How To Create A Boot Partition For Your PC
How To Create A Boot Partition For Your PC
How To Create A Boot Partition For Your PC
In the world of computers, creating multiple regions on a hard disk is very rampant. Through such
creation, the operating system of a computer can be separately managing the data stored in each of
these regions. This practice is commonly referred to as disk partitioning. This is usually the initial step to
have a newly manufactured disk prepared and before the creation of other files or directories.
Such partitioning allows a user to install multiple operating systems in one computer without having to
worry about getting his disk space full. However, it may prevent the user from actually using the whole
disk space because it is dividing the space into several parts with limited storage capacities.
Part 1: What Is a Boot Partition
A Boot Partition is considered as a primary partition and is also known as the boot volume. It is a region
in a personal computer that houses the bootloader. A bootloader is an essential software that is
primarily responsible for booting the operating system. It also contains all the operating system files.
This partition usually exists with a System Partition, as both of them instruct the computer where to look
and which files to load when a user turns the laptop. If the user only has one operating system on his PC,
the boot and system partition may be in the same region. However, if he has several operating systems,
he should be familiar with the concept to differentiate which one is the boot partition and which one is
the system partition.
A boot partition allows a user to install multiple operating systems on his computer without any of them
affecting the usage and functionality of another. Simply put, the operating systems installed are
independent of each other. It is at the sole discretion of the user to decide which operating system he
wants to use and load. For instance, he may have both a Windows 7 and Windows 10 operating systems
installed on his computer. If he wishes to use his Windows Vista, he can just boot his computer in
Windows 7 mode, and the computer screen will appear as Windows 7. The same idea applies if he will
be booting up the Windows 10 operating system.
As a general note, the user will need to install the earliest operating system version first before installing
another one. In the case mentioned above, he should be fixing the Windows Vista first (if it is not yet set
up on his computer), then create a new partition. Afterward, he needs to install Windows 10. Installing
Windows 10 before installing Windows 7 should not be the case.
In the previous years, most system administrators are always advised to create a separate boot partition
for each computer. However, in the most recent years, it is no longer necessary provided that the user is
not dealing with or not using encryption like BitLocker Drive, RAID software, or LVM.
Things to Take Care of When Creating Boot Partition on a Computer
1. There are times when the total disk space will not be enough for the creation of a new partition.
For this matter, you will have to shrink the other partitions that are already active on the
computer to free up some space. You should make sure that you will create a backup file for the
partition you will be shrinking to avoid loss of data.
2. The creation of a new partition could be a complicated process for a novice user. If you are a
newbie and do not have sufficient knowledge about this process, you shouldn't perform such
steps alone.
3. You may need to install a third-party program in creating a new partition on your system if you
lack knowledge on this field or if the built-in disk space is not enough.
Part 2: How to Create a Boot Partition on Hard Drive
There are multiple steps that you, as a user, need to carefully follow if you will be creating a boot
partition for your computer. The steps will vary depending on the operating system that is currently
installed on your personal computer.
1. Create a Boot Partition for Windows XP:
1. Firstly, click on Start > Run, and then type "compmgmt.msc." You have to press Enter or click on
OK so that you can open up the Computer Management page.
2. On Computer Management, you should select Storage and choose Disk Management.
3. Once you see an unallocated or available disk space, right-click on it and select New Partition.
4. The New Partition Wizard will appear. You just need to follow the steps that are indicated in the
Wizard, and you will be able to create one afterward successfully. These steps should be easy to
follow.
4. On the Computer Management screen, you must click on Disk Management under the Storage
section.
5. You will then see your disk space and the ones unallocated or available. You should click on that
space and select New Simple Volume.
6. The New Simple Volume Wizard will appear. You just simply need to follow the instructions that
2. You will then see the list of unallocated disk space on your computer. You should select an
available one, right-click on it and click on New Simple Volume.
3. A New Simple Volume Wizard will appear. You just have to follow the steps on this Wizard to
complete the process. After the Wizard finishes the process, it will then notify you by displaying
the Completing the New Simple Volume Wizard box. You need to click on Finish.
on your screen.
The partition is typically used to allow a user to have a different operating system installed on the same
computer or give the impression that a second hard drive is installed. This separated segment of a hard
drive could prove useful when a computer has multiple users, or the user is going to manage all the files.
All windows operating systems are designed so that their hard disk is divided into different partitions.
Hence, it is possible to share a physical hard disk with smaller logical partitions.
There are three different types of partition, which will be explained below.
Features of a Disk Partition
To understand partition better, some of its advantages are mentioned below:
Inserting a special drive for personal information
In case of Windows failure and replacement, the data will not be damaged
Ease of use and easy access to OS
Generally, Drive C on computers running Windows is the first partition.
Part 2: What Is a Disk Partition Used for
Partition is not only good for the optimal and better use of hard disk space, but also you can access
easier and faster to classified information. Here are some of the reasons why partitions are very
important for the smooth running of your device.
1. It is crucial to understand that one of the main uses of partition is to prepare the hard drive to
install the operating system. When installing an OS such as Windows, installing is the beginning
of the windows partitioning. This partition is used to specify a part of the hard drive as storage
and installation of Windows files. On the Windows operating system, the primary partition is
usually denominated by the letter C, known as drive C.
2. Another reason for partitioning is that you can set up different operating systems on one hard
drive and select which operating system to boot by using dual or multi-boot. You can have
Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux installed on your computer simultaneously, or even have three or
four different types of operating systems installed on your computer.
3. Managing files better. In other words, hard drive partitions can also be created for better file
management. Although all partitions are parts of a physical drive, it is better to consider all
partitions with separate drivers for a photo, video, or software download location than to put all
the files in one partition in separate folders.
4. The last reason for hard disk partitioning is to separate operating system files from personal
data. By doing so, your personal and valuable information would be saved in case of appearing
major issues in windows and reinstalling if it would be needed.
Part 3: Different Types of Disk Partitioning
There are 3 types of partition: primary partition, extended partition, and logical partition. Let's describe
each one in detail.
Primary Partition
Installing an operating system is only possible on the primary partition. When installing the operating
system on the primary partition, it's time for the computer to load the OS. Remember that early
versions of Windows allow users to set up a maximum of 4 primary partitions. It means that one MBR
(Master Boot Record) hard disk could have 4 primary partitions.
Note: Although there can be 4 primary partitions, only one of the partitions is allowed to be activated at
the OS on which the computer boots.
On the other hand, on GPT (GUID Partition Table), users can create up to 128 primary partitions on a
hard drive.
Note: on GPT, there is no need to create an extended partition or the logical one. Do not forget that GPT
can support an 18 EB hard disk without limitations.
You already know that each partition with an operating system installed on it is called a primary
partition.
Extended Partition
Unlike primary partition, there can be only one extended partition on a hard drive. An extended
partition is divided into additional logical drives. In other words, to remove the imitations of 4 partitions,
there is no way except to use an extended partition.
As mentioned below, storing data occurs on a logical partition. But extended partition responsibility is
different. It is interesting to know that it keeps logical partitions together. There is only one extended
partition on a hard drive, not more!
Read More:
Convert Logical Drive to Primary Partition
Logical Partition
A logical partition is what you can create to store things like movies, software, application files, and
more.
There are many elements involved in ensuring a computer operates at optimum capacity. In order to function
properly, computers require memory to hold information that the central processing unit uses to process and
complete instructions. If you're interested in a career in computer science, then consider learning more about
computer memory and its role in digital devices.In this article, we discuss what computer memory is, why it's
important and 14 types of computer memory.
Computer memory is an internal or external system that stores data and instructions on a device. It consists of
several cells, called memory cells, that each have a unique identification number.The central processing unit
(CPU), which reads and executes instructions, selects specific cells to read or write data depending on the task the
user is asking the computer to do. There are many kinds of memory you can use depending on how much you
need and the type of device you're using.
Computer memory is important because devices cannot process tasks without it. Memory ensures a device turns
on and functions properly. In addition, it keeps your computer running quickly and allows you to use multiple
applications at once. If you want to store data for later use, you also use certain types for that purpose.Related:
1. Internal
Internal memory, also known as primary memory, stores small amounts of data that the computer can access
while you're actively using it. Internal memory consists of chips connected to the motherboard and needs to be
connected directly to the device in order to use it. There are two basic types of internal memory called RAM and
ROM, and those have their own subsets of memory.
2. RAM
Random access memory (RAM) is the primary internal memory of the central processing unit (CPU). Your
electronic device uses it for storing temporary data. It does this by providing applications with a place to store
data you're actively using so that it can quickly access the data. The amount of RAM on your device controls its
performance and speed. If you don't have enough RAM, it may process programs slowly which can affect the
output and speed with which you can use the computer.RAM also has "volatile memory" because it loses the data
it was storing if you turn off the device. For example, if you're on your laptop using the internet browser and your
computer gets turned off, it may not have saved the web pages you were previously using because RAM only
stores that information temporarily.
3. DRAM
Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) is one of the two specific types of RAM seen in modern devices, such as
laptops, desktops, portable devices and gaming systems. It's the more affordable of the two types of RAM and
produces high-capacity memory.It's made of two components, transistors and capacitors, which require a
recharge every few seconds to retain its data. Like RAM, it also loses data when it loses power and has volatile
memory.
4. SRAM
Static random access memory (SRAM) is the second type of RAM and stores data as long as there is power in the
system, unlike DRAM which is refreshed much more frequently. Because it holds power longer, it's more
expensive than DRAM, which typically makes it not as widely used. Users generally use SRAM for cache memory,
which makes it a faster form of memory than DRAM.
5. ROM
Read-only memory (ROM) is another type of primary internal memory, but unlike RAM, ROM is non-volatile and
stores data permanently. It does not depend on the device to be turned on in order to save data.Instead, a
programmer writes the data into individual cells using binary code, which represents text using the "1" and "0"
two-symbol system. Because you cannot alter the data on ROM, you can use this type of memory for aspects that
don't change, such as the boot-up of software or firmware instructions, which help a device function
properly.Related: What Is ROM and How Is It Different From RAM?
6. PROM
Programmable read-only memory (PROM) is a type of ROM that begins as memory with no data on it. A user can
write data onto the chip using a special device called a PROM programmer.Like ROM, data is permanent once a
user has written it onto the chip. This type of memory may be useful to programmers who would like to create
specific firmware for a chip and use it to alter the typical function of a system.
7. EPROM
Erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) is another type of ROM chip that users can write data on as
well as erase old data and reprogram it. You can erase the current data by using ultraviolet (UV) light in the form
of a quartz crystal window at the top of the chip.After you've erased the data, you can use the PROM programmer
to reprogram it. You can only erase data from an EPROM chip a certain number of times because excessive
erasing can damage the chip and make it unreliable for future use.
8. EEPROM
Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) is the final type of non-volatile ROM chip that
usually replaces the need for PROM or EPROM chips. This type of memory also allows users to erase and
reprogram data onto the chip, but does so using an electric field and is much quicker at erasing data than the
EPROM. In addition, you can conveniently erase data while the chip is still inside the computer, whereas EPROM
chips need to be taken out of the computer to erase it.
9. Cache
Cache memory is an internal high-speed semiconductor memory that stores instances of data frequently used by
the CPU. It provides access to the CPU, so when the CPU requests data or programs the cache memory can
transfer them to the CPU almost instantly. Cache memory usually sits between the CPU and RAM and serves as a
buffer between the two.Related:
10. External
External memory, also known as secondary memory, is memory not directly connected to the CPU that you can
attach or remove as needed. There are many types of external memory that individuals use in their
devices.Examples include external hard drives, flash drives, memory cards and compact discs (CDs). You can store
data from a computer onto external memory, remove it from the device and connect it with another compatible
device to transfer data.
Optical drive memory is an external memory that can both store and read data using light. The most common
types are CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs. To access the contents on an optical drive, you place the disc inside the
computer and the computer spins the disc.A laser beam inside the system scans it, receives the data on the
optical drive and uploads it onto the computer. This type of memory can be useful because it's generally
inexpensive, easily accessible and stores a lot of data.
Magnetic storage devices have a coating of magnetic material where it encodes data as an electric current. This
type of memory uses magnetic fields to magnetize small sections of a metal spinning disk.Each section represents
a "1" or a "0" and contains an extensive amount of data, often many terabytes. Users like this type of memory
because it's affordable, durable and can store a lot of data. Common forms of magnetic storage devices are
magnetic tape, hard disk drives and floppy disks.
Solid-state drives are a form of external memory made up of silicon microchips. They're similar to magnetic
storage devices because you can remove them from the device you're storing or extracting data from, but solid-
state drives are more modern.They're also faster because the memory keeps the binary data stored electrically in
silicon chips known as cells. RAM uses a similar technique, but solid-state drives can keep memory stored even
when you turn off a device because they use flash memory. Common types are the universal serial bus (USB)
memory stick or USB flash drive.
14. Virtual
Virtual memory is another type of secondary memory in the form of a hard drive or solid-state drive that enables
a computer to compensate for shortages of physical memory by transferring data from RAM to disk storage.
When the availability on RAM is running low, virtual memory moves data to a paging file, which is a portion of a
hard disk used as an extension of RAM. This is a temporary process that disappears when RAM has more space
available.For example, if a user is on their device and using multiple applications at once, they may use a large
portion of available RAM, which could slow down the device and its ability to efficiently operate the programs.
The data the computer isn't using then gets transferred to virtual memory to provide more space for the RAM to
run the applications at their full capacity.