How to Partition a Hard Drive to Optimize Performance

What is a Partition?

When you partition a hard drive you create two or more distinct sections on the hard disk that stores all your computer’s files and data. Each of these sections or partitions functions as an individual hard drive. Data from one partition cannot cross over into another partition.

So, although you probably only have one physical hard disk in your machine, you can make your computer function as though it has several.

Creating a Partition

Creating a new partition is a relatively simple process. However, it can only be done without the aid of third-party software if there is unallocated space on your hard disk drive. If all the space on your hard drive has been allocated you’ll need to download an appropriate piece of partitioning software and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

How to Create a Partition in Windows XP

Assuming you have some unallocated space on your hard drive, the instructions below will show you how to create a partition.

1. Click Start.
2. Right click My Computer.
3. Click Manage.
4. On the left-hand side of the panel which displays you’ll see a heading of Storage. Beneath this you’ll see the sub-heading of Disk Management. Click Disk Management.
5. In the lower part of the panel on the right-hand side you’ll now see a graphical representation of whatever partitions and unallocated disk space currently exist on your computer.
6. Right Click on the Unallocated block (it will have a black bar at the top).
7. Click New Partition.
8. The New Partition Wizard will launch – click Next to continue.
9. Select Primary Partition and click Next.
10. Enter the size (in Mb) you want your new partition to be in the “partition size” field and click Next. Obviously, you can’t enter a figure higher than the existing amount of unallocated space.
11. Assign a letter to the new drive (so you’ll be able to identify it later) and click Next.
12. The panel which now presents allows you to format your new drive/partition. You can’t use a partition until it’s been formatted so you might as well do it here. Select “Format the partition with the following settings” and enter the file system etc. that you want (or just use the default settings).
13. Click Next.
14. A confirmation panel presents – click Finish to exit the wizard. Note: your computer will take a few minutes at this point to format your new partition.

How to Partition Your Hard Drive to Optimize Performance

PCWORLD