Partitioning Problems

Hi, I just recently got a w3J, it's GREAT by the way, but I'm experiencing some problems when it comes to partitioning & re-installing windows. I like to make a 6 gb partition for windows, and small programs, and use the remaining space to make a partition for my games, applications, and storage. This makes it easy to format and re-install windows. For this reason I don't like how the original hard drive comes partitioned, and I'm having a tough time figuring out how to create the partitions I want.

I tried using the recovery cd's, but those don't allow for an option of creating partitions of your own size (or do they?). Is there some way you can use the recovery disks to create partitions whose size is chosen by you?

I also tried using a different XP install disk, but the product key listed on the bottom of the laptop does not validate with this copy. The disk I tried to use was a pro edition, and it was also SP2.

I read on here that someone created a disk from the recovery disks, but I couldn't find any more information that related to that. Is there a solution to my problem, or will I have to live with the factory partitions?

Thanks for the help!

 

Use PartitionMagic if you can get a copy of it, or try GParted Live CD, that's how I partitioned my drives.

 

I already have the drive partitioned how I want it, I just can't find a way to install xp onto it. Since the recovery disk doesn't allow for just installing xp onto just any partition (only allows you to install on their size partitions). I'm trying to make a boot disk using this method: http://www.nu2.nu/bootcd/wxp/ . Hopefully when I get it all made it will work with the product key on the bottom of the NB.

I already have the NB running on XP, but not with a "genuine" key (since the one on the bottom of the NB didn't work). I have XP installled on my 6gb partition, and some games & programs on the other 80gb-ish partition. My question is will I still be able to use these games and programs when I re-install XP on the 6gb partition? Guess there's only one way to find out .

 

Ahh.. sorry mis-read your original question...

You should still be able to play your games & use your programs if you just re-install XP on top of the current one... prob different scenario if you wipe out the partition though

 

Oh, you mean that if I install xp "over" the current install on the 6gb all the programs will work, but if I re-format the 6gb partition and install again they won't work? How can I install "over" the current install?

 

Create a Windows CD for PCs That Don't Have One
Creating a Windows Installation CD from your Recovery Disk

I haven't actually tried following the instructions in those websites, but I'm planning to try them out this weekend ...

 

Well, they might or might not work.... some which require registered dll and registry keys might not work... some which just install on the HD prob will still work if you format the partition.

If you install 'over', they should all still work .. though installing over isn't really recommended .. better to just reformat and reinstall from scratch if you can do it... might as well do it while your notebook is still new rather than later if you have problems

 

Got it to work with a reaaallly old SP1 install disk that came with one of our old dells. For some reason, when I used a newer install disk it just wouldn't accept the product key. Guess I'll make an ISO of the disk and streamline it with SP2 for future use.

Wish I would have seen those links before I formatted my hard drive and partitioned it how I wanted, since now those installation folders no longer exist . Oh well, at least the problem has been solved. Thanks for the help!