Partitioning A to Z

[jch216]

Ok, I have just built a computer. It has nothing on it but the bios/cmos stuff. I want to partition my hard drive from 1 80gig chunk, down to 4 20gig chunks. I haven't installed anything yet. What is my next step in this process?

[vass0922]

If you're installing Win2k or XP there is a partitioning setup IN the install process itself... so just plug the cd in and let her rip

The setup isn't great, but it works and you should be able to figure it out... if not we're always here

[jch216]

What about fdisk? Where does that come into play?

[jch216]

Is there a reason that the windows partition thing just said I have 76317 MB instead of 80000 MB?

[jch216]

Do you think just 6gigs will be an ok partition just for the windows XP os?

[JPMiller]

Min 3 gigs but I would go with at least 6...
windws recognizes the size of a gigabyte differently than the manufacturer...It is standard for the "recognized size of drive to be somewhat lower than stated on drive...you can search forums for more info...but not important.
fdisk is a dos command that runs a program that can delete and or partition your HD.
you'd have to boot to a command prompt and type in FDISK and follow directions....can be confusing for a first timer.
I would use a program like partition magic to do it after the fact.

[jch216]

Xp has this little wizard that partitions at the very begining of the install....

It's kinda confusing though. It doesn't stick with the values that you enter for the partitions. It throws them off a little one way or another. I put in 20000mb, it gives my partition 20003mb,

[JPMiller]

that is what Im referring to....windows recognizes size in a gouping...not in one single bit...you can get around a certain size but not exactly

[Telexen]

Remember, it will probably be best to make them both Primary partitions..if you make one of them extended or logical you'll ahve to delete them next time you want to format C: and reinstall Windows.