System management

Resizing the Windows partition

Resizing the existing Windows partition without loosing data saves a lot of time compared to a complete reinstallation of Windows, but it isn't without a risk... This page describes how to resize the Windows partitions safely (keeping the existing files).

Resizing the Windows partition when there is a recovery partition

This page describes how to reduce the size of the Windows partition in case there is a recovery partition. The advantage of a recovery partition is the simplicity to restore Windows (drivers and software included) to the factory settings. Unfortunately, this is the only advantage, there is no other reason of being happy about this recovery partition. It is hard to make changes to the partition table, which is the biggest disadvantage.

Changing the storage location of the personal folders

By default, the personal files (documents, pictures, music, videos, e-mailarchive, contacts, e.g.) are stored on the Windows partition, next to the system files. As you can imagine, this is not the most practical storage location... That's why I prefer to separate the personal files (like documents, pictures, videos, e-mail, contacts e.g.) from the system files by moving them to another storage location (a special data partition).

Creating an image of the Windows system

Now you have done so much work installing and optimizing your Windows, I can imagine you would like to backup your current settings. This is done with a system image. Here you read more about creating a free system image. If you are infected with a virus or something else gone wrong, you can restore your system by placing back an image of your original C: partition!

Multiboot: Windows bootmanager vs. an alternative bootmanager

This page is about setting up an multiboot system: installing multiple operating systems on one computer. This could be a combination of Windows 98, Windows XP, Windows Vista and/or one of the many other operating systems (like a Linux distribution). A bootmanager is used to show a boot menu to let the user choose between the installed operating systems. This page describes the advantages and disadvantages of the Windows bootmanager and alternative bootmanagers as well and tells how to setup a multiboot system.

Setting up a multiboot/dualboot system with MrBooter

Setting up a multiboot system with MrBooter.

Replacing the hard disk and imaging Windows to the new hard disk

This page informs about replacing your hard disk with a new one, which is less difficult then you would think. This will give you more free space to store your files, but most importantly will speed up your Windows! The next step is imaging the old Windows installation (with the personal files included!) to the new hard disk using free imaging software, which will save a lot of time.

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