Windows 7 patrtition space

[Ted Harris]

I am planning to install Windows 7, 64 bit on a 1TB HDD in one of two partitions. I have read space allowance recommendations for from 20 GB to 50 GBs. I understand that along with the OS, there are several additional files that have to be installed in that same partition, ie. Program Files, Program Files (x86), Users and Perflogs. If this is correct, wouldn't it be prudent to allow more space than that? If that is not correct, how do I force these files to go to the other partition during installation.

 

[JackMDS]

The OS + office + basic utilities, is about 20GB.

So 50GB is plenty for other stuff that must be on C:

 

[KeypoX]

I used to go 80GB a couple years ago. Now I got 100GB.

 

[Ted Harris]

But is it correct that these files have to be installed in that same partition, ie. Program Files, Program Files (x86), Users and Perflogs?

 

[Leros]

But is it correct that these files have to be installed in that same partition, ie. Program Files, Program Files (x86), Users and Perflogs?

You will get default directories. Some programs will default to using these directories. For the most part, you can choose to install programs to a different partition and nobody is forcing you to store your personal files in C:/User/TedHarris/.

I would suggest giving yourself 100GB (maybe more if you install a lot of games) on your C: partition. I would install your OS and programs on that C: partition. Use your second partition primarily for data. I think there might be a way to remap your C:/User/TedHarris/ directory to another location, but I don't remember how people are doing it.

 

[JackMDS]

Ted may be you should try to approach the issue from an other perspective.

I.e., talk specifically about what you plan to install on this drive beside the OS.

 

[Ted Harris]

Thanks JackMDS for the time and attention to my problem. You are correct in that I should talk about my specific desires. First some background. I am an eighty-year-old duffer who got in to computers way too late in life. I have built several rigs (just about anyone can do this if they can read). However I am technical knowledge challenged.
I replaced the HDD in my present rig with a WD Caviar Black 1TB SATA II (two partitions, 1 for OS and the other for data), and a WD VelociRaptor 150 GB HDD SATA II (for Flight Simulation).
The following can be regarded as a comedy of errors. I did first go to the forums and thought that I had prepared myself sufficiently. My first W7 installation was a success, however I did not manage my files properly and ended up with files in my OS partition that I did not want. I then repartitioned and installed everything in one "C" drive. Not being knowledgeable enough about Carbonite restore, I let it get away from me and re-installed a lot of files that I didn't want.
So - here is what I want: A new clean install. In my WD 1TB HDD I want two partitions. I want to install in the first partition the OS and only the necessary files in order to allow me to reinstall or upgrade with out disturbing the data files. In the second partition I want all of the data files. In the WD VRap HDD, which is still empty, I want to install just my MS Flight Simulator. I appreciate any help that you can give especially the guidance on the files that I need to install with the OS>

 

[lxskllr]

I'm not a huge fan of partitioning for data management. It seems like you always end up with too much, or too little room, and you waste space. Have you considered buying another 1tb drive for backups? You could image the whole thing, and be ready to go if you have drive issues. The downside to that is the length of time it takes to image a whole drive, but if you do it while your sleeping, it shouldn't affect your life too greatly.

 

[RebateMonger]

These days I generally advise people with very large OS disks to consider devoting 100 GB to the OS and the rest to data storage. I say this because with today's fast disks and good system imaging programs, it's not a huge deal to backup and restore a 100 GB System partition if needed. It's a PITA to run out of space on the OS partition.

You can always store data on the unused portion of the OS partition. That's a lot less problematic than having to start installing applications on your data partition.

 

[Ted Harris]

Thanks Guys, you have given me a lot to think about. I appreciate your time.