I am trying to create 3 partitions on my macbook pro: one for OSX, one for WinXP and another FAT32 partition to be shared by both operating systems. I have tried a couple of different methods and can't seem to get it to work. I either end up taking out my Windows partition (ie its still intact but won't load anymore) or the whole system gets screwed up. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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Trying to Setup 3 Partitions on Macbook Pro
- Thread starter samo1215
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One other question, when I install windows, during the blue screen mode where I have to pick a partition to format and install windows on I see that there are in addition to the Mac OS partition 3 other sectors called unpartitioned space. One is 200MBs, one is 128mbs and the last one is 8MBs. I'm new to the mac world but normally in the past I'm used to seeing all of the unpartitioned space consolidate into one category which I could incorporate into a new partition. In this case they stay separate like they are individual partitions, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Looks like I'm the only one responding to my own post. Anyway, if anybody has anything to contribute it would be great. I did find this link and followed it to the t:
http://forums.creativecow.net/thread/246/114
I did finally get my 3 partition system to work but now I can't connect in windows to my home network via wi-fi.
Also, I have a few questions. I realized that what I said about the partion/unpartition space was slightly off, there was another the 200MB sector was actually partitioned and the 128MB sector was unpartitioned space. This time around there was no 8mb sector so I think last time results were the result of something I did. Nonetheless, I still don't understand what that small 200MB partition is for and why I can't incorporate the 128MB unpartitioned space into one of the three partitions I have created. Any suggestions, links or references to other posts would be very helpful.
http://forums.creativecow.net/thread/246/114
I did finally get my 3 partition system to work but now I can't connect in windows to my home network via wi-fi.
Also, I have a few questions. I realized that what I said about the partion/unpartition space was slightly off, there was another the 200MB sector was actually partitioned and the 128MB sector was unpartitioned space. This time around there was no 8mb sector so I think last time results were the result of something I did. Nonetheless, I still don't understand what that small 200MB partition is for and why I can't incorporate the 128MB unpartitioned space into one of the three partitions I have created. Any suggestions, links or references to other posts would be very helpful.
Hey Samo -
Did you ever find out anything on this? I'm looking to do something similar... I'd like 2 small partitions for each OS, and I'd like the 3rd for all my documents, etc.
Did you ever find out anything on this? I'm looking to do something similar... I'd like 2 small partitions for each OS, and I'd like the 3rd for all my documents, etc.
Admittly I have been somewhat busy over the weekend so I have only had an hour or so more to play with my computer. I did finally get the wifi working. It turns out there is a Microsoft patch that is required for your computer to connect to WPA2 networks (which is what I have at home). I don't remember the link off hand but I did find a post on this board referencing it and would be happy to help find it if need be.
As for the extra sectors on the hard drive, I have yet to find a good explanation for this yet. I was hoping someone more knowledgeable would chime in but it seems this section of the board is not as active as other areas of interest. I will do some more research this afternoon and consult some alternate discussion forums and post back if I find out anything useful.
As for the extra sectors on the hard drive, I have yet to find a good explanation for this yet. I was hoping someone more knowledgeable would chime in but it seems this section of the board is not as active as other areas of interest. I will do some more research this afternoon and consult some alternate discussion forums and post back if I find out anything useful.
Very interesting! I'd love to give it a shot with my 320gig MBP drive. Thanks for sharing.
I'd appreciate it if you shared your experiences, any weird glitches or incompatibilities etc.
I'd appreciate it if you shared your experiences, any weird glitches or incompatibilities etc.
why do you want a separate partition for files? just get two partitions and make things a thousand folder easier.
Yeah, basically I wanted to be able to share my mp3 files with both operating systems so I can listen to my music when I'm working in Windows or OSX. The alternative is to create duplicates of my library on each partition which would only waste precious hard drive space.
Also, having a FAT32 partition allows one to easily transfer files back and forth between the two operating systems.
Anyway, right now I am simply trying to figure out the original hard drive structure that the Macbook Pro (or any mac for that matter) ships with.
If anybody cares here are 2 links that shed a bit more light on the partition question I had:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1269613&tstart=0
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EFI_System_Partition
I don't fully understand the last part of the wikipedia entry as my experiences were if I deleted the partitions my system fell apart.
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1269613&tstart=0
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EFI_System_Partition
I don't fully understand the last part of the wikipedia entry as my experiences were if I deleted the partitions my system fell apart.