Partitioning Hard Drives

[Nylah]

since u guys did such a fantastic job on getting my laptop to work better, I thought I'd ask for some more advice [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img]

I have googled info on partitioning my hard drive between Vista and Windows XP. The info so far isnt very detailed or clear as to what to do first.

I currently am running Vista on my desktop and XP on my laptop. I need to do this because not all of my software runs properly on Vista yet. [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/rolleyes.gif[/img]

However, sometimes it is physically inconvenient to switch between my desktop and laptop for info.

So, I want to have XP running on my desktop in addition to Vista, and just switch between the one system for the work I need to do.

So.... [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/helpsmilie.gif[/img]

[LinSkinny]

Re: Partitioning Hard Drives

Even if you partition the drives, you will still need to shutdown and start up the other operating system. That can take 5-10 mins. Is it worth the risk of repartioning the drives? Maybe...only you can decide. You could use something like Partition Magic to do that, but you're taking a risk. It does work in many cases and I've read horror stories too. An alternative is a USB drive and loading one operating system on it and then you just carry that USB drive with you.

[Nylah]

Re: Partitioning Hard Drives



thanks LinSkinny. The ppl at Dell never said anything to me about potential problems.

I think what I will do is use the USB drive option. Seems the easiest at the moment since I only need to switch systems on certain occasions.

Just wish all my software worked properly on Vista [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70394-bawlout.gif[/img]

I never wanted it but at the time Dell wouldnt see the system I wanted without Vista. Now after numerous complaints they do [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/rolleyes.gif[/img]

[LinSkinny]

Re: Partitioning Hard Drives

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Empress_Nylah</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

I think what I will do is use the USB drive option. Seems the easiest at the moment since I only need to switch systems on certain occasions.</div></div>

Before you spend money (~$100) on the USB drive, double check that the pc can boot off it. Will need to check the bios instructions because that is where you normally set it up. Not all pc's can boot off the usb. If it can't, then you can't use the usb option.

[Nylah]

Re: Partitioning Hard Drives



my desktop isnt even a year old, so i was thinking it could [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70402-thinking.gif[/img]

can u tell me how to check the bios to confirm?

[LinSkinny]

Re: Partitioning Hard Drives

On a cold boot it should tell you &lt;del&gt; or &lt;f2&gt; or whatever to enter setup. Once you're in setup, post back what it shows and I'll tell you which menu to go into. When you exit, select exit *without* saving changes. That way nothing is changed inadvertently. Might be easier if you had the laptop online then you could just type in what you have on the screen for the desktop.

[Nylah]

Re: Partitioning Hard Drives


I did the cold boot thing and the screen said the following:

Choose appropriate System to start or press TAB to select a tool:

Microsoft Windows Vista

To specify an advanced option for this choice press F8

Tools:

Windows Memory Diagnostic

[LinSkinny]

Re: Partitioning Hard Drives

Normally it show up before that message. Check again and see if you get something like a memory check before that message appears. If not post the Manufacturer and model number and I'll see if I can dig up the info on the web.

[Nylah]

Re: Partitioning Hard Drives


no, i get the same thing. I hit delete the moment it powers up and that is the msg.

It is a Dell E520, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6400

[LinSkinny]

Re: Partitioning Hard Drives

740 hits on the dell website. Do me a favor and <u>PM</u> me the code on the unit. It will make me life a little simpler. [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif[/img]

The code look something similar to L2kl721 and usually somewhere on the base unit.

[Nylah]

Re: Partitioning Hard Drives



okay, check your PM [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif[/img]

[Nylah]

Re: Partitioning Hard Drives

LinSkinny, please to heck your PM again.

tanks