(Page File, Primary Partition) and (Primary Partition) - Difference?

Dinarius

Member
I have just installed two new internal HDs.

In Computer Management, one is listed as Page File, Primary Partition. The other as simply Primary Partition, though I'm pretty sure I did exactly the same installation procedure for both.

What's the difference? Should they both be the same? If so, which and what should I do to make the odd one right? Also, the Page File, Primary Partition drive is slightly smaller, for some reason.

Thanks.

D.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

From Wikipedia
A primary partition contains one file system. In DOS and earlier versions of Microsoft Windows systems, the system partition was required to be the first partition. Windows operating systems must be located in a primary partition. Other operating systems do not have this peculiar requirement. However, other factors, such as a PC's BIOS (see Boot sequence on standard PC) may also impart specific requirements as to which partition must contain the primary OS.

This one may load slow
Change the size of virtual memory (Page file size) in Vista | Windows Reference

The paging file is actually the virtual memory that is stored in the OS.
In the case of your question it is a hidden primary pattiion.


It not necessary, but if you want to try and see it
Hidden Files and Folders - Show or Hide - Windows 7 Forums
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
Rich,

Thanks for the reply. I'm still a bit confused. Basically, I set both drives up exactly the same way, but they came out looking slightly different - as described above.

Can I just ignore the differences?

Thanks.

D.
 

My Computer

You must have a primary partition, the paging partition is not the same and is part of the OS. Just ignore the difference. They are both different, required and should be left alone, unless you want to make changes to the primary partition (increase or decrease size) but without specific reasons leave it alone
Good luck
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
Good luck I hope that you return often to learn and to enjoy.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
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