Use Partition Magic correctly
There are extensive programs such as "Partition Magic" for formatting and partitioning data carriers. We show you how to use such software and what you need to consider.
Important notes about Partition Magic
The last version of Partition Magic was released in late 2002. It is now out of date, does not run on Windows operating systems that were released after XP and technical support was also discontinued years ago. In principle, however, all partitioning programs are similar. We first explain what needs to be observed in the application and then introduce you to suitable software.
Partition and format media
Partitioning disks is actually very easy if you are clear about the following four points:
- Which disk shown corresponds to your physical device? You can find out, for example, by comparing the storage capacity shown in the software with that of the data carrier, which can usually be read on the medium itself. This ensures that you do not accidentally make settings on the wrong data medium.
- What are you up to You can create one or more partitions on an empty data carrier, merge existing partitions or split a partitioning into further partitions.
- Do you have important data? Before partitioning a disk, you should back up important files. Partitioning errors rarely occur, but their effects can be serious.
- What formatting do you need? Depending on the operating system, you need different formatting. Many digital cameras only recognize SD cards with FAT formatting, DVD players and TVs with USB connection only memory with FAT32. A hard disk for MAC and Windows should also have FAT32, for pure Windows use NTFS offers more security. Linux works with ext2-4. The formatting suitable for your device can usually be found in the instructions for use.
Software for partitioning and formatting data carriers
There are many programs that do the disk partitioning and formatting. These are partly chargeable or offer a limited range of functions. We briefly introduce some programs to you:
- "Easeus Partition Master" with brief instructions is available for download free of charge. The software has a large scope and is easy to use using the instructions.
- "Parted Magic" is another free alternative to "Partition Magic". This software is similar to "Partition Magic" in structure and operation.
- The "Partition Manager" has a similar scope to Partition Magic and is explained step-by-step in this photo gallery. A free 30-day demo of "Partition Manager" is available free of charge in our download area.
- You can also use Windows 7 computer management, which can be found under the path "% windir% \ system32 \ compmgmt.msc / s", for partitioning. However, it only offers a few formats. You will find two brief instructions in this and this practical tip.
- You can also do partitioning on Mac. This practical tip explains how to do it.
Partitioning and formatting have become easy and safe with current programs. If you can answer the four questions we asked and follow the step-by-step instructions for your partitioning program, you are on the safe side.