How many primary partitions?

[prismatoid]

I have read in PC guide that only 1 primary partition is possible on a hard drive (see their FDISK section) but have also read in Microsoft Core Technology file (which is literature that comes when studying for NT Wrkstn exam) that up to 4 primary partitions are possible or 3 primary and 1 extended partition.
Who knows the truth or where is the confusion coming from?

I assume multiple primary partitions on one disk is for multi-boot systems. But can you not have multi-boot systems using 1 primary partition? Does anyone know where there is literature on creating multi-boot systems with one hard disk?

[Paleo Pete]

This might help, looks like some good info, but it's basically greek to me, I know absolutely nothing about multiple boot systems. Do know how to look up links and info though http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

WinPlanet Multiple Boot Tutorial (http://www.winplanet.com/winplanet/tutorials/737/4/)

Windows NT Tips and Tricks (http://www.bbc.org/oct99nl/winnt.htm)

DOS Multiple Boot How To (http://www.knowplace.org/multi.html)

And from the Microsoft Knowledge Database (http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q101/7/87.asp) they say you'll have to change the active partition, or that's what it looks like...

Hoope all this helps...

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If you had everything...Where would you put it?

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[prismatoid]

Originally posted by Paleo Pete:
This might help, looks like some good info, but it's basically greek to me, I know absolutely nothing about multiple boot systems. Do know how to look up links and info though http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

WinPlanet Multiple Boot Tutorial (http://www.winplanet.com/winplanet/tutorials/737/4/)

Windows NT Tips and Tricks (http://www.bbc.org/oct99nl/winnt.htm)

DOS Multiple Boot How To (http://www.knowplace.org/multi.html)

And from the Microsoft Knowledge Database (http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q101/7/87.asp) they say you'll have to change the active partition, or that's what it looks like...

Hoope all this helps...

[prismatoid]

Originally posted by prismatoid:
Thanks Paleo Pete, some very useful info and i have another site to add to my favourites now. Cheers from prismo!

[ixl]

Uh, where did I say that? http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif If so, that's a mistake. Sorry. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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Charles M. Kozierok
Webslave, The PC Guide (http://www.PCGuide.com)
Comprehensive PC Reference, Troubleshooting, Optimization and Buyer's Guides...
Note: Please reply to my forum postings here on the forums. Thanks.

[prismatoid]

Originally posted by ixl:
Uh, where did I say that? http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif If so, that's a mistake. Sorry. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif


Assuming I read it right; it was under "Disk Partitioning and Formatting Programs" - FDISK - "...since there can only be one primary DOS partition anyway"
By the way, I think The PC Guide is an excellent source of information. I am currently on a fast track computer systems engineering course and this PC Guide is the most comprehensive, hyperlinked and articulate literature that i have come across. It is a life saver for me. A big thanks to Charles Kozierok.

[ixl]

*Blush* Thanks a lot. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif
In November I will be revising the file systems section so I will definitely check that out and correct it. Thanks.

------------------
Charles M. Kozierok
Webslave, The PC Guide (http://www.PCGuide.com)
Comprehensive PC Reference, Troubleshooting, Optimization and Buyer's Guides...
Note: Please reply to my forum postings here on the forums. Thanks.