setting up a PC for easy reformatting?

[JebusRocks]

So here is my situation, I currently have a PC running XP pro with 1 60g hardrive. I want to be able to store all of my mp3's(about15 gigs worth) either on a partition on this HD or buy a second one and install the files on it. The point of this is to be able to seperate all of the mp3 files from the OS so that I can reformat with out having to reload the mp3's. I like to reformat often but my current setup, 1 partition, 1 physical drive, means that I have to reload the mp3 files each time I format.
Another point here, I have several software tools installed ie VB Photoshop etc can I dedicate a partition to these programs so that they do not get wiped out each time I reformat.
Also I want to be able to isolate the mp3's/program files so that they can be 'protected' from virus activity. On this point is it possible to setup a partition to read-only to help minimize the potential of virus infection if so isthere any value to doing this?

So.. any thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance for any replies

 

[Wishdiak]

JebusRocks,

You certainly could use multiple partitions to separate your OS files from other files. If you store your applications (ie VB Photoshop etc) on a partition separate from your OS, keep in mind that some applications require registry entries in Windows, and you may need to reinstall the applications when you reinstall the OS.

As far as making partitions read-only, this can be done through the file system that the partition is formatted with. Using NTFS, you could make a partition read only, although a user that is a member of the Administrators group will still have full control, so you'll need to be logged in as a regular user in order to retain the read-only restriction.

Wishdiak

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[bcastner]

After creating the partition, use the Attrib command to prevent changes to the MP3s:

attrib +r *.mp3

 

[JebusRocks]

thanks for the replies;

bcastner are you saying that I should run this command from the command line and if so how do I issue this command for any mp3 files on 1 partition and not the other?

 

[bcastner]

Attrib is a command line tool to set file attributes, of which one is to make a file read-only.

Lets assume your partition to the drive (creating a Drive D) and your mp3 files are stored in d:\Music

Start, Run, CMD

d:
cd \Music
attrib +r *.mp3

Or for the entire partition, use the Resource Kit utility FORFILES.EXE:

Download:

http://www.ipass.net/davesisk/oont_download_forfil...

Syntax (Version 1.1):

http://www.jsiinc.com/SUBL/tip5600/rh5645.htm

http://www.ss64.com/nt/forfiles.html

forfiles -pD:\ -m*.mp3 -s -c"CMD /C attrib +r @RELPATH\@FILE"

 

[Auger282]

you Legally own all those Mp3s right? ;]