Got in a $405 off deal from Dell. Got an Inspiron 6400 (same as the E1505) with the Core Duo 1.7 ghz processor, 15.4" TrueLife screen, upgraded video card, 160 GB harddrive, wifi/bluetooth.

So, it has Windows Vista. Dell has this computer configured with four partitions--the C: for the operating system, D: is apparently a ghost image so you can return your computer to the way it was the day you bought it (takes 10 under minutes total) and two hidden partitions, one for Media Direct that allows to run certain applications without ever turning on the computer (like a PDA) and another hidden partition for Dell Support.

You are only allowed 4 partitions per logical drive and they're all taken. I usually keep all of my data files, pictures, etc. on the D: and back everything up to an external harddrive. If the C: gets a virus and goes south, I can wipe the operating system without touching my multimedia data. Can't do this now, so what is a logical way to store my personal data so I can easily find it later to back it up?

 

If it were me, i'd take the ghost image or the dell support, and dump it to a CD/DVD, then repartition. That might have some kind of repremand though, like hardware dependency on that partition or something stupid (hey, i've had bad luck with Dells).

 

I would reformat everything and repartition...I do not know anything about vista but when I bought a previous computer from Dell it was pretty slow coming out of the package. I decided to format it as it was full of Dell junk that they put on and it was a wonder after that. My advice: get rid of as much of the Dell stuff as possible.

 

Dump vista all together, remove the dell ghost and install XP and make your partitions. Dell is crap when it comes to installing allkinds of junk you dont need..

 

Go out and buy a program called Acronis.

after you do that. delete all the extra partitions you dont want.
With Acronis, you can create a new restore partition or just make your own restore CDs\dvds

 

If it's only for data you can create an extended partition and store your data on that. You can have as many extended partitions as your heart desires, or the alphabet runs out.

But there still is no replacing a seperate backup drive, even with your great number of partitions if the drive dies, so does your seperated partitioned data. Plus since you say it's multimedia content 160gb is not a great deal of space. With backup drives costing as little as $100, there is no reason not to have one.

 

I do backup my data to an external harddrive. With my old computer I simply drag my entire D: (data) to the external and let it do its thing.

With the new computer, I currently cannot create an additional partition, so I would have to manually go through and backup individual folders on the C:. So would Acronis allow me to add a fifth partition and keep some of the Dell features that actually are quite nice?

 

I know nothing about Vista, but if it's anything like XP, you should be able to right click on my computer (if it's still there), go to manage, then drives and storage or something like that....if you look around at the options enough, there should be some place where you can sub-partition the logical partitions. XP's NTFS system allowed a limited number of LOGICAL partitions, and a near unlimited number of sub-partitions (I forget the technical name)....Sorry if this doesn't help at all, I'm a 100% Mac convert, no regrets

 

I cant remeber if acronis will let you create another extended partition.. it probably will but dont quote me on it. With the acronis partition, you can delete your OEM dell restore partition and replace it with the acronis one. The nice part about that is you can install all of the software you want, and uninstall all the stuff you dont want. I reccomend doing this after you have had the computer for a few weeks and adjust your settings the way you like them.