Question : What is the best setup of disk partitions for a Windows Server box (2003)

Hi Experts
I have awalys used the following disk config when building a server which is acting as domain controller and dns etc as well as file sharing network drives etc. No more than 40 users on domain 1 site.

C Drive - 30gb Windows OS programs etc

D: CDROM drive

E: DATA

if supported normally RAID 5 hardware RAID on HP servers.

Q. When do i need to put a page file seperate Partition in my setup.
Q. Is it ok to run 1 array on RAID 5 for all. I know performance would be better with seperate configs but are we talking when there is alot more demand on the servers.

If 200 users you would have more likely a dedicated DNS box or 2. 2 -3 AD servers
Data server seperate etc

Answer : What is the best setup of disk partitions for a Windows Server box (2003)

> If 200 users you would have more likely a dedicated DNS box or 2. 2 -3 AD servers

At least 2 domain controllers, however that number will scale well. I generally run DNS on the DCs for ease of operation / maintenance. The security features, like Secure Dynamic Update, cannot be used when using a member server for DNS.

> Q. When do i need to put a page file seperate Partition in my setup.

You can move it if required, if space is constrained. However if you do so I suggest you leave a small page file on the system disk so it can be used for debugging.

> Q. Is it ok to run 1 array on RAID 5 for all. I know performance would be better with
> seperate configs but are we talking when there is alot more demand on the servers.

Depends how much money you have :)

I favour system on a mirrored pair, then RAID 5 for data. Depends entirely on how many disks you have available.

Chris