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    reformat

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by v-feezy11, Mar 17, 2006.

  1. v-feezy11

    v-feezy11 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Quick question. When I want to do a clean install, should I just reformat the big partition because the restore cd is on a 5 gig partition. Is it ok to just leave that partition and just do the big one? thank you.
     
    v-feezy11, Mar 17, 2006
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  2. USAFdude02

    USAFdude02 NBR Reviewer & Deity NBR Reviewer

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    Please see the quote above.

    You can leave it, but if you need the space you can take it. The restore will not work after fresh install.
     
    USAFdude02, Mar 17, 2006
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  3. Amber

    Amber Notebook Prophet NBR Reviewer

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    It's not going to hurt anything if you leave, but it will no longer work if your format XP. Most users find that they want the space, so they delete the restore partition when they format. If you do decide to delete it, you can merge with your XP partition when you are formatting, or use it to create a spare partition.

    You can copy the restore partition to a disk before you reformat. For instructions on that, I have links for instructions on how to burn a copy in my sticky about Reformating and Installing XP (under partition section).
     
    Amber, Mar 17, 2006
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  4. Gargantua

    Gargantua Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yes, you dont have to do anything with the 5 gig partition, just install windows on bigger one, the smaller one will always be hidden.

    Of course, if you dont want it, you can use programs like partition magic to merge or unhide etc.
     
    Gargantua, Mar 17, 2006
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  5. v-feezy11

    v-feezy11 Notebook Enthusiast

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    thanks. what about the media buttons on the front of the 6000. I heard the drivers for those are on a different partition as well? I just want to reinstall mce and get rid of all the **** software, but want to be able to use those buttons.
     
    v-feezy11, Mar 17, 2006
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  6. Amber

    Amber Notebook Prophet NBR Reviewer

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    No there are no drivers for the media keys. The media buttons are automatically configured (i'm think the BIOS) to work with Windows Media Player, but you can make them work with Winamp and iTunes by configuring those two programs.

    On some laptops like the E1705/1505, you can watch movies without having to fully boot into windows. This is the not the case for the 6000 last I check becuase the 6000 used an older version of the software.
     
    Amber, Mar 17, 2006
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  7. v-feezy11

    v-feezy11 Notebook Enthusiast

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    oh ok, sweet. What do you think about two OS's. I want MCE because I am getting xbox 360 so its easy to stream, but I have Pro right now. Is there that much of a difference? Is it hard to dual boot?
     
    v-feezy11, Mar 17, 2006
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  8. Amber

    Amber Notebook Prophet NBR Reviewer

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    I would just stick with MCE. It is basically the same as XP Pro, but has the entertainment features. The only thing it is missing is domain login, which chances are that you'll never need.

    It is easy to do a dual boot, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you need the domain function.
     
    Amber, Mar 17, 2006
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  9. v-feezy11

    v-feezy11 Notebook Enthusiast

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    You're right, I don't need that. I just thought there was more to Pro compared to MCE. I'm just really excited and want to know everything before I get it so I can be prepared. Thanks
     
    v-feezy11, Mar 17, 2006
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  10. Amber

    Amber Notebook Prophet NBR Reviewer

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    Not really. The only difference between XP Pro and home is the networking functions like the domain login.

    MCE is supposedly more like XP Home, but it has the additional entertainment features that Home and Pro doesn't have.

    As far as I know, home users wouldn't need the domain login in. I've never seen anyone need the domain feature actually (home or business user)
     
    Amber, Mar 17, 2006
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  11. JoyRider

    JoyRider Notebook Enthusiast

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    I don't need the MCE. MS stuffs are not great. When I order my new Dual Core laptop I will goto the business site and just select the XP Home
     
    JoyRider, Mar 18, 2006
    #11