Quote - It's true that having multiple partitions may not necessarily work as data protection, especially if you have a mechanical/on-board controller failure of the HD. Partitioning is more about efficiency and organization. Especially with today's large drives, it's usually better to divide the space into two or more partitions.

what you say is definitely true and good advice......though i prefer the external. i have a toshiba sat 5200-900 and the multi drive went caput. when i had to reformat i found to my consternation i couldn't. a new drive cost me almost 400$. the reason being it's a unique shape and has to be done by a toshiba specialist........anyway long story.....i lost everything 3 partions and what was on em. often even a virus can wipe out the partions if you move stuff about on them.. now i just use the exteranal as storage for everything and copy to dvd when i have enough to fill a disk.. one of my main problems here in the philippines with my desk top pc is power outage.  can't believe the number of times i've had to reformat because i lost power and had the registry duffed up. the external is also a great way to move or use files on another pc specially tuts lol.

billy