Partitioning scheme

Hardware - Macbook Pro
Software - OS X 10.5, Windows XP Home SP2, Parallels Desktop

Goal: System that runs XP Pro via bootcamp, and uses the same XP image for Parallels. Data partition that is readable/writable from both XP and OS X. Like to end up with 3 partitions I guess: 1 HFS+ where I will install OS X, 1 NTFS where I will install XP, 1 FAT where I will keep data I'd like to have access to from either OS.

My understanding of the issue:
1. FAT partitions can't exceed 32 GB (when formatted using the MS tool on the XP disk)
2. apple's boot camp software only allows 1 mac partition and 1 windows partition.

This is a new machine, so I can format, start from scratch, erase all data, destructively resize partitions, whatever. Any tips / read-me's appreciated.

 

why do you need Bootcamp?
Parallels works best for me as a VM with no partitions

the whole point of the Mac GUI is to trust the automation and do something useful

If you must do what you say consider adding a Firewire disk and running the VM from that

The Forums are full of cries of pain from Bootcamp users and Bootcamp is only just out of beta

take care to Keep things Simple

KISS

Hugh W

 

Well, some games don't work in Parallels, and those that do will run faster natively.

As for the FireWire drive, sure, I could do that. But carrying a portable drive everywhere would seem to eliminate one of the main advantages of owning a laptop computer?