New HDD, which one as master?

[bogan]

Hello everyone,

At the moment I'm using Windows XP but plan on using Linux within the next couple of weeks.

I currently have a 80gb HDD in my computer and recently it's become about 95% full. I purchased a 160gb one today and I don't know if I should use the new one as a master and the 80gb for extra storage or the other way around.

Which would be the best option 160gb for master or 80gb?

I'm also thinking of transfering everything onto the 160gb and using that as a master with windows, then installing linux on the 80gb, then I won't have to worry about partitioning drives. The only thing I'm worried about is if I download files in windows that I won't be able to access them in linux or if I download them in linux I wont be able to access them in windows.

All advice is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[serz]

Since you're going to do all that.. here are my suggestions.

If you're going to re-install OSs, first install Windows, then Linux.

Also, for storage, make one big FAT32 partition. This way, you can fully share files between Windows and Linux.

[bogan]

So I could have the entire 160gb as FAT32, master drive, and install windows on to it. Have the 80gb as a slave, with 15gb as ext type partition, and the rest as FAT32.

Is that a good idea?

[budman7]

I think what serz meant was to create a Fat32 partition for storage.

Install XP as NTFS.
If you install XP onto a Fat32 partition you will get the option to leave the file system as is. And not use NTFS.

Either way you go, Windows needs to be on the Master and it doesn't matter to Linux if it is on the Master or slave.

[bogan]

Thanks for the help guys, much appreciated