On 1/13/2011 8:18 PM, Robert Carnegie: Fnord: cc
talk- wrote:
> Hi, I'm a new user of Windows 7 Home Premium, 64-bit - but without the
> CDs - and I have an issue setting up the PC the way that I want it.
>
> I'm accustomed to running Windows XP with a "small" Windows and
> programs partition, say 15 gigabytes, and most of the rest of the disk
> a separate "data" partition, including for video files. Of course,
> the data partition can be mounted onto a folder on the Windows volume.
>
> This mainly pleases me by allowing me to use a non-Windows backup
> tool, such as the Linux SystemRescueCD and partimage program (which
> also backs up the MBR and patition table), to make a backup of the
> Windows volume itself, as a volume. In theory, if something bad
> happens to the Windows system, including corruption, or deleting vital
> files, or even the hard disk failing, I can restore the system to its
> previous state, and I have. And files on the "data" partition can be
> simply copied as files, to back up. The page file can live on the
> data volume, as well, mainly to save space on the Windows volume or on
> its backups. The hibernation file, I am stuck with, except for
> disabling hibernation in order to delete the file while a backup is
> made.
>
> I am also confident using tools such as GParted to resize and move
> partitions - once I've got a backup - and MyDefrag, with certain ideas
> about the optimum locations for particular files.
>
> But on my brand new HP TouchSmart TM2-1010EA, with Windows 7 Home
> Premium 64-Bit, I'm stuck, and looking for guidance on my next move.
> Because four apparently necessary MBR partitions already exist.
>
> Windows got configured when I first switched the machine on. It isn't
> provided on CD or DVD. I have been able to back it up - I assume -
> using SystemRescueCD, although booting the machine from other Linux
> CDs is not reliable. I was able to run Ubuntu after having it copy
> itself to a USB Flash memory stick, with another PC.
>
> The partitions are:
>
> - "SYSTEM" of around 200 MEGAbytes, NTFS. I gather that this is
> suitable for a two-tier installation using EFI and/or GPT partition
> table instead of MBR, but here it may be redundant.
>
> - Windows partition of about 280 GIGAbytes, NTFS, with 30 gigabytes
> used.
>
> - "RECOVERY" partition of about 17 GIGAbytes, NTFS, 2.8 GB used.
>
> - "HP_TOOLS" partition of 99.3 MEGAbytes, FAT32, 92.7 MB used. This
> contains some files named "*.EFI" which /may/ be a hint that the PC
> can be booted into a Hewlett-Packard repair or diagnostic mode IF
> these items are left alone.
>
> So I can't just shrink the Windows volume and add another partition in
> the space released - right? - because you can only have four.
>
> So, what should I do? Cheaply?
>
> If I can obtain real Windows discs to install from scratch, I can do
> it more the way that I want, can't I? Can I get a disc or discs -
> legally - without laying out serious money?
>
> If I can magically convert the Windows volume to an extended partition
> and have it still work, then I believe I can proceed to shrink it,
> also. and then re-use the space.
>
> Likewise if I can delete, move, and re-create as extended the Recovery
> partition.
>
> I could disable the HP_TOOLS partition but leave its data on disc, and
> use its partition number to make a "data" volume in free space from
> the Windows volume. Then reverse the process if I need the tools.
> Alternatively, maybe I can obtain the tools on a CD., Or, the thing
> takes SD cards, although I don't know if it'll boot from one.
>
> Maybe there's a magic wand that I can wave to convert the disk to GPT
> partitioning and have as many partitions as I can think of, but then
> how much of the software would not work any more?
>
> Please enlighten me: what is my best choice to achieve the sort of
> disk design that I want? Are there more options?
>
> Also, Linux thinks the Windows volume has about 170 gigabytes in use,
> what's going on there! There is only one system restore point, dating
> from when I first booted and let Windows install itself.
You don't mention the hard drive's total size.
Here is what I'd do if I couldn't get a W7 disc that I could install from.
Keep the 200 MB system partition. I believe that even 100 MB would be
plenty.
The Windows partition of 280 GB is more than enough. I've run Win 7/64
for a year and my Win partition contains only 44 GB of files.
Make the 280 into a Win 80 GB and a 200 GB for playing with.
I can't speak about the Recovery & Tools partitions but I'd hang onto
them for a while, especially if that's the only way to recover from a crash.
I'd also immediately create partition images on external drives for
another kind of backup.
I've played with several image softwares on my Win 7/64 and the two that
actually work well are Acronis paid and Macrium Reflect free, i like
Macrium the best.
Both have allowed me to image and successfully restore Win 7/64. The 200
MB system partition is restored first, as the active partition.
My favorite free partition software is Partition Wizard.
Maybe you should simply install a second hard drive, they are really
getting cheaper.
Wilby
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