Dual boot - disc already partitioned?

dave71

Tech Rank 1/5

Hi there
i suppose this question has been asked before but i would like some clarification. I bought a new acer extensa laptop several moths ago and was lucky enought to get xp pro OEM along with all the other usual oem software.

However i use the machine for dj'ing and have been evaluating software and generally trying computer dj'ing

Now im convinced its right for me i want a second os installing (xp home which i own a legitimate copy of) for dj'ing with noting but my dj software and the minimal drivers required for stability.

My system has 2 drive volumes c: & d: of which the latter is labeled 'acerdata'. Is this a true partition that i can install a second os on.

Regards
Dave

townsbg

Tech Rank 2/5

That sound like a partition put in by the manufacturer that probably contains the reinstall/restore files. That is most definitely what it is if you computer didn't come with restore disk. If so you shouldn't mess with it without getting the ok from the manufacturer's technicians as they will know more about the computer's configuration than we do. Have you tried to enter the partition? If so does it let you? Are there already files there? You can use any XP disk to repartition your drive however you'll have to reinstall XP to do so. Partition Magic will allow you to repartition your drive without a reinstall but it costs $$$. Partitioning is a dangerous task so I'd back up your personal files first. Another possibility is to buy an external hard drive & put XP on it if your computer will boot into an external hard drive.

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margret

D-A-L Newbie

Hi there
i suppose this question has been asked before but i would like some clarification. I bought a new acer extensa laptop several moths ago and was lucky enought to get xp pro OEM along with all the other usual oem software.
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margre

http://www.inspire_itsolution

Dan Penny

Just to reinforce what's been stated above, that D: (AcerData) partition is indeed the file storage to return your laptop back to factory installed condition. ie; If invoked through a restore request, those files will wipe all data from the C: partition and install XP Pro fresh.

These partitions are generally around 2GB in size, the rest of the hard disk space is fully allocated to the (C:) XP Pro O/S. (Operating System.)

So if you want to retain XP Pro, don't mess with D:.

Unfortunately, this means you'd have to resize the C: partition, utilizing the remaining free space in that partition. You will need a third party software to achieve this. A Google search for "freeware partitioning tools" will turn up a good number of them. Ranish Partition Manager. Hard Disk Partitioning Software. Download freeware tools and source code... is quite popular, and I've read good things about Norton Partition Magic alternative freeware - FREE EASEUS Partition Manager Home Edition.

If you choose to go this route, and have any questions, post back here and ask them before you start changing your hard disk.

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D-A-L Hardware Scan

dave71

Tech Rank 1/5

Thanks for the replies

I have looked at my system more thoroughly and the d: is empty had has a capacity of 53.2gb with c drive having a simular 52.7. I have made a boot disk / back up disc as instructed be acer management software that contains factory default settings. There is an option to restore to factory default but as said, not sure where the source information is stored.

I was hoping to just install xp home on to the d: but as i have nothing crucial on the system other than downloaded music which is replaceable, there wont be an issue with cleaning the entire system, sorting partitions and starting again.

I will contact acer in the mean time and try to get some info.

Thanks again

Dave

dave71

Tech Rank 1/5

Update

I have, or should i say my i.t. guy at work has just found that there are 3 partitions listed in disc management,
acer c: partition basic ntfs healthy(system) 52gb
acerdata d: partition basic fat32 healthy 53gb
pq service partition basic fat32 healthy(eisa configuration) 5.8gb

there is 1 folder hidden within d: called restore {afdd5784........} and has 4restore point folders within

I wont do anything until i get some clarification and have contacted acer.

Regards
Dave

townsbg

Tech Rank 2/5

I think that a restore partition wouldn't be so large & the other one that doesn't have a drive letter sounds like it might be the restore partition. However I'm concerned about the restore folder that you mentioned so I wouldn't do anything yet unless you really want to repartition the c-partition. Ask about that partition, why it would have created, & be sure to mention that folder. XP/Vista typically calls the "restore" folder something else [system volume information] which stores restore points so I really don't know what that is for & this folder is hidden. Something you installed might have created that either during or after install so don't mess with it but if you can go into it you might be able to get an idea about what it is however you might not. Let us know.

__________________
For best results please:
1) State your OS(s), any software involed in your problem, & any major updates (i.e. service pack, version, edition, service release, roll up, beta release, distribution [Linux], etc.) to your OS/software as applicable to your problem.
2) For hardware issues also provide your system information: RAM, processor, etc. in addition to your OS.
3) If you have more than one OS on your computer, how does your problem relate to your other OS(s)? This is especially important for hardware issues.
4) Provide as much detail as possible, being specific as even the most minute detail could help others help you solve the problem. Please tell us what you have tried.
5) Respond with the result(s) of the suggestion(s) from the other users to provide feedback, even if this only means saying "this worked!!!"

dave71

Tech Rank 1/5

Update
I have googled 'pqservice' and so far i have read that this is a hidden partition that contains recovery data in event of system needing restoring to factory default.

Nobody seem to be able to access the information stored as it is password protected and only acer have the key. Several people have repartioned their hdd and lost the partition and information.

One article states that he acerdata d: is purely a data storage area for file backup. Acer have not been exactly supportive of other individuals so i'll play the waiting game for now.

cheers
Dave

dave71

Tech Rank 1/5

there's me being synical

I have just heard from acer and if i install any other windows os, other that carrying out a factory default recovery from within windows (using acer empowering application) i will loose the option to use the recovery partition as this will change the 'master boot settings'.

This will happen even if i install on to d:. I assume this would also be the case if i do a recovery using the system backup discs i have just burnt.

so i suppose thats an answer....its a case of cant have cake and eat it. i have all the software & drivers i need to do something to make my system more reliable for what im using it for and thats what i must do.

Thanks for the assistance
Regards
Dave

townsbg

Tech Rank 2/5

If Acer has a tool that allows you to put the restore information on cd(s) then it shouldn't matter if it is kept on the hard drive nor if you keep their boot record but I could be wrong.

__________________
For best results please:
1) State your OS(s), any software involed in your problem, & any major updates (i.e. service pack, version, edition, service release, roll up, beta release, distribution [Linux], etc.) to your OS/software as applicable to your problem.
2) For hardware issues also provide your system information: RAM, processor, etc. in addition to your OS.
3) If you have more than one OS on your computer, how does your problem relate to your other OS(s)? This is especially important for hardware issues.
4) Provide as much detail as possible, being specific as even the most minute detail could help others help you solve the problem. Please tell us what you have tried.
5) Respond with the result(s) of the suggestion(s) from the other users to provide feedback, even if this only means saying "this worked!!!"