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| Thread ID: 76627 | 2007-02-07 12:15:00 | 2 hard drives safer ? | russell108 (7499) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 523523 | 2007-02-07 16:56:00 | Apart from reinstalling XP on the smaller drive again ,is there another way to boot from it ? | russell108 (7499) | ||
| 523524 | 2007-02-07 19:50:00 | I've used separate data and program drives on my computers for 10 years or more and find it a very successful system. Drive speed variations are not that significant unless one drive is ancient. In addition, I have my data drives in removable caddies and when I go away for any length of time I leave a data image on the computer but store the data drive off-site for added security, along with an image of the program drive. That way should disaster strike (fire or theft) my whole system can be recreated in a couple of hours. Cheers Billy 8-{) |
Billy T (70) | ||
| 523525 | 2007-02-07 22:09:00 | In this case it is irrelevant whether you use two drives or two partitions on a single drive. I have my system divided into multiple partitions for different purposes, including a separate partition taking up most of the drive for my documents, downloads etc. This way a complete reinstall of the OS (e.g. to upgrade to a higher version cleanly) can be done without impacting my data. I still, however, would recommend a backup of all critical documents prior to any OS installation. For everyday use, splitting the system over two drives will have no significant impact on your chances of data loss. In fact, with two drives you have the same risk of data loss as before (the failure risk of the data drive) and the additional risk of your Windows install drive failing, requiring a reinstall of the OS. If you want real safety, you need to have a RAID system with a redundant drive. This requires several drives of the same size (2+ for RAID 1, 3+ for RAID 5). |
TGoddard (7263) | ||
| 523526 | 2007-02-07 23:48:00 | Ok ,so how do i boot from the smaller drive ? | russell108 (7499) | ||
| 523527 | 2007-02-07 23:55:00 | Hi Russell. I have two 80's, each in to three drives - programmes, swap and data. Once a week or so I ghost the working 80 to the other. Occasionally do it at other times, after some changes. Additionally, I copy the data to CD's from time to time. Keep the data elsewhere - out in the workshop. | Scouse (83) | ||
| 523528 | 2007-02-08 09:22:00 | Ok ,so how do i boot from the smaller drive ? Plug the 40GB in as the master and the 160GB as the slave. Install Windows on the 40GB drive. |
TGoddard (7263) | ||
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