6610iacservant6610
asked on
Creating a Separate Partition
Hello. I need instructions on to create a separate partition on my computer's second (slave) 250 gb hard drive, using 32k blocks.
The reason for this is that I use a music composition program (Finale) that, when I play back my original compositions, crackles at the very beginning of playback (but then plays the rest normally). I've been advised by a very reliable tech that these crackles are due to a lot of disk "thrashing" as the program loads all its "pieces" (plug-ins, etc.), which results in a slight delay in loading the sounds you're playing. To resolve this, I was advised to create a separate partition for the audio/video I'm editing, and use 32k blocks.
I attempted to do this on my own following instructions I gleaned from the Internet, but find that there are too many things that I am unsure of. Can I get a step-by-step instruction as to how to do this? Thank you!
The reason for this is that I use a music composition program (Finale) that, when I play back my original compositions, crackles at the very beginning of playback (but then plays the rest normally). I've been advised by a very reliable tech that these crackles are due to a lot of disk "thrashing" as the program loads all its "pieces" (plug-ins, etc.), which results in a slight delay in loading the sounds you're playing. To resolve this, I was advised to create a separate partition for the audio/video I'm editing, and use 32k blocks.
I attempted to do this on my own following instructions I gleaned from the Internet, but find that there are too many things that I am unsure of. Can I get a step-by-step instruction as to how to do this? Thank you!
Disk Management isn't helpful on a drive that is already fully allocated, as it doesn't allow resizing current partitions.
Just do this ...
(1) Download the free demo of Boot-It NG [http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/bootit-next-generation.htm ]
(2) Create a bootable CD. [Extract the files in the download; run MakeDisk; create an ISO for a bootable CD; and then use your CD burning software to create a CD from the ISO image]
(3) Boot to the CD. At the first prompt select CANCEL. Then click OK.
(4) Click on Partition Work.
(5) Select the disk you want to change the partitions on -- I assume this will be HD1 (on the left side of Partition Work -- see the picture below that shows HD 1 selected)
(6) Be sure the partition you want to ReSize is selected (I presume in your case it will be the only partition on the disk at this point -- like the example below). Then click on ReSize (on the right side). When prompted for the new size, select a size that will free up as much space as you want for the new partition --> in your case I'd probably make the new size 200000. ... wait for the ReSize to finish (it should be pretty quick)
(7) Now remove the Boot-It CD and exit Boot-It [I think you have to click OK, then Close, then Reboot --> it's fairly obvious]
(8) When back to XP, go to Disk Management [Right-click on My Computer; select Manage; then click on Disk Management]
(9) You will NOW see a bunch of unallocated space on the 2nd drive. Right-click on that unallocated space and choose "Create Partition" ==> just accept all the defaults EXCEPT when you see the formatting choices change the block size to 32k.
Done :-)
Partition-Work---HD1.jpg
Just do this ...
(1) Download the free demo of Boot-It NG [http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/bootit-next-generation.htm ]
(2) Create a bootable CD. [Extract the files in the download; run MakeDisk; create an ISO for a bootable CD; and then use your CD burning software to create a CD from the ISO image]
(3) Boot to the CD. At the first prompt select CANCEL. Then click OK.
(4) Click on Partition Work.
(5) Select the disk you want to change the partitions on -- I assume this will be HD1 (on the left side of Partition Work -- see the picture below that shows HD 1 selected)
(6) Be sure the partition you want to ReSize is selected (I presume in your case it will be the only partition on the disk at this point -- like the example below). Then click on ReSize (on the right side). When prompted for the new size, select a size that will free up as much space as you want for the new partition --> in your case I'd probably make the new size 200000. ... wait for the ReSize to finish (it should be pretty quick)
(7) Now remove the Boot-It CD and exit Boot-It [I think you have to click OK, then Close, then Reboot --> it's fairly obvious]
(8) When back to XP, go to Disk Management [Right-click on My Computer; select Manage; then click on Disk Management]
(9) You will NOW see a bunch of unallocated space on the 2nd drive. Right-click on that unallocated space and choose "Create Partition" ==> just accept all the defaults EXCEPT when you see the formatting choices change the block size to 32k.
Done :-)
Partition-Work---HD1.jpg
ASKER
GaryCase, thank you for the info. I'll be gone a few hours and will follow those steps when I get back. I'm on cloud nine now that my recent problems have been resolved!
ASKER
We had visitors unexpectedly drop by and stay for quite a while. They just left, so I'm now in the process of making the bootable CD with makedisk (I'm reading the instructions because there are options I'm not familiar with)...
Easiest thing is just accept the defaults -- and make an ISO. Then use your CD burning software to create a CD from the ISO [You do NOT burn the ISO file "to" a CD as data ==> you create a CD from the ISO]. If you need help with that, just ask -- but let me know what CD burning software you're using.
ASKER
Garycase, sorry for the delay.
I only have Windows Media Player 10 on my computer, and based on the research I've just done, it won't burn a bootable CD. Can you recommend a free or inexpensive program that would allow me to do that?
Also, on the "Boot Options" setup page for MakeDisk, I have to choose between Normal and Partition Work. I'm assuming that I should choose Partition Work...?
Thanks!
Steve
I only have Windows Media Player 10 on my computer, and based on the research I've just done, it won't burn a bootable CD. Can you recommend a free or inexpensive program that would allow me to do that?
Also, on the "Boot Options" setup page for MakeDisk, I have to choose between Normal and Partition Work. I'm assuming that I should choose Partition Work...?
Thanks!
Steve
No, just use Normal -- you can easily get to Partition Work from there. As I noted, just use all the default options. However, instead of creating an ISO, just select your CD burner as the destination, and it SHOULD directly burn a bootable CD for you. One minor flaw in Boot-It is the setup utility (Makedisk) doesn't work with all burners ... but it's worth a blank CD to give it a try -- it will make things simpler.
ASKER
Okay, I created the ISO file and set the target as the CD drive, and the MakeDisk screen now says "Success - The Process Completed Successfully," However, on the screen, it also says, "If you created an ISO file then you'll need to burn it to a disc using your CD/DVD authoring software." But isn't that what I just did when I set the CD drive as a target and the window said (says) "Successful"?
ASKER
Well, I'd better hit the hay for the night. Sorry for the delays earlier!
No, you selected the ISO as a destination --> you should have selected (highlighted) your drive and it would have directly burned a CD.
But since you now have an ISO file created, just burn a CD from that ISO as detailed here (you can download the free PowerToy to burn it): http://www.petri.co.il/how_to_write_iso_files_to_cd.htm
But since you now have an ISO file created, just burn a CD from that ISO as detailed here (you can download the free PowerToy to burn it): http://www.petri.co.il/how_to_write_iso_files_to_cd.htm
ASKER
GaryCase,
I seem to be missing something! I downloaded IsoRecorder and followed the instructions ("Recording ISO FIles") to record the ISO file I had already created onto CD. I tried to boot from that CD, but the computer did not boot with it. Am I missing a step? Also, I see that IsoRecorder works for Windows SP2, but I use SP3. Could this be an issue? Thanks for your patience.
I seem to be missing something! I downloaded IsoRecorder and followed the instructions ("Recording ISO FIles") to record the ISO file I had already created onto CD. I tried to boot from that CD, but the computer did not boot with it. Am I missing a step? Also, I see that IsoRecorder works for Windows SP2, but I use SP3. Could this be an issue? Thanks for your patience.
I don't know if SP3 is an issue or not with that. Try this utility: http://www.download.com/Active-ISO-Burner/3000-2646_4-10602452.html
ASKER
Hmmm, I downloaded Iso-Burner software and created a boot disk from the .ISO file I had earlier made. Iso-Burner indicated that the disc was successfuly created. I then kept the newly burned disk in the CD drive and restarted the computer. But the computer did not use the disk to boot, and instead went right into Windows. I sense I'm doing something fundamentally wrong...
Check the boot order in the BIOS => you need to set it to boot from the CD before the hard drive. Alternatively, there may be a key you can press during POST to get a boot menu -- many newer systems let you get a menu to select the boot device by pressing F12, ESC, or some other key during the POST [They usually display a note such as "Press F12 for boot menu"].
ASKER
Garycase, thank you again! I did all of the above successfully; the partition was created. And, following the default settings, the new block was given the drive letter E. But, when I try to access Drive E (e.g. to paste files into), I get a window that says, "E:\ is not accessible. The parameter is incorrect." Any thoughts?
Also, when that is resolved, my question is about what exactly I should put into this new block to resolve the playback glitches I've been having. The Finale program software is currently installed on Drive C, while the actual music files that I play back are on drive F. Should I just move the music files themselves (not the program itself) to the new block? The developer recommends keeping the program software on drive C...
Many, many thanks.
Also, when that is resolved, my question is about what exactly I should put into this new block to resolve the playback glitches I've been having. The Finale program software is currently installed on Drive C, while the actual music files that I play back are on drive F. Should I just move the music files themselves (not the program itself) to the new block? The developer recommends keeping the program software on drive C...
Many, many thanks.
ASKER
Off to bed until the morning...
Okay ... just to clarify what you've done to this point post a screenshot of Disk Management at this point.
[Right-click on My Computer; select Manage; then click on Disk Management. Make sure the window is showing all of the partition on both your hard drives and is the active window; then press Alt-PrtScrn. Now open Paint [Accessories - Paint]; and select Edit - Paste. Save the result as a .jpeg; then attach that file here]
In addition, describe exactly how you did the ReSize operation; and exactly how you created the new partition.
You should not move the Finale program ==> just keep the music files you're working on in the new partition. The larger block size will reduce the # of accesses needed to play them ... which should reduce or eliminate the small bit of "crackling" that you're still experiencing. If that doesn't do it, there's another "trick" that will help even more -- but first see if this resolves it (the other "trick" is a bit more involved).
[Right-click on My Computer; select Manage; then click on Disk Management. Make sure the window is showing all of the partition on both your hard drives and is the active window; then press Alt-PrtScrn. Now open Paint [Accessories - Paint]; and select Edit - Paste. Save the result as a .jpeg; then attach that file here]
In addition, describe exactly how you did the ReSize operation; and exactly how you created the new partition.
You should not move the Finale program ==> just keep the music files you're working on in the new partition. The larger block size will reduce the # of accesses needed to play them ... which should reduce or eliminate the small bit of "crackling" that you're still experiencing. If that doesn't do it, there's another "trick" that will help even more -- but first see if this resolves it (the other "trick" is a bit more involved).
ASKER
Actually, I stayed up later, and when I rebooted the computer once again, the E drive then became accessible. I pasted a music file into it, played it, and just like you said, there were no glitches at all (thank you again). The one thing that now happens that did not happen before is that when I first play the music file, there is a slight, brief hesitation; the music starts at a slower tempo and then catches up. No glitches, but it still feels like the system is sort of taking a second (literally about one or two seconds) to catch up. Maybe this is unavoidable.
By the way, what are you doing up so late? :)
By the way, what are you doing up so late? :)
ASKER
Now I AM going to crash (losing brain cells fast...)
Well, I went to bed after posting my last comment ... but had to get up to take a pain pill (had a root canal today) ... so I'll add a quick response to your last question ==>
The brief hesitation is probably due to Finale having a scratch file on your 2nd disk, and the music file being on the same disk -- but "far away" in the other partition. I don't know what your drive letters are ... but I'll assume the 250GB disk is now drives D: and E: (E: being the new partition). If so, it "looks" like this logically:
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
So the heads have to move quite a ways to get from the first part of D: to E:
The BEST solution for audio/video editing is to have a physically separate disk formatted with a large block size. Then there's no head "thrasing" as the disk accesses different partitions. What's likely happening here is there's a bit of "thrasing" as Finale gets started with your file -- but because of the large block size it reads "enough" each time that it doesn't "crackle" between accesses because there's enough data to keep playing smoothly between disk accesses (thanks to the large blocks).
You may be able to eliminate that slight hesitation by doing one of two things: (a) change the settings in Finale so it keeps its scratch file on C: (a physically separate disk); or (b) change it to keep the scratch file on E: --> the same physical disk as your files but "closer" to the files, since it will be the same partition. (a) is the preferable solution, since the scratch file would be on a completely independent disk => but it may "balk" at having the scratch file on the same disk as Window's page file .. if so, try (b). In the event you do (b) and it doesn't completely resolve the hesitation, there's one more thing we can try -- tomorrow, after I get some sleep :-)
The brief hesitation is probably due to Finale having a scratch file on your 2nd disk, and the music file being on the same disk -- but "far away" in the other partition. I don't know what your drive letters are ... but I'll assume the 250GB disk is now drives D: and E: (E: being the new partition). If so, it "looks" like this logically:
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
So the heads have to move quite a ways to get from the first part of D: to E:
The BEST solution for audio/video editing is to have a physically separate disk formatted with a large block size. Then there's no head "thrasing" as the disk accesses different partitions. What's likely happening here is there's a bit of "thrasing" as Finale gets started with your file -- but because of the large block size it reads "enough" each time that it doesn't "crackle" between accesses because there's enough data to keep playing smoothly between disk accesses (thanks to the large blocks).
You may be able to eliminate that slight hesitation by doing one of two things: (a) change the settings in Finale so it keeps its scratch file on C: (a physically separate disk); or (b) change it to keep the scratch file on E: --> the same physical disk as your files but "closer" to the files, since it will be the same partition. (a) is the preferable solution, since the scratch file would be on a completely independent disk => but it may "balk" at having the scratch file on the same disk as Window's page file .. if so, try (b). In the event you do (b) and it doesn't completely resolve the hesitation, there's one more thing we can try -- tomorrow, after I get some sleep :-)
ASKER
Ouch!! I hope you were able to get some sleep (and are still sleeping, in fact) with that root canal :-(
The temp files were actually already set to go to the C drive (C:\DOCUME~1\STEPHE~1\LOCA
Once more, thank you.
The temp files were actually already set to go to the C drive (C:\DOCUME~1\STEPHE~1\LOCA
Once more, thank you.
ASKER
By the way, for what it's worth, I have a zip drive with lots of storage left...
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
Thank you for the guidance! I just emailed technical support at the software maker to ask if they've encountered this. When they get back to me, I'll know which route I'll need to take. Again, many thanks...
You're most welcome. No rush ... but don't forget to close the question :-)
ASKER
Good morning, Garycase ~
Just a quick note to say I haven't at all forgotten about this question; I've contacted Finale, and they're advising me of various steps to take that might resolve the issue (then the weekend intervened). I certainly won't forget to close the question when finished. Thank you!
Steve
Just a quick note to say I haven't at all forgotten about this question; I've contacted Finale, and they're advising me of various steps to take that might resolve the issue (then the weekend intervened). I certainly won't forget to close the question when finished. Thank you!
Steve
ASKER
Hi, Garycase ~
The last thing I've been directed to do by the software maker is to do a complete reinstall. I plan on doing that this morning, so I should know for sure where I'll go from here in a few hours. Thanks!
Steve
The last thing I've been directed to do by the software maker is to do a complete reinstall. I plan on doing that this morning, so I should know for sure where I'll go from here in a few hours. Thanks!
Steve
ASKER
Oh, while I'm at it, let me ask you a question: You recommended Syncback as a good backup program. What I liked about Iomega Automatic Backup pro was that among other things, it automatically made backup copied of individual files, such as MS Word documents, etc. This was great because if for whatever reason I needed to retrieve an earlier copy of a file, I could just go to my G drive, and there it would be. It was just a regular document that I could just click on to open. This was simple for me because although I do need system backup, what I mainly practically use it for is document retrieval. Does Syncback off that feature, or is it mainly for complete system backup, and if it is for mainly system backup, do you know of any software that also does simply file backup as well? Thanks again!
By the way, it's be great to be able to send you a gift certificate for dinner for you and your wife...
Steve
By the way, it's be great to be able to send you a gift certificate for dinner for you and your wife...
Steve
ASKER
While I'm uninstalling and reinstalling the software, I was advised by the software company that the problem is probably that, since the software is very dense and requires a lot of RAM, that it is having to "fight" for system resources. Is there any way to solve this, or can I instruct my computer to somehow prioritize this program when I use it?
I always carefully monitor my startup programs to make sure onlly the software I need runs in the background. That said, when I look at Windows Task Manager, I am always amazed by the number of "precesses" that show up!
I always carefully monitor my startup programs to make sure onlly the software I need runs in the background. That said, when I look at Windows Task Manager, I am always amazed by the number of "precesses" that show up!
ASKER
"processes"
ASKER
Garycase,
Update: A specific bit of software I have been advised to install requires a DVD drive, so I've had to order one (it will arrive Monday). From there, I will see whether the problem is resolved. Thank you again for your patience. I'd like to increase the points from 250 to 500, but have not yet figured out how...
Update: A specific bit of software I have been advised to install requires a DVD drive, so I've had to order one (it will arrive Monday). From there, I will see whether the problem is resolved. Thank you again for your patience. I'd like to increase the points from 250 to 500, but have not yet figured out how...
I'm out of town until the 8th, with limited internet access. I'll respond in detail to your backup (Syncback vs. IOMega vs. other options) then ... you should also have your reload done by then.
Note that a full reload is a good opportunity to either move your extra partition to the front of the 2nd drive -- or to go ahead and add a 3rd drive you can dedicate to files you're editing. Three drives would let you have your Windows swap file; the Finale temp file; and the files you're editing on 3 physically separate drives -- so there would never be any thrashing caused by accesses to the swap or temp files.
Note that a full reload is a good opportunity to either move your extra partition to the front of the 2nd drive -- or to go ahead and add a 3rd drive you can dedicate to files you're editing. Three drives would let you have your Windows swap file; the Finale temp file; and the files you're editing on 3 physically separate drives -- so there would never be any thrashing caused by accesses to the swap or temp files.
ASKER
Garycase,
Well, something even worse happened to my computer today, and I hope it's not going to be a disaster. If you would, when you get back in town, could you take a look at a question I just opened today just to see if you have any thoughts offhand? I'm sure I'll get some response, but you have been so reliable! The title of my new open ticket is: Trapped in a startup loop.
Many thanks, Garycase!
Steve
Well, something even worse happened to my computer today, and I hope it's not going to be a disaster. If you would, when you get back in town, could you take a look at a question I just opened today just to see if you have any thoughts offhand? I'm sure I'll get some response, but you have been so reliable! The title of my new open ticket is: Trapped in a startup loop.
Many thanks, Garycase!
Steve
ASKER
Garycase,
Nevermind that last query. The answer was to use the PS/2 keyboard connection. Glad that's resolved!
Nevermind that last query. The answer was to use the PS/2 keyboard connection. Glad that's resolved!
Glad that was a simple problem (It probably could have also been resolved by changing the BIOS to enable legacy USB support). But it also raised a small flag -- if you're using GoBack, that adds a bit of time to disk accesses on any GoBack-protected disk. Be sure none of the disks involved in your audio/video editing are protected by GoBack ... and in particular that the Finale temporary location is not on a GoBack protected disk. Either of these will appreciably slow down the disk accesses --> and editing large files on a GoBack protected disk will quickly wipe out the history anyway, so it provides minimal protection.
GoBack WAS an excellent utility at one time; but with today's file sizes its limited history buffer (max 8GB) is really too small. A better approach is to have good backups of your data; and to segregate the OS and data partitions -- maintaining a reasonably current OS Image for disaster recovery. The one thing that GoBack does do very well is allow you to recover previous versions of files on a protected drive => so you MAY want to use it for one physical drive (I used to do that for my wife's computer ... but now use a different approach with imaging and cycled SyncBack backups -- different targets for different days).
Note that Boot-It lets you do the restructuring necessary to do the above fairly easily ... but that's a digression from this question :-) Send me an e-mail and I'll "point" you to a couple of questions that I've answered in the past with details on how to accomplish this (e-mail address is in my profile).
GoBack WAS an excellent utility at one time; but with today's file sizes its limited history buffer (max 8GB) is really too small. A better approach is to have good backups of your data; and to segregate the OS and data partitions -- maintaining a reasonably current OS Image for disaster recovery. The one thing that GoBack does do very well is allow you to recover previous versions of files on a protected drive => so you MAY want to use it for one physical drive (I used to do that for my wife's computer ... but now use a different approach with imaging and cycled SyncBack backups -- different targets for different days).
Note that Boot-It lets you do the restructuring necessary to do the above fairly easily ... but that's a digression from this question :-) Send me an e-mail and I'll "point" you to a couple of questions that I've answered in the past with details on how to accomplish this (e-mail address is in my profile).
ASKER
Well, guess what? Disabling GoBack SOLVED the problem of the crackling!! Whodathunkit??
In fairness, I will close this out just to get it out of your hair. But if you would, can you tell me which categories you monitor in Experts-Exchange, in case I have need of a true expert in the future?
Thank you for all of your help. As I mentioned before, we'd love to send you and your wife a gift certificate to dinner at a nearby restaurant. Is there a way to do this?
In fairness, I will close this out just to get it out of your hair. But if you would, can you tell me which categories you monitor in Experts-Exchange, in case I have need of a true expert in the future?
Thank you for all of your help. As I mentioned before, we'd love to send you and your wife a gift certificate to dinner at a nearby restaurant. Is there a way to do this?
Send me a note at my e-mail address (in my profile) and I'll note how you can get in touch with me to ensure I know about any of your future questions. I monitor several threads; but often don't look at them for a few days (for example, I was just gone for a week & didn't bother to do anything on EE) ... but I always try to look at questions I'm asked to via e-mail [Quite a few folks notify me when they post questions these days :-) ].
ASKER
This expert by far the most thorough, most thoughtful, and on-target expert I have ever interacted with. Excellent!
Start > Run > "compmgmt.msc" > Storage > Disk Management
You should see a top table portion with your active partitions/volumes in it with drive letters, and other information.
Below there is another list that should say like "Disk 0, Disk 1" under those, is the size and the drive status.
Also assuming the disk is not already formatted, you can click in the "unallocated" area to the right of that, and create a partition. In this process there is a step that defines partition type and block size.