Splitting a hard disk into multiple partitions is a smart way to organize your data. On systems that use Microsoft Windows, usually the operating system (OS) and applications are stored on one hard disk partition, and the user data is stored on another. This makes it possible to reinstall the OS partition if it develops problems, without affecting the partitions that store the data.

Partitioning the hard disk also makes sense when you want to store a large number of small files which enables you to save space on your hard drive.

You can save multiple copies of your important data on different partitions, so that if the file systems on one of these are corrupted, you still have copies of your data.

Sometimes, you may have to divide a large HDD into multiple partitions if your HDD is larger than the partition size your OS can support.

Extended Partitions

The partition table, which is a reserved section at the beginning of the HDD, is where all the information about the partitions is stored. While the typical partition table can only store information about four partitions, an extended partition can store information about additional partitions.

With an extended partition, you can create more than four partitions on your HDD.

The four standard partitions are often referred to as primary partitions. Those arranged in an extended partition are called logical partitions.

Partition Constraints

When creating partitions, ensure that:

• Partitions do not overlap, because this would cause data corruption as well as other problems.



• Partitions are not moved. However, they may be resized and copied.



• There is no gap between adjacent partitions, since they waste space.



• Unpartitioned space is left on your hard disk so that you may use it for partitioning at a later date, if you wish to.