XP install advice

[Admin]

I will probably re-install XP on my Thinkpad T41 notebook so that it is customized or installed how I like it.

Problem is, I am not sure which method is good to use.

I was hoping to obtain advice and recommendations for good XP installs.

How do YOU install XP?

I've read countless online articles but I'm still unsure.

For instance, should I install everything on C:? Or create extra partitions? If so, how many? What if you have to re-install?

I had the idea that you install the main OS on C and then have at least one xtra partition to install programs and store any data or files you need. However, I was always confused as what to do since Windows (XP, anyway) always wants to install programs under C:/Programs or Documents and Settings (for data). I used to create a 2nd partition (e.g. D:) and then create a directory called 'Programs' and try to install programs there. But, then, I am wondering if you might run into links issues after a while. Also, Windows will always store 'something' on C so does that mean, you have a sort of separation between partitions?

Maybe have one large 'C:' partition and install everything there and if you write data to your disk, you have a 2nd partition ('D:') for that? All programs are installed to C? If you think this method is good, then how large should 'C:' be?

Please recommend a system to use for when re-installing XP?!? How do you set it up?

I am not sure if there are some sections of the forum for reading various users' configuration install setups but that is what I am looking for!

I guess there are different methods but I think now, there are probably many long-time Windows users who have discovered a good method after experimentation and/or found a way that worked well for them.

I'll adopt any method that sounds good (to me). I haven't really been all that impressed with the way I've done things although it might have been okay according to some users, I am not sure.

Some things to keep in mind or consider:

Thinkpad T41 HDD is 120GB IDE HDD

Will install Linux (approx. 40GB, I think)

Some Thinkpad utilities will be installed - takes up some disk space but not much

Basically, I think I have about 40GB to work with XP unless I should devote more. So, I am wondering how to divide the space up and how.

C: system files (main OS), drivers, programs ?????

D: free space for data, odd program that doesn't need 'C:' (freeware?)

What about that idea above or do you know of a better method?

Thanks in advance for any reply, advice, recommendation or comment!

P.S. 40GB of space dedicated to XP means mostly programs and Windows utilities/drivers etc. I use an internal HDD in an enclosure to save/store data files or whatever (extra programs, perhaps?) so I am not too concerned about needing 'data space' on the laptop.

[Alan2273]

Before you start have you got a full XP disk to do the install with, as If I remember the Thinkpads came with a restore from a hidden partition.

If you do have a full disk, yes you can install most programs onto another partition, when you install click browse and select the partition to install to.

[Admin]

Before you start have you got a full XP disk to do the install with, as If I remember the Thinkpads came with a restore from a hidden partition.

If you do have a full disk, yes you can install most programs onto another partition, when you install click browse and select the partition to install to.

Yeah, I have a full XP disk. It's XP Pro retail and the way I understand it, I can use it and when it comes time to enter the license code, I enter the one on the Thinkpad (on the bottom). Right?

I don't have the recover disk so I have to do something like that. Not sure about any restore function or hidden partition.

But, do you recommend installing programs to another partition? I had the impression that some people say to do so while others say that it doesn't matter if you have to re-install programs. The theory is that registries are re-written when you have to re-install the OS and still have programs installed in another partition might not be 100% functional. Or something like that. I think you know what I mean? ;-)

Most of the time, fresh installs of OS and programs work the best, anyway? I am not sure.

If I have a full disk and can install the way I presented above, should I install programs on the same partition ('C:') or install on another partition (e.g. 'D:'). If I install programs on another partition, should it be all programs? Should there be anything else on the other partition?

I kinda think it's better to keep extra partitions to a minimum. Right? Anyway, thanks for the reply. Any additional info or responses will help!

[Admin]

Hey, I have been googling XP and installs (i.e. best way to intall) and reviews seem to be mixed regarding whether to split up into partitions or just one large partition. I think I support one main partition and then using a 2nd drive to store data (be it downloads, office files, mp3 files, whatever). What do you think?

However, even if I wanted to do it this way, I have a problem when it comes to laptops. How would one accomplish this? Some newer laptops come with eSATA so that would be perfect but older laptops have USB ports, mine has two. I had an idea of using an internal enclosure and a spare 500GB SATA HDD which would be connected via USB. The transfer rates and accessing the drive would be slow then, though, right?

Is there anything I could do about it? Or maybe it wouldn't be very often that I would need to have the laptop main drive (120GB IDE) access the USB-based drive?

I was looking at something like a USB to IDE adapter. Is there anything (like that?) that would allow the 'external drive' to obtain IDE-type speeds? I guess the concern is, obviously, increasing access and transfer speeds.

This way, if feasible/possible, would allow avoiding partition issues and worrying about re-installs (re-installs of XP would involve formatting the OS partition and going ahead). I thought that it would be good to have the XP partition be 40GB and then use the 500GB HDD (enough room/space for my needs) be the data/documents (whatever) storage drive (instead of only have a bit of storage room for data on the main laptop drive).

Programs, system files etc. would be on 'C:' but Windows prefers to install programs/utilities to 'C' anyway so data, downloads etc. (stuff I don't want to lose or that can't be easily replaced) can be stored to an external drive.

I suppose I could do it without using usb to ide adapters but if there is a way to improve/increase transfer/access speeds, it would be nice to know and that I'd have further options.

What do you think? Anyone? ;-)

[Seshomaru Samma]

How big is your drive?

I usually give XP between 10G to 20G. and use the rest for a data partition. I use gparted to part the disc, though XP installation disc comes with a primitive partitioner that can do it as well.

I usually install all programmes to the C drive , but put all my downloads and data on another drive. You can move the "my documents" folder to another drive (right click on it and look in 'properties')

[andsome]

It's all on the forum. :D

[Admin]

How big is your drive?

I usually give XP between 10G to 20G. and use the rest for a data partition. I use gparted to part the disc, though XP installation disc comes with a primitive partitioner that can do it as well.

I usually install all programmes to the C drive , but put all my downloads and data on another drive. You can move the "my documents" folder to another drive (right click on it and look in 'properties')

"Thinkpad T41 HDD is 120GB IDE HDD

Will install Linux (approx. 40GB, I think)

Some Thinkpad utilities will be installed - takes up some disk space but not much"

I use GParted, too.

You create a 'data' partition but also have data on another drive????

I thought of giving XP the 'C:' partition and install programs there. Documents and Settings folder? There, too? It just seems like Windows always wants to put 'stuff' there. The same with 'Programs.' The plan was to place 'important stuff' or files/data that I can't recover easily on another drive. The problem or issue, however, is that my Thinkpad doesn't have eSATA and I only have TWO USB ports and a PC Card slot. Therefore, I believe my options are external storage (drive) via USB or using a PCMCIA card in which I can have an eSATA interface with it (also called: eSATA PCMCIA Card). Some users say they don't give you much speed but I guess any increase in speed over USB helps. I also use external (internal drive in enclosure) drives for my desktop and plan to have any external storage be eSATA in the future. .

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

I think it may be possible to change the 'Program Files' and 'Documents and Settings' locations by changing the appropriate environment variables (%PROGRAMFILES%, %HOMEPATH%, %USERPROFILE%). I have never tried that, but it will probably work.

[Boris]

You can move the "my documents" folder to another drive (right click on it and look in 'properties')

Simpler way to put your documents on another drive/partition.