Hi, I'm going to replace my main hard-drive with a new one (probably 80 Gb). I currently have 2 partitions on my main drive, one for Programs (including Windows), and one for Data. On my new drive, should I create 3 partitions- Programs, Data, and a new one just for Windows? Would this be more stable/faster? If I should have a seperate drive for Windows, how big should it be? Do programs/Windows run better on the same drive? I also have a 2nd hard-drive running with Audio Data on it. All help much appreciated, Many Thanks!!!

This is really all a matter of preferences. If you like to be neat, partition and separate your files/programs. You may create one for Windows only, Programs only, Music only, Games only, and others like Work/School related. The only advantage of doing this is that the defragging time will be much faster since not all your stuff are at one partition. But the time won't be much of a difference. If you have space install something else if you want, like Linux. It's good to learn if you have the patience. Hope that helps. Kevin.

Your going the right way here. As regards your OS partition I would make it from 3 to 8gig that way you will halve your cluster size and tighten thing up nicely. The rest of your partitions you can make what you prefer. Having the extra room why not install Norton Ghost and disable system restore which will again greatly improve your performance and ensure your ME doesn't do any more "growing" .. so your new OS will be approx 1.5gig and with care not get any larger.. Good luck ...think it's the way to go .. JIM