Re-partition hard drive

[anotheoldgit]

I notice on my new laptop the had drive is partiioned into two parts, Recover (D:) and Boot (C:)

Could anyone please explain why this is, and is it possible to re-partition the hard drive thus making more use of the hard drive?

[ACtheTROLL]

Partitions are a little like folders .... they tend to be used to split up the functions .... so
a partition for the operating system .... one for data .... one for games ... one for recovery .....
the "correct" number / size of partitions is realy down to how you use the machine .... if you don't play games ... there isn't much point in having a games partition

if you go .... you'd further split the games partition by (for instance) e:\manufacturer/game
or just game .... depends how you like to do it.

it depend which operating system you have
(this isn't strictly true) but creating/deleting partitions tends to be destructive ... and so is USUALLY is done as part of the initial setup

that said .... Vista allows you to split existing partitions
(but not resize them)
and progs like acronis partition manager powerquest, O&O, paragon etc
will allow you to create re-size delete move etc etc .... but you have to buy - they're not free.

so the question is .... what do you actually want to do?

[vehelpfulguy]

Your recovery partition will contain the "back up" version of Windows in case you ever need to reinstall it.

If you get rid of it you will not be able to use it to recover Windows if the version on "Boot" crashes or whatever.

I believe some laptops allow you to create a recovery CD based on this recovery partition (or you may already have a recovery CD). Check your laptop documentation.

If you DO have a recovery CD then you can get rid of this "Recover" partiton.

If you DONT have a recovery CD you need this partition to re-install Windows.

If you DONT have a recovery CD, AND you get rid of this recovery partition, you will need to buy a new version of Windows to re-install it.

I would suggest leaving the partition alone.

If you need more disk space buy one of those external hard drivse that plug into your USB port, they are fairly cheap nowadays.