Do you have to partition a hard idsk before using it?

Answer 1

Always, but they are usualy pre-done any more. There is also a process you have to go thru to make it ready to use. I would suggest, in your case, take it to a professional.

Answer 2

If you must particition it is because of some old program wanting a small portion of your disk, like I use Phoenix firstware which operates outside the OS to backup personal data in case of a system failure. But otherwise you do not need more than one full partition with the latest Windows XP.

Answer 3

It really depends on your operating system! WinXP with SP2 will see the whole drive without partitioning (larger than 130 gigabytes) or if you don't have SP2 (Service Pack 2) on a WinXP system you will need to partition it to see the "whole" drive. Good Luck!

Answer 4

If you mean multiple partitions, No. You have to set aprimary partition (usually the root drive commonly C:) and format it.

Answer 5

Yes

Answer 6

Actually you do. But if you do not want to divide it, just put the whole thing in one partition.

Answer 7

it depends on the operating system and the hw many u use...
In case of Windows u need two
1.Pmy partition
2.Secodary partition which can have a no. of logical drives as yr need

Answer 8

99% of the applications you do. In some rare cases you can use it as a raw device....for databases ---etc.

Answer 9

you have to create partition and activate it to use it

Answer 10

simple answer yes you partion and format the drive before you can use it. unless it's already formatted and ready for use.