XP - smallest part size? - FS types?
nrwilk
The FTC
Hi, I've never really used Windows before, so my knowledge about it is just about nil.
I have several questions:
1. What is the absolute smallest partition size that XP will be happy on. Is this different for Home and Pro versions?
Explanation for clarification: I have a Windows/Linux dual-boot system setup on my new laptop, and I use XP for only gaming. I probably will not even be using it at all soon. But, until I wipe it completely, I want it to be sucking as little space from my system as possible.
2. What filesystems is XP capable of reading and writing to? My guess is FAT, FAT32, and NTFS. Are there any more?
Explanation for clarification: I want to create a music partition that I can access from either Windows or Linux. Linux cannot write to NTFS. I know that both systems read and write FAT32, but it isn't exactly the best filesystem in the world, so I'm checking to see if Windows can handle any others.
3. I have absolutely no idea why, but it seems that everyone uses XP pro over XP home. I happen to have an XP pro install disk chillin' in a stack of disks. Is it worth it to upgrade to pro, even if I won't be using XP much?
3a. If I upgrade XP to the pro version, will it overwrite my MBR? Or, will it just use the existing boot record?
I'm sure that any answers I get for these questions will spawn more questions.
Thanks for any answers!
nrwilk
I have several questions:
1. What is the absolute smallest partition size that XP will be happy on. Is this different for Home and Pro versions?
Explanation for clarification: I have a Windows/Linux dual-boot system setup on my new laptop, and I use XP for only gaming. I probably will not even be using it at all soon. But, until I wipe it completely, I want it to be sucking as little space from my system as possible.
2. What filesystems is XP capable of reading and writing to? My guess is FAT, FAT32, and NTFS. Are there any more?
Explanation for clarification: I want to create a music partition that I can access from either Windows or Linux. Linux cannot write to NTFS. I know that both systems read and write FAT32, but it isn't exactly the best filesystem in the world, so I'm checking to see if Windows can handle any others.
3. I have absolutely no idea why, but it seems that everyone uses XP pro over XP home. I happen to have an XP pro install disk chillin' in a stack of disks. Is it worth it to upgrade to pro, even if I won't be using XP much?
3a. If I upgrade XP to the pro version, will it overwrite my MBR? Or, will it just use the existing boot record?
I'm sure that any answers I get for these questions will spawn more questions.
Thanks for any answers!
nrwilk
0
Comments
2) All I know of is what you mentioned...
3)Home and Pro isn't all that different, it's just that Pro SOUNDS better. All that's really different is some networking tools, but all in all you wouldn't notice a difference unless your an admin or something.