...but if you had to wipe the OS and start again then your data would be on the d drive and you could replace the OS and format c with no problems, its not always possible to take a backup just before wiping the machine. this is why i partition, my data is too large to realistically backup every day, even weekly is a prob.
~M


>
>Assuming that C: would be on the outer area and D: inward to the centre...
>
>I stopped partitioning my HDs as soon as it was feasible, but that's beside the point.
>
>I understand that many (most?) people like to partition their HD so that C: has all the OS and products and D: has all their working (personal) data.
>In such a case they are paying a penalty every time they access their working data because chances are good that the OS or the active programs refer to C: frequently, for anything from their executable components to their temp files in Documents and settings...
>This means crossing the whole of C: including a bunch of empty space every time that happens. And in the reverse direction too.
>
>I think people are better off not using partitioning, most particularly for the HD housing C:.
>
>cheers