Best way to backup / format my hard drive? [norton ghost] [harddrive]
Q: I want to feel clean XP ever did. I have Norton Ghost now and tell me what the best options. Keep in mind I only have one hard drive. (40gig)
1. Is there a way to a partition on my current HD to do? My stuff so I can simply move to the new partition and format the other in which the OS will stay.
2. (If no, I can still things using a backup of my brother temporarily HD.) Then, how do I install new convenience for most to prepare?
a. format c:, then fresh install XP ghost so that the next time it will be nice and easy next time you want up.
b clean. format c:, and then create two partitions. one for XP and another for all other programs.
Which is better? I do not think I really do not feel it. Lead me.
Best Answer: id say most people use .avi…its a storage format type…it will be around 700mb ea for typical movies but it keeps sound and video sync perferctly
Re:Here's the way I like to have my systems setup:
C:\ partition has OS and all apps installed.
D:\ partition has all data files and a GHOST IMAGE file of the C:\ partition as well as the WINNT folder.
You can get there by getting a 2nd HD and copying all of your data files to it.
Then wipe your 1st HD and create 2 partitions and format.
Load your OS, drivers & apps and tweak it to where you like it.
Then MAKE A GHOST IMAGE file of it and save it to your D:\ partition.
You could also use Partition Magic to create a second partition on your 1st HD but this is very risky.
Re:Ghost is worthless if you didn't make an image before your machine became sluggish/unclean. It can't turn back the clock.
Re:Get a second hdd to back things up to.
Or
Get a DVD burner and use Drive Image 7.
Or
Use Partition Magic and make a partition. Caution: doing so can render your system useless.
Re:Originally posted by: guy
Originally posted by: guy
ive got 4 partitions in my HD… ive got a 4gb partition just for the OS. Makes reformatting a lot easier. 
Do the programs work tho ?
Doesn't the programs have to be in the system/windows registry ?
isn't this where ghosting comes in? Someone tell me why this complimentary Norton Ghost CD i have in my hand is useful at all? (came with my soundcard)
Re:Originally posted by: guy
Originally posted by: guy
ive got 4 partitions in my HD… ive got a 4gb partition just for the OS. Makes reformatting a lot easier.
so the 4gb partition is only for the OS? You must install MS office/other program files in other directory then?
If so, why waste 2.5gb~ when XP only takes about 1.5gb?
Yep… i have a partition dedicated to applications alone… and another for stuff… like mp3s… movies…etc.
My OS has bloated into 2GB for some reason.
Re:Originally posted by: guy
ive got 4 partitions in my HD… ive got a 4gb partition just for the OS. Makes reformatting a lot easier.
Do the programs work tho ?
Doesn't the programs have to be in the system/windows registry ?
Re:Originally posted by: guy
ive got 4 partitions in my HD… ive got a 4gb partition just for the OS. Makes reformatting a lot easier.
so the 4gb partition is only for the OS? You must install MS office/other program files in other directory then?
If so, why waste 2.5gb~ when XP only takes about 1.5gb?
Re:Originally posted by: guy
ive got 4 partitions in my HD… ive got a 4gb partition just for the OS. Makes reformatting a lot easier.
what program is needed to create a partition, and how permanent is it? (obviosuly i dont know anything)
the partition stays through the formatting?
Re:Originally posted by: AgaBooga
spend a few days making cd's of all your programs/data files you find yourself using. Make sure by going through your start menu you have all the programs on a cd in a stack
After a week, you should have all you need, format
then what makes ghost useful? :confused:
Re:ive got 4 partitions in my HD… ive got a 4gb partition just for the OS. Makes reformatting a lot easier.
Re:Norton Ghost or boot with your XP CD inside the CD drive and boot from the CD drive. Format from there.
You're in, you're out, get on with your life.
Re:Do you have any other machines on your network? I like to move all my stuff to my Gentoo machine via Samba or to my dad's machine. I then partition and format the drive and install.
Re:spend a few days making cd's of all your programs/data files you find yourself using. Make sure by going through your start menu you have all the programs on a cd in a stack
After a week, you should have all you need, format
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Tags: harddrive, norton ghost