Minimum partition size?

[Bern]

I want to install Win XP Pro on my 60GB MB. I won't be installing any other applications as I only intend using it to either check websites I've design in windows native IE or on occassion chat to friends in MSN. In fact I'll even delete unnecessary stuff from the initial install like those stupid games and whatever else may not be needed.

So what is the minimum partition size I should have in order to use Win XP Pro properly? Would the Bootcamp default of 5GB be enough? And should I use NTFS or Fat32? I understand with NTFS I can't swap files between OS X and XP Pro and NTFS is apparently more secure than FAT32.

 

[mad jew]

If all you're doing is checking websites then the default 5GB should suffice. If you were doing anything more intensive then you'd want more space to use as Virtual RAM. As for the formatting, I didn't realise XP still allowed you to install on FAT32 but if it does, then use it because as you say, NTFS cannot be written to by OSX. There are some other limitations to FAT32 but they most likely won't be an issue. If I had an Intel machine, I might be of more use but that's all I know about that.

 

[5683565]

10gb.... oh fine 8gb. Need some room for virtual ram.

 

[Bern]

8GB Does this mean I'll have to invest in a larger HDD? 60GB is not near enough. Damn that Win XP Pro hog...

 

[5683565]

Crikey, here I am with 80GB partitioned for Windows...

 

[mad jew]

If you have adequate RAM and are only using Internet Explorer (and maybe some other browsers) then I think 5GB should be okay. It's up to you.

 

[Bern]

If you have adequate RAM and are only using Internet Explorer (and maybe some other browsers) then I think 5GB should be okay. It's up to you.

I checked MS site and it does state minimum requirements is 1.5GB available HD space. So yeah I guess 5 will be plenty.

Thanks

 

[MacDonaldsd]

5GB will be fine, and I don't see any reason why not to use FAT 32 (I think FAT 32 can only be used for partitions less than 32GB but in your case its fine)

 

[MRU]

If your just wanting to check websites, use Parallels. More than fast enough for that purpose and it can compress the xp partition down to 2-3gb

Plus you wont have to go outside of mac osX and create funky partitions..