T42 new HDD, new XP install III: files in last HDD sector?

[bobox]

I suspect I don't want to know but ...

I've rebuilt T42 22373 4WG on a new WD1600BEVE from a Ghost image provided by the vendor.
I've downloaded and installed all the KB hotfixes and SP3.

After that I took a look (using XP disk defragger) at disk use and was surprised to find non-contiguous disk use; the first 4GB was used, the next ~20GB free, then 9GB used. Piriform's Defraggler showed the central ~20GB 'free' was reserved for MFT. Since some fragmentation was also shown, I used Piriform's Defraggler to defrag the new HDD.

NOW I have some files in the VERY LAST sector of the disk - right at the end of the Defraggler display. These are
C:\WINDOWS\system32\mui\0816\xpsp3res.dll
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CatRoot2\tmp.edb
C:\WINDOWS\system32\windowscodecs.dll
C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386\obrb0407.dll
C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386\lang\simsun.ttc
& 2 .dll files listed under path C:\System Volume Information\_restore{}\RP5

Since my next step is put in some partitions and install a linux dual boot, I guess it is not safe to leave these files here.
Is there any way to move them to the front of the HDD? (I've tried moving them to another disk and then back ... no can do, as 'another user is using them' [that'll be the OS, I guess]).

Otherwise am I facing the prospect of wiping this HDD and starting all over again? I really don't want to hear this but if that's what it takes ....

in hope ...

[emeraldgirl08]

argh wiping the drive eh

I've done some dumb things like choosing the wrong drive to zero out when I was using killdisk- twice. I accidentally chose my main HDD in my laptop instead of the external drive unit!

I'm not too fond of reinstalling everything but sometimes it is the best solution. Rather than wracking over the complexities of miscellaneous files and what they are? Where should they go? What in blue blazes is that doing there? kind of thing.

Which Linux are you planning on using?

[bobox]

argh wiping the drive eh

I've done some dumb things like choosing the wrong drive to zero out when I was using killdisk- twice. I accidentally chose my main HDD in my laptop instead of the external drive unit!

I'm not too fond of reinstalling everything but sometimes it is the best solution. Rather than wracking over the complexities of miscellaneous files and what they are? Where should they go? What in blue blazes is that doing there? kind of thing.

Which Linux are you planning on using?

Yeah .... not too thrilled. Still, good to hear it's not just me this happens to. (Well, actually, I'd prefer it happened to no one. But hey ho, it's a learning experience, even if I don't know where it all went pear-shaped)

Drive-wiping is essential is it? I'm restoring from a ghost image ... not good enough, eh?

I intent to use the Debian/Ubuntu-based BioLinux from NEBC Oxford ... spot the work connection if you can

Cheers ... off to find Killdisc and get it working

[emeraldgirl08]

I have not heard of that distro. It has a Livedisc has it??? Nice

I wasn't too sure if you had the install-OS disks. A restore from a Ghost Image? I have a vague understanding of how that works

I'm wondering if your Ghost Image was created while your XP was fragmented and in questionable status? If you do not have the the original disks I would put an ad for an WTB recovery disks for the T42. If I had a copy I would send you one no charge but I only have the R40 and T400 recovery disks.

Neither of those would work for your machine.

If...you decide to zero out your drive PLEASE make the necessary backups of important files! Once you zero out that drive all that stuff is almost non-recoverable. You'd need some pretty CSI snazzy expertise to get that stuff back... maybe. If you also do decide to post an WTB recovery disks please put the model type of your Thinkpad with the ad. I know for the T43 it has either an discrete graphics card or an integrated one.

Keep us posted.

[dsvochak]

Piriform's Defraggler showed the central ~20GB 'free' was reserved for MFT.

Not really an issue. See this: http://forum.piriform.com/index.php?showtopic=24599&hl= and this: http://forum.piriform.com/index.php?showtopic=19721&hl=

Since my next step is put in some partitions and install a linux dual boot, I guess it is not safe to leave these files here.

I've never found the location of files in a partition to be a problem when the partition is resized.

[bobox]

I've never found the location of files in a partition to be a problem when the partition is resized.

Good point, thank you, I hadn't considered that option. I've just downloaded the ISO for GParted. My plan had been to wipe, repartition, format, rebuild XP and Office, windowsupdate, then install Linux ISO. Being reconciled with having to go through all that (again) I'm prepared to play, so I'll give the NTFS partition one last chance to play ball by trying a resize tomorrow. Thank you.

I'm kindof enjoying this learning curve but it's going to be good to get this baby up and running and get back to work, though!

[bobox]

I have not heard of that distro. It has a Livedisc has it??? Nice

I wasn't too sure if you had the install-OS disks. A restore from a Ghost Image? I have a vague understanding of how that works

I'm wondering if your Ghost Image was created while your XP was fragmented and in questionable status? If you do not have the the original disks I would put an ad for an WTB recovery disks for the T42. If I had a copy I would send you one no charge but I only have the R40 and T400 recovery disks.
Keep us posted.

Thanks EG8,

I suspect that XP is simpy eye-balling the new big & shiny HDD, recognising the single wopping partition, and claiming its default of 12.5% for the MFT. The vendor told me the disc is what they use to prepare the T42 before resale. I beleive him. I think. (the previous HD was a mere 40GB, so the MFT was more modest)

Not to worry about data loss ... I haven't put anything back on yet (grrh!) ... but thanks for the reminderanyway

cheers