Windows XP & Autocad partition size

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Level 1

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Windows XP & Autocad partition size

I am preparing to set up Boot Camp and install Windows XP SP2 for the SOLE purpose of running Autocad on my MacBook Pro. What I don't know is how much space should I give the Windows partition? I would like to keep it as minimal as possible. Right now I have 50 gb used and 60 gb free.

Ideally I'd like to be able to store all files on the mac side; is that possible? In this case, what can I get away with for minimum partition just to run Autocad? I won't be using Windows for anything else. Don't even want to do this but I'm sort of forced to!

Thanks.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.4)

Posted on Aug 25, 2008 8:08 AM

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Answer 1

Axel Foley

Level 10

150,984 points

Aug 25, 2008 5:52 PM in response to aalverson

I am going to recommend at least 10GB for WIndows XPSP2 and Autocad. There will be approximately 5GB - 6GB free space after all installation is complete. I would recommend to leave that extra space so that windows XPSP2 can build a swap file and whenever needed to use that space to download and install updates (One being SP3). Allow another 5GB for your Autocad data files. This would be the bare minimum (15GB).

If you need Windows to access the OSx partition for data files (read and Write) then you will need to install [MacDrive|http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/win/13831] on the Windows side.

Hope this helps.

Axel F.

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Answer 2

aalverson Author

Level 1

0 points

Aug 26, 2008 10:39 AM in response to Axel Foley

Thanks for the response. I ended up partitioning 20GB. Got through the Windows installation ok, although as of yet, it does not seem to boot properly. When I tell it to reboot to Mac from the Windows side it gets stuck with a black screen and the fan screaming. I press the power button, it shuts off, then I power on again and it boots fine. Did this several times so I'm not sure what the deal is. I haven't installed Autocad yet, but I'm planning to today. If I continue to have the booting problem I'll post a question elsewhere.

Thanks again!

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Answer 3

LukeD

Level 4

3,153 points

Aug 26, 2008 6:35 PM in response to aalverson

Make sure that you have formatted your Windows partition as NTFS instead of FAT 32. FAT 32 cannot handle files of 3.5 GB or larger.

Good luck!

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