If the O/S was on drive/partition L: to begin with (fourth primary partition
on disk 2) then you will have to place it in the same relative position
(fourth primary partition on disk 2) to have it boot. Place it on another
drive/partition and you will have to perform a repair install.
Windows XP is drive/position sensitive. This is why many of those in the
know make certain that the O/S is installed in the first partition on the
master drive which is connected to the primary IDE controller. If you want
to install to any other existing drives or partitions you must choose the
appropriate drive/partition and choose to format prior to install (for a
clean install). Note that even then, some critical files will be placed on
drive/partition C: - wherever it may be. If you later format or delete the
original C: partition your operating system will become unbootable.
The best way to install is by booting from the Windows XP CD. When you get
to the screen where you chose where to install the O/S you are presented
with a clear representation of what is already on your computer.
If another drive/partition is already claiming C: as it's own, your options
will be limited. You can install there anyway and hope for the best (not a
good choice). You can format the partition (don't delete it first) and do a
clean install - and lose all information in the process. You can delete the
old partition, create a new one and then format it. The new partition likely
WILL NOT be labeled C: (depending upon the present drive/partition geometry)
Example: If drives/partitions C: through R: are already used, and you want
to install on other free space, you will likely end up with drive/partition
S:, or some other designation.
Reading up on how a computer handles drive letters and partition letters
(primary DOS partition - extended partition - logical partitions etc) on
multiple drives will greatly help you to overcome these obstacles and
limitations. The relationships and interactions can be intimidating.
The help section and manual that come with Partition Magic is particularly
helpful in this respect!
I guess that this is why major manufacturers use just one partition on the
computers they deliver to their customers. It is also why the recovery
options shipped with many new computers will wipe the entire drive, even
though you just want to work with partition C:. Otherwise support would be a
nightmare!
It is the reason why so many people here advocate for the same method. It
can be confusing and difficult to properly implement, unless you are
starting from scratch - read as clean drives with no partitions at all.
--
Regards,
Richard Urban
aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!
