Is it safe to format my c: when e: is a dynamic

Hi I intend to format my c: and re-install my OS (xp), but when i put my latest harddrive (sata raid with small orange connector cable) it added it differently in my Disk Management screen. i. e. c: = Primary(name) - Layout = Partition - Type = Basic - NTFS/Healthy(system) e: = Third (name) - Layout = Simple - Type ...

Windows Hardware 9627 This topic was started by ,


data/avatar/default/avatar29.webp

1 Posts
Location -
Joined 2007-01-27
Hi
 
I intend to format my c: and re-install my OS (xp), but when i put my latest harddrive (sata raid with small orange connector cable) it added it differently in my Disk Management screen. i.e.
 
 
c: = Primary(name) - Layout = Partition - Type = Basic - NTFS/Healthy(system)
 
e: = Third (name) - Layout = Simple - Type = Dynamic - NTFS/Healthy
This is the first sata raid I have added and I do not want to format the main drive and loose data that shows how the third is configured, if that is how it works.
 
My question is:
Can I format the c: (partition type) without loosing or making the data on the e: (dynamic type) useless
 
Is this just the way that the sata raid is configured whenever you add
When I put the OS on again will it pick up the drive exactly how it is now.
 
Thanks Dazzr

Participate on our website and join the conversation

You have already an account on our website? Use the link below to login.
Login
Create a new user account. Registration is free and takes only a few seconds.
Register
This topic is archived. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast.

Responses to this topic


data/avatar/default/avatar26.webp

690 Posts
Location -
Joined 2004-05-06
Sounds like E: is on a completely different disk (a whole disk can be Basic or Dynamic not both).
Therefore, I would say yes, it is possible to reinstall the OS without affecting data on E: (make sure you backup any important work first, just in case...)
 
 

data/avatar/default/avatar06.webp

383 Posts
Location -
Joined 2005-05-25
You should be able to format the C: drive without any interference with to the E: drive. Even if both drives were physically on the same disc, you should be able to format just the C: drive. The only way to get rid of partitions on a single disk is to completely format the entire disk.
 
I have a 120 GB HDD with two logical drives (20 and 60 GB). I originally had ME on the 20 GB and made it the bootable drive. Because it was ME, I had to reformat the C: drive multiple times and it never touched anything on the D: drive (60 GB).