Before you start
Objectives: learn how to mount a Volume to a folder on existing partition in XP.
Prerequisites: no prerequisites.
Key terms: disk, folder, volume, mount, partition, ntfs, space, system, dynamic, point
Example Configuration
To mount a volume, we have to create a folder on existing partition. Next, we have to point it to the new partition. When we do that, the new partition is represented as a folder on our computer. Data is stored on the new storage space on our new volume, but it’s accessible by browsing the folder on the original drive. Both partitions have to be formatted with NTFS. The folder we’re mounting to needs to be empty, and it needs to be created on an NTFS partition. Let’s see an example. We will open Disk Management and have a look at our disks. In our case, we have three disks. Disk 0 is a Dynamic disk and we have created a volume on it. Disk 1 is Basic disk and it is our System disk. Disk 2 is Dynamic disk and is currently unallocated.
Image 254.1 – Disks
We have created new folder on the E partition, which is called ‘Mount Point’ in this case.
Image 254.2 – New Folder
Let’s point our new folder to the Disk 2. To do that, in Disk Management right-click the unallocated space on Disk 2, select ‘New Volume’, and then click ‘Next’.
Image 254.3 – Simple Volume
We want to create ‘Simple’ volume, so let’s select it and click ‘Next.
Image 254.4 – Disk Selection
Now we need to specify the amount of space that we want to use. In this case we will use all the space on the disk. Let’s click Next. Now, we need to select ‘Mount in the following NTFS folder:’.
Image 254.5 – Second Option Selected
Click ‘Browse’. We need to browse to the E partition, and then ‘Mounting Point’ folder.
Image 254.6 – Folder Selected
Click ‘OK’. The path is now entered.
Image 254.7 – Path Entered
Click ‘Next. We will select NTFS, and also quick formating.
Image 254.8 – Format With NTFS
Click ‘Next’, and click ‘Finish’. Now we have a new Volume. Notice that it does not have a drive letter. Notice that the default icon for our ‘Mounting Point’ folder has changed.
Image 254.9 – Disk Status
Image 254.10 – Mount Point Folder
Remember
For mounting we can use Basic disks and Volumes on Dynamic disks. All partitions must be formatted with NTFS. Multiple folders can reference the same target partition.