In many hard drives, your documents, photos and music are saved to the same area where your Windows operating system and software are located. Defragmentation can help organise everything, but having all your personal files crammed alongside Windows can really slow the whole system down. The process of partitioning solves the problem, enabling your Windows operating system on the hard drive and software to be digitally fenced off on a streamlined virtual hard drive.
Windows 7 itself can create a partition, but MiniTool Partition Wizard (www.partitionwizard.com) is a free alternative software that’s more advanced, yet easier to use.Once installed and loaded, notice the bar graph representing the available space on your hard drive. Right-click on the section where OS and your files and software are stored (usually the C: drive) and select the ‘Split’ option. Inside the new window, move the slider to the point where you’d like your partition, but remember to leave at least 20GB of free space with Windows to allow for future software installation. Next, click ‘OK’, followed by the ‘Apply’ button in the top-left of the main window.
PARTITION TIME: Dividing your files from OS and software apps is great, but regular defragmentation is important, too
The partition will now be created and another virtual hard drive will have magically appeared in your Windows Explorer menu for you to transfer your personal files unto.
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