Thread: install worries

ok, ive got my new harddrive, and after finally getting everything sorted out with my other computers its time to reinstall my OS's.
is it safe to install windows onto a harddrive that already has files on the other partitions. i have a 5gb part set aside for windows, but i already started using the other partitions, and i want to know whether it is safe to intall with my files on them

I would think that as long as the partitions are visible to the Windows OS you should be fine. I partitioned my HD into 4 partitions prior to installation. I put data for storage in the last partition (F:) and put the OS in the first (C:). I use the second (D:) for the windows swap file and the third (E:) for downloads so I can keep them isolated on a drive from other data.

I think I've re-installed the same OS on this configuration without losing files on the partitions, though I had to re-install a lot of programs that I installed to the F: drive simply because there was a new Windows registry that didn't know where they were and it was far easier than trying to edit the registry.

When you install, windows will only install to partition/logical drive that you tell it to. Even if there's data on the partition, it won't overwrite it unless you tell it to.

What I do is use 2 harddrives in my computer, for example, my current configuration is 1 40GB hdd for OS's and 1 300 GB for storage. The OS drive is partitioned in to 3 parts, 2 of 10 and 1 of 20, I use the 20 for Windows XP and the other 2 for linux, fedora and gentoo. The storage drive is divided in 3 partitions: Apps (for all installed applications), movies and download.

I could just make maps instead of partitions, but partitions makes things easier to manage, since the OS's handle every partition is a seperate drive. For example, I reinstall windows XP from time to time to optimize performance, and when I do, I just backup certain parts of the registry, documents and settings, and format the partition to get a nice, clean install. Also, I have defrag and scandisk scheduled every week for the windows and apps drive to get optimal performance out of windows and all running applications, which makes for a smoothly running PC.

You may wonder why I install 3 OS's. I do this because I am a computer hobyist and like to experiment with linux. In this case partitions are again a benefit, because if I wanted to replace one of the linuxes I'd simply format the partition to get a clean install.

nah, my new one is an SATA, so im gonna use my old 80gb as a portable drive, or stick it in my parents comp and use their 60gb. my new HDD config is:
10gb=linux
5gb=windows
5gb=home(my docs/personal stuff)
12gb=apps
61gb=games
139gb=media/downloads

at the rate im currenty going im gonna need a new HDD in about 3 months :P

Just setup a Linux file server or a NAS system. Use gigabit ethernet and you would be all set. You could access all your files from any OS from anywhere in the house. It's what I do

actually thats one of the problems. i have onboard gigabit with my motherboard, but linux cant use it for some reason, if you know where i can find a fix then that wolud be good. im using mandrake 10.0

Sounds like you would need to recompile the kernel to add in the device support. Linux does support many gigabit adapters. The stock version not so much so.

Were I you, one thing I would not do. That is allow the default C to be the Windows drive. Many viruses are hard-coded to C. I use G as the boot drive.

my curernt windows drive is H, i set up C as my games drive because games are hard coded to do the same, and it saves time. but god to know that there are other bonuses