Trying to understand W2k

[Rex]

Hi there,

I have just acquired a new, 60gb hd for my T22. Have been using W2k (FAT32) for a long time and intend to format the new drive as W2k (NTFS)

Having done so, I want to partition it. When I look under Disk Manager, the new drive is listed as Disk 0/ Basic/Online/ 1.89mb (that my be gb?)/unallocated. The remained of the drive is listed as Disk 1/Basic/online/ 57gb. This Disk 1 has the W2k os on a 12 gb partition and the remainder is listed as unallocated. I should be able to partition the Disk 1 unallocated part but have yet to do so.

My question is, what is this bit of unallocated space (Disk 0) and can I merge it with the rest of the hd?

Also, I have heard about having a small DOS partition on an NTFS drive. What is this for ? How do I do it? Is it necessary?

Many thanks for any answers in advance.

Rex

[ashleys]

You can use the DISKPART line command to extend a partition into unused space although with W2K there are restictions with extending the system partition.
I've used it to extend data volumes sucessfully.
Follow this link for details on DISKPART,
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/325590/en-us

I can't see why you'd have some orphaned space like that though.

Just ensure the IBM hidden parition is gone and then install W2K.
I always allocate the C: drive during W2K setup and get the system installed. Then bring W2K up to date with all the required service (updates) and I then use disk manager to define my other partitions.
My current TPAD partition setup is as follows,

C: System volume and program files only
D: *ALL* my user data files
R: Partition for my Rescue and Recovery backups.

I also have a USB external device with two partitions as follows,
F: Partition containing bootable Rescue and Recovery product and the copy of RRBackups from R:
G: XCOPY file backups from D:

This configuration gives me full restore capabilities from both a Windows failure *AND* a drive failure. Futhermore, it enabled me to quickly and easily upgrade my TPAD drive when required.
Note : I have removed the IBM hidden partition as I cannot see the use for it.

Ashley.

[Rex]

Ashley,

Thanks for your reply.

I will see if I can merge this 1.89gb that seems to be sitting at the beginning of the drive.

It shows up under Disk Management but not in Partition Magic!

I don't have the IBM R&R but have the new disk, partitioned like the previous, C (W2K); D (MyDocs); E (Temp Internet files and Photoshop scratch disk. This is always cleared after closing the internet connection); F: (Spare) and G: (Image. Make an image of C: here for quick restoration should I screw up!)

I also have a UltraBay hd caddy. Have just copied MyDocs from my old 20gb hd. Zapped through 6gb in about 5 mins.

Rex