format and re-install

[imchief]

I am going to format and re-install my system and would like input on the best way to install fs9.  I have an 80GB WD Cavair (current OS drive and FS Drive) and a 250GB WD Cavair (has data and extra storage).  I am re-installing with XP ultimate and would like to know if it would be good to keep the OS on the 80 GB drive with FS9 or keep the 80GB for just the OS and maybe PS7 and other apps and use the 250GB for FS9 and add-ons?  Thanks on advance.

[Capt.Propwash]

Put the OS and all OS related files on the 80Gig and NOTHING else.
Put ALL games on the 250Gig so that you have more than enough room for expansion later on.

I have only a 22 Gig (after windows xp, and other operating software){24 to start out with}  and I have a 120Gig for all things GAMES..... FS9 (with about 200 downloaded aircraft including their .zip files), FSX, FSHOST/host spy/Host client; RADAR SCREEN 5; AFCAD221; TEAMSPEAK SERVER/CLIENT; -- Falcon 4.0: Allied Force and a few more things.... and I still have ** 61.9 Gigs ** left to fill.....






This is just my opinion.

[imchief]

That is what I was thinking.  When I first built my PC my boot was fast and everything I did was relativily quick.  Now things are much slower and the boot is rediculous.  

What do you consider OS related files?  MS Office?

[imchief]

That is what I was thinking.

[Capt.Propwash]

OS related files are files that are on your WIN XP / VISTA disk.  (if you dont want / need "OFFICE" "QUICKBOOKS" or other programs... just ADD/REMOVE PROGRAM)


anything that does NOT come on the OEM OS disk, put it on the 250G drive. (well, other than Windows updates, and other critical programs designed to keep your computer running and healthy like ANTIVIRUS.   if your 250Gig is an External drive, i would even say get ALL PICTURES AND MUSIC off of your 80Gig and put em on your 250 as well.)

{ if you can run your pc without the 250G .... then "to me" that is where 80% of your files need to be }

also.... i would go through http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2 ... 1208959973  and do what NICK suggests.  It has not only sped up my computer, but increased my FPS in FS9 as well!!!!