I have a two-fold problem I'm trying to sort though.

I have a newer PC w/XP and an 80gb hhd. I want to partition this hhd into three partitions like my other ME box using Partitionmagic8 (because of NTFS on XP).  In order to do this, I have to backup my existing system on C: (image copy with Ghost). BTW, I'm not going to run dual OS's. This is strictly a backup situation.

So I bought a Maxtor external 120gb hhd that I would like to also create two partitions... so I can "hot swap" between my two PC's and backup my older ME box and the newer XP box in their respective partitions on the external. This is because of ME/FAT32 file system and XP/NTFS file system differences.  

The reason I'm asking is I'm sure someone else has already gone before me, and probably has a really good way of streamlining this procedure.

From what I'm seeing, this is what I have to do: hook up the external; partition the external in NTFS AND FAT32 so both XP and ME can use it; Ghost image XP C: to external for safety (there's an existing XP imaging problem and solution to external drives identified on Symantec); partition the XP box.

Thanks, Jim.

So I bought a Maxtor external 120gb hhd that I would like to also create two partitions...so I can "hot swap" between my two PC's and backup my older ME box and the newer XP box in their respective partitions on the external. This is because of ME/FAT32 file system and XP/NTFS file system differences. *
From what I'm seeing, this is what I have to do: hook up the external; partition the external in NTFS AND FAT32 so both XP and ME can use it; Ghost image XP C: to external for safety (there's an existing XP imaging problem and solution to external drives identified on Symantec); partition the XP box.
Thanks, Jim.


Similar (or at least related) question...
Am using XPpro/SP2/NTSF and trying to move large (10gig) zip file to Maxtor Ext HD with FAT32 system.
Getting error message that not enough space on HD but there is plenty of empty space when I check properties.
Do I need to convert HD (or create partition) to NTFS, and if so how difficult is that without losing stored data?

If I recall correctly, FAT32 has a filesize limit of either 2 or 4 GB...