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General discussion

Is 2 hard drives better than 1?

Apr 24, 2006 3:04AM PDT

Other than the obvious storage advantage, is it better to have 2 hard drives internal rather than just 1 hard drive with 2 partitions? I can either do 2 internal and 1 external or 1 internal and 2 external. I would personally rather have a 2nd external one, but if someone can give me a reason to have 2 internal hard drives I will consider it. The internals would be 1 250gb SATA (which I will partition into 2 parts) and 1 120gb IDE. So if I go for the single drive solution it would just be the 250gb SATA. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Let's use Microsoft Office as an example.
Mar 11, 2007 9:48PM PDT

No. It does not allow you to put it all on a drive of your choosing.

-> Hope this clears up any idea you'll be able to control this in all software.

Bob

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Under Microsoft "Word"
Mar 11, 2007 10:39PM PDT

Go to "Tools", "Options" and "File Locations". You can specify location for 'data' or leave it as is. Similar or likewise with the other MS Apps.

VAPCMD

PS...For the most part you can put any application almsot anywhere...but realize that in most if not all cases there other application files that will be installed on your system drive usually "C:" nor matter what. I installed "Outlook Express" on "D" also realizing that it still installed many DLLs and so forth on "C:".

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Yes, always!
Jun 3, 2010 3:53AM PDT

I was surfing today and saw this question which has been asked of me by hundreds of my Windows clients around the world. Here is my best suggestion.

Two internal HDD. One for backing up the system, My Documents (XP) and Owner Files (Vista and 7). Throughput speed is much faster with two internal HDD. You can buy a new one or format your old one(s). Use NTFS and make the drive Logical or Primary. In either case, it is independent of the C: Drive. Never install Programs to the second HDD. Simply use it for Backup and Storage. Partition it as much as you like, but keep all system and program installations on your C: Drive. You will never go wrong by creating a complete system image using any type of highly praised Disk Manager or Backup Software. (My choice is Paragon Hard Disk Manager 2010 - I go back to 2006 with this software).

I am a Freelance Computer Tutor/Troubleshooter since 2002. I know my stuff inside out. However. No expert has the perfect answer when using two HDD in a computer. I am explaining a very practical way to use two internal HDD.

I've read the other suggestions here and they are all very good. But I like to keep life simple with my computers. Two HDD, C: Drive (System and Programs Z: Drive (System and My Documents or Owner Files).

Very important documents, movies, music, etc, should be backed up on DVD or CD. These are the most durable and long lasting media.

Hope that helps...

Use Manage by right clicking on Computer or My Computer to assign Drive Letters and to shrink your HDD if you do not have special software.