wrote:
I've often heard that the OS should be on a drive (logical drive) by
itself so that, when it gets a problem, you can just re-install a new
copy of the OS on that drive. However, isn't the OS modified when you
install programs? Where would you install them? Can someone explain the
procedure for this and how it works? It has always confused me and, if
if works as I understand, I'd like to try it.


You're quite correct in your thinking. There's very little point
in having a separate partition for applications. Should you ever have
to reinstall the OS, you'll still also have to reinstall each and every
application anyway, in order to recreate the hundreds (possibly
thousands) of registry entries and to replace the dozens (possibly
hundreds) of essential system files back into the appropriate Windows
folders and sub-folders.

However, placing data files on a partition or physical hard drive
separate from the operating system and applications can greatly simplify
system repairs/recoveries and data back-up.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot