of course you *could* just continue and give Linux a try :)

Uh oh...think I'm lost here...

My old laptop (running Windows95) format was this: C drive (OS, programs & apps); D drive (data files storage); E drive (CD-ROM); F drive (ZIP drive, i.e. removable storage).

Current format is this: C drive (OS and various programs and other preloaded stuff); D drive (CD/DVD drive);

So...are you trying to tell me that I shouldn't try to duplicate having data storage in separate partition unless I am trying to run another OS (Linux)?

I found having 85% of my data files in separate drive super easy to back-up to F (ZIP disks) for outside storage. Was this too simplistic a system?

Or do I need something more sophisticated now that I've graduated to new laptop with such large (100GB) capacity?

Uh oh...think I'm lost here...

My old laptop (running Windows95) format was this: C drive (OS, programs & apps); D drive (data files storage); E drive (CD-ROM); F drive (ZIP drive, i.e. removable storage).

Current format is this: C drive (OS and various programs and other preloaded stuff); D drive (CD/DVD drive);

So...are you trying to tell me that I shouldn't try to duplicate having data storage in separate partition unless I am trying to run another OS (Linux)?

I found having 85% of my data files in separate drive super easy to back-up to F (ZIP disks) for outside storage. Was this too simplistic a system?

Or do I need something more sophisticated now that I've graduated to new laptop with such large (100GB) capacity?

Partitioned 100GB
C: - OS (20gb)
D: - Apps (20gb)
E: - Data (60gb)
F: - DVD drive
G: to Z: network drives

you dont need to use linux if you dont want to, get a copy of partition magic, the post about using a linux boot disk is because it's free and they have partitioning tools in the boot disk, to create partitions for various OSes, among them for Windows either FAT, FAT32 or NTFS

hope that helps.

Partitioned 100GB
C: - OS (20gb)
D: - Apps (20gb)
E: - Data (60gb)
F: - DVD drive
G: to Z: network drives

you dont need to use linux if you dont want to, get a copy of partition magic, the post about using a linux boot disk is because it's free and they have partitioning tools in the boot disk, to create partitions for various OSes, among them for Windows either FAT, FAT32 or NTFS

hope that helps.

I also create a "small" 10gb partition and install a second copy of WXP - no applications - to use for emergency recovery when necessary.

Is there a nice and free utility out there to backup the hard disk onto another hard disk?

Nice, but not free: Norton Ghost. Rebates have been as high as $60.

Nice, but not free: Norton Ghost. Rebates have been as high as $60.
For some reason, Norton Ghost was having an impossible time creating a disk image to my network drive. I switched and ended up liking Acronis True Image better (and its less expensive to boot).

Uh oh...think I'm lost here...

My old laptop (running Windows95) format was this: C drive (OS, programs & apps); D drive (data files storage); E drive (CD-ROM); F drive (ZIP drive, i.e. removable storage).

Current format is this: C drive (OS and various programs and other preloaded stuff); D drive (CD/DVD drive);

So...are you trying to tell me that I shouldn't try to duplicate having data storage in separate partition unless I am trying to run another OS (Linux)?

I found having 85% of my data files in separate drive super easy to back-up to F (ZIP disks) for outside storage. Was this too simplistic a system?

Or do I need something more sophisticated now that I've graduated to new laptop with such large (100GB) capacity?


Right now your C drive is being used at 100%. If you get software such as Partition Magic you can split the C drive into multiple drives. So for example, you would use Partition Magic and split it 50% and 50%. The next time you load up to windows, you will see two harddrives: C and D. Now your CD/DVD will most likely become E drive.

So now you can install the OS and other applications onto C drive and backup all you data onto D drive.

Right now your C drive is being used at 100%. If you get software such as Partition Magic you can split the C drive into multiple drives. So for example, you would use Partition Magic and split it 50% and 50%. The next time you load up to windows, you will see two harddrives: C and D. Now your CD/DVD will most likely become E drive.

So now you can install the OS and other applications onto C drive and backup all you data onto D drive.

mbreuer, dnotes, and mrmakochan,

Thank you all for your so very helpful explanations and thoughtfulness. I think I am actually beginning to understand some of this, especially since mrmakechan's so very thoughtful explanatory post is helping me to configure my thoughts! Thus generates the following questions about allocations:

1) In allocating size of C drive--shall I assume that 20GB will contain everything necessary (for now) and leave room for future (if any) updates?

2) mbreuer, you seem to advocate installing OS (in my case WXP) twice. If the system crashes, why wouldn't 2nd installation crash as well? Wouldn't recovery disks provided with laptop purchase perform this chore? Or does this address the potential problem if an incident should occur when on the road or where there is no access to recovery disks?

3) dnotes, as far as apps are concerned (and I know that20GB is a large amount of storage) just curious as to why you chose this size (or if this was just a sample for me to use as gauge?)

4) Since I have a fair amount of data backed up on ZIP disks, shouldn't I install Zip drive so as to continue to use info stored on ZIPs?

5) One other thing worries me. mrmakochan said "now you can install the OS..." Do I take it that in using partition magic (or similar software) it will not save info or data or apps currently installed (preloaded) and all will have to be reinstalled? so that in order to do this, I will have to find some way to save individual software programs that I have already set up and customized (only three so far)?

m
2) mbreuer, you seem to advocate installing OS (in my case WXP) twice. If the system crashes, why wouldn't 2nd installation crash as well? Wouldn't recovery disks provided with laptop purchase perform this chore? Or does this address the potential problem if an incident should occur when on the road or where there is no access to recovery disks?


Usually, when WXP becomes corrupted, unbootable, etc., the boot manager still works. You can get to an alternate image and use that for recovery. It is possible (and has happened to me) that the WXP CD recovery tools could not recover the installation. Having a second working WXP image allows access to all files on the original failed installation - you can backup, and possibly repair the issue without data loss. It's also a lifesaver on a laptop where you might not have the original CDs with you.

Also, CMDCONS (Microsoft's recovery facility) is useful, but can be somewhat limited in capability.

Imagine, you're on the road - you have a presentation. WXP fails to boot. BUT... you have that second partition, you boot it, download the powerpoint viewer, survive the day & repair the "normal" partition in your hotel room.

I just received a link to a $9.99 net cost copy of Norton Ghost, if you don't mind rebates:

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=201955877&adid=17051&dcaid=17051


rqd

Thanks mbreuer. But what do you mean by "documentation"?


Google on QTparted. If you can understand what its doing and feel comfortable doing it, then go ahead and download the latest Knoppix distro, burn to CD, boot from CD and repartition to your heart's content

4) Since I have a fair amount of data backed up on ZIP disks, shouldn't I install Zip drive so as to continue to use info stored on ZIPs?

5) One other thing worries me. mrmakochan said "now you can install the OS..." Do I take it that in using partition magic (or similar software) it will not save info or data or apps currently installed (preloaded) and all will have to be reinstalled? so that in order to do this, I will have to find some way to save individual software programs that I have already set up and customized (only three so far)?

Sure you can continue to use your Zip Drive. It is a separate issue with the things being discussed about your harddrive. The Zip Drive will automatically be assigned a different drive letter in Windows.

The reason for purchasing Partition Magic or similar software is so that you don't have to format/re-install software. The software allows you to do it on a harddrive that already has an OS and software installed.

20gb should be plenty for Windows and a bunch of other software.

Are you trying to do this on your old laptop that is running Win95? Or a different computer. If your planning to do this to the one running win95 I would almost suggest you upgrade to at least Win98SE or Win2000

Yes, go for at least Win2000. It will run well on older machines. I have it on many 466mhz with low ram pc's. If you can not run WIN2000, then it surely is time to get a new pc, especially at the low prices today.

Before you copy stuff, save a bit of work and do a search looking for LARGE files and delete them. You might be surprised at what you may have created and do not know about. Also, CLEAR your internet cache as that can be many gigs of worthless data. Then clear the recycle bin.

Separate from Ghost type programs, you can copy just about everything as plain old files, with the exception of some running WINDOWS files, which of course you will not need in the new setup. If you have a large hard drive to copy stuff to, this might take care of the that long lost file that you stuck someplace and do not get copied over to the new machine.

...Are you trying to do this on your old laptop that is running Win95? Or a different computer. If your planning to do this to the one running win95 I would almost suggest you upgrade to at least Win98SE or Win2000

No, doing this on a different laptop. I plan to leave WIN95 undisturbed on my old 32KB laptop--will run only Corel WP8.0 to finish the diss (as I am down to the final chapters and do not want to start messing with the data and formattings therein for any reason!) This is fully backed up on ZIPs, so unless there is a total failure, I feel pretty safe doing this.

As for the 100GB HD, that laptop is running WXP, so based on the conversation here, I think I should purchase Partition Magic, and attempt to configure as follows: C=OS (20-25GB); D= WXP#2(10GB); E=DATA (50GB); F=APPS (15-20GB); G=DVD/CD Combo; H=ZIP (removable storage); J-Z= Network/Shared Drives)

Am I right to think that the gist here is: should there be a failure/crash of C Drive, then Drive D will allow me to boot up and backup apps and data in E&F will allow me to proceed.

So, therefore, partitioning serves to prevent 100% failure (unless it is 100% fatal)? in which case, it is possible that nothing will help?

BTW--I just noticed that old laptop (WIN95) shows E Drive =Configs
Anyone know what this means? (sorry, I don't have a clue!)

As for the 100GB HD, that laptop is running WXP, so based on the conversation here, I think I should purchase Partition Magic, and attempt to configure as follows: C=OS (20-25GB); D= WXP#2(10GB); E=DATA (50GB); F=APPS (15-20GB); G=DVD/CD Combo; H=ZIP (removable storage); J-Z= Network/Shared Drives)

Am I right to think that the gist here is: should there be a failure/crash of C Drive, then Drive D will allow me to boot up and backup apps and data in E&F will allow me to proceed.

So, therefore, partitioning serves to prevent 100% failure (unless it is 100% fatal)? in which case, it is possible that nothing will help?

One major reason to have partitions is because Windows OS can get cluttered and eventually need a clean format/install. With partitions you can keep your data separate and have no worries formating the parition that had Windows on it. Unfortunately when you do this you will need to re-install most of your software/applications. I don't see a reason for keeping applications on another partition since most applications install system files within the OS.

Having that second installation of WinXP will give you the ability to boot into it if your primary OS fails. But not all apps/software will run on it. You will probably need to re-install.

Partitions can't prevent failure. If you have a hardware failure of the harddrive, each partition is equally susceptible.

...Having that second installation of WinXP will give you the ability to boot into it if your primary OS fails. But not all apps/software will run on it. You will probably need to re-install...

But... it gives you the ability to get back in & get files. You often can boot into the alternate partition to repair damage to the primary partition. It's much easier than using the recovery console.

jfe, it sounds to me as if you do not have a backup program or policy. More than anything you need program and policy.

I use stomp(a veritas/seagate program) as it will run on 95 to xp, so old files are accessable.

In addition to "My Documents", you need to backup on a regular basis, the data on programs like your contact programs, etc that do not keep data in my documents. This is probably no more than a cd or two, when compressed. since I do very little of value, I can append the cd, and get about 3 backups per cd.

You then need to backup regularly, and grandfather and store in separate places.

I maintain about 10 computers. I loose a hd a year.

Am I right to think that the gist here is: should there be a failure/crash of C Drive, then Drive D will allow me to boot up and backup apps and data in E&F will allow me to proceed.

So, therefore, partitioning serves to prevent 100% failure (unless it is 100% fatal)? in which case, it is possible that nothing will help?
No, you are not correct in assuming that. The problem you are most likely to have is a physical disk failure, in which all of the partitions on the disk will be unusable.

I don't understand why you guys screw around with all these partitions. Unless you're multi-booting OSs, theres basically zero benefit to it.

first of, 20gb of space? same idea as installing updates and extra stuff into root drive (i.e. C:) you can never know how much software you're going to accumulate.

next to reply to the last post, it's quite simple really. take my friend's pc for example. i reformat and refresh his OS for him and then he takes it him and he somehow manages to mess it up the moment i leave and then software doesn't work and goodness knows what else.

turns out i'll have to redo the whole thing again. so, data stays in the other partition and all's well, just re-installation of OS/software. i'm thinking if i should take it one step further and image his root drive just in case. ;P

OK. Finally going to have a couple of days this weekend to actually do this stuff.

BTW I also want to get rid of the pre-installed marketing links and other stuff that came with the laptop (i.e., try this! for 30 days free!!!! no, try this!! for 60 days free!!!!! better yet, here is your free trial copy of Whatziz!!!) Does "uninstall" cover this stuff adequately??

Another question (#2): I installed my printer drivers from my original disks to the new laptop, designated the printer as the default printer, and connected to my parallel printer using USB a/b cable. It prints correctly, however, on startup, I always recieve a message that XP has detected new hardware and is looking to install pertinent software. I tried to eliminate by going to website and downloading upgraded printer drivers, but the problem persists. Any thoughts on how to get XP to recognize the printer and stop looking for new install instructions?

And yet another question (#3): I mentioned earlier that I have a zip drive which I use with the same printer. It is connected to a parallel a/b DTS switch (where a=fixed/desktop connection and b=portable/laptop connection). Formerly this allowed me to switch between desktop and laptop for purposes of accessing both parallel printer and parallet zip drive. Since I am no longer using desktop, but want to use usb laptop with printer and zip, I have been looking for a parallel (device) to usb cable that can let me do this efficiently but haven't been able to find one with the required 25 pin M connector for the parallel side. Can anyone recommend such a cable and where I can find it?

My sincere thanks in advance for any advice and ideas!

OK. Finally going to have a couple of days this weekend to actually do this stuff.

BTW I also want to get rid of the pre-installed marketing links and other stuff that came with the laptop (i.e., try this! for 30 days free!!!! no, try this!! for 60 days free!!!!! better yet, here is your free trial copy of Whatziz!!!) Does "uninstall" cover this stuff adequately??


Reformat cleans them away. The only problem would be if you're using a manufacturer's Restore CD. If you do, it could reinstall all of that. My Dell laptop came with Win XP CD so I didn't have to re-install the garbage that I didn't want.

Hmm...

System came with an operating system CD (MS WIN XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 with notation to refer to documentation if necessary to reinstall or repair the system software). :confused:

Sigh...

It appears to be an XP CD without the garbage. Did it come with other CDs?

Usually none (or little) of this junk actually gets installed unless you click on it. You can remove any unwanted crap using the add/remove function in the control panel. As for the shortcuts on the screen, a right click then delete etc will remove such in 5 seconds. All the unwanted stuff can usually be "poofed" in less than 10 minutes.

MisterNice

Thanks Mr. Nice. I will try this.

DeafFlyer, the others were application and driver recovery dvd and application restore cd for HP QuickPlay; other disks for programs I choose not to install.