Chapter Four Managing Windows XP File Systems and Storage

Chapter FourChapter Four

Managing Windows Managing Windows XP File Systems and XP File Systems and

StorageStorage

ObjectivesObjectives Understand basic and dynamic storageUnderstand basic and dynamic storage Understand the drive configurations Understand the drive configurations

supported by Windows XPsupported by Windows XP Understand the FAT, FAT32, and NTFS Understand the FAT, FAT32, and NTFS

file systemsfile systems Understand permissions, sharing, and Understand permissions, sharing, and

other security issues related to file other security issues related to file systemssystems

Understand Windows XP drive, volume, Understand Windows XP drive, volume, and partition maintenance and and partition maintenance and administrationadministration

File Storage BasicsFile Storage Basics

Windows XP supports two types of Windows XP supports two types of storage:storage: Basic storageBasic storage

Centers on partitioning a physical diskCenters on partitioning a physical disk Dynamic storageDynamic storage

Not based on partitions but Not based on partitions but volumesvolumes

Basic StorageBasic Storage

There are two types of partitions:There are two types of partitions: Primary partitionsPrimary partitions Extended partitionsExtended partitions

A primary partition must be marked A primary partition must be marked activeactive Indicates to the computer’s BIOS that it Indicates to the computer’s BIOS that it

host the necessary files to boot an host the necessary files to boot an operating systemoperating system


Typically you’ll want to create Typically you’ll want to create partitions or volumes as large as the partitions or volumes as large as the operating system and file system operating system and file system allowallow FAT—4 GBFAT—4 GB FAT32—32 GBFAT32—32 GB NTFS—4 TBNTFS—4 TB


There are two partitions associated There are two partitions associated with Windows XP:with Windows XP: System partitionSystem partition

Active partition where the boot files are Active partition where the boot files are storedstored

Boot partitionBoot partition Hosts the main Windows XP system files Hosts the main Windows XP system files

and is the initial default location for the and is the initial default location for the paging filepaging file

Dynamic StorageDynamic Storage

This storage method offers drive This storage method offers drive structures from simple volumes (entire structures from simple volumes (entire hard drives as a single formatted entity) hard drives as a single formatted entity) to fully fault tolerant RAID-5 to fully fault tolerant RAID-5 configurationsconfigurations

New drives can be transformed into New drives can be transformed into dynamic storage hosts through a selection dynamic storage hosts through a selection WizardWizard This Wizard is launched when the This Wizard is launched when the Disk Disk

ManagementManagement tool is accessed tool is accessed


Figure 4-1: A dynamic volume seen through the Disk Management portion of Computer Management

Dynamic StorageDynamic Storage Mount pointMount point

Single Single drive letterdrive letter

Figure 4-2: Select Disks page of the New Volume Wizard


Figure 4-3: Assign Drive Letter or Path page of the New Volume Wizard


Figure 4-4: Format Volume page of the New Volume Wizard


Table 4-1: Functions and Capabilities of

Basic and Dynamic Disks

Removable Storage Removable Storage DevicesDevices

The inclusion of PnP technology in The inclusion of PnP technology in Windows XP brings support for removable Windows XP brings support for removable media and storage devicesmedia and storage devices These removable storage devices or storage These removable storage devices or storage

media can contain only a single partitionmedia can contain only a single partition They cannot participate in dynamic storageThey cannot participate in dynamic storage They cannot host extended partitionsThey cannot host extended partitions They cannot be marked activeThey cannot be marked active

Drive ConfigurationsDrive Configurations

There are five drive configurations There are five drive configurations or structures supported by Windows or structures supported by Windows XP:XP: Simple volumeSimple volume Spanned volumeSpanned volume Striped volumeStriped volume Mirrored volumeMirrored volume RAID-5 volumeRAID-5 volume

File SystemsFile Systems

Windows XP supports:Windows XP supports: File Allocation Table (FAT; also called File Allocation Table (FAT; also called

FAT16)FAT16) FAT32FAT32 New Technology File System (NTFS)New Technology File System (NTFS)

FAT, FAT32, and NTFS all support long FAT, FAT32, and NTFS all support long file names (LFNs)file names (LFNs)

FAT and FAT32FAT and FAT32

The important features of FAT, The important features of FAT, under Windows XP:under Windows XP: Supports volumes up to 4 GB in sizeSupports volumes up to 4 GB in size Most efficient on volumes smaller than Most efficient on volumes smaller than

256 MB256 MB Root directory can contain only 512 Root directory can contain only 512

entriesentries No file-level compressionNo file-level compression No file-level securityNo file-level security


FAT32 is simply an enhanced FAT32 is simply an enhanced version of FAT that was originally version of FAT that was originally released with Windows 95 OSR2released with Windows 95 OSR2

A FAT volume is divided into clustersA FAT volume is divided into clusters A cluster is a group of one or more A cluster is a group of one or more

sectorssectors divided into a single non-divided into a single non-divisible unitdivisible unit


Table 4-2: FAT16 and FAT32 Cluster Sizes

NTFSNTFS

The important features of NTFS, The important features of NTFS, under Windows XP:under Windows XP: Supports volumes up to 2 TB in sizeSupports volumes up to 2 TB in size Most efficient on volumes larger than Most efficient on volumes larger than

512 MB512 MB Root directory can contain unlimited Root directory can contain unlimited

entriesentries File-level compressionFile-level compression

NTFSNTFS

The important features of NTFS, The important features of NTFS, under Windows XP (cont.):under Windows XP (cont.): File-level securityFile-level security File-level encryptionFile-level encryption Disk quotasDisk quotas POSIX supportPOSIX support

NTFSNTFS

Table 4-3: NTFS Default Cluster Sizes

Converting File SystemsConverting File Systems

If you decide you need to change the If you decide you need to change the format, you have only two options:format, you have only two options: Reformat with the new file systemReformat with the new file system Convert from FAT/FAT32 to NTFSConvert from FAT/FAT32 to NTFS

File CompressionFile Compression

The ability to compress data on the The ability to compress data on the basis of:basis of: Single filesSingle files FoldersFolders Entire volumesEntire volumes

Offers the benefit of being able to Offers the benefit of being able to store more data in the same space, store more data in the same space, but at the cost of some performancebut at the cost of some performance

Disk Management Disk Management ActionsActions

In addition to creating volumes and In addition to creating volumes and transforming devices into dynamic transforming devices into dynamic storage, the Disk Management tool offers storage, the Disk Management tool offers several other useful featuresseveral other useful features The All Tasks submenu of the Action menu is The All Tasks submenu of the Action menu is

context-based, depending on the type of context-based, depending on the type of object selectedobject selected

Disk Management can be used to Disk Management can be used to manipulate storage devices on remote manipulate storage devices on remote computerscomputers


Figure 4-5: A drive Properties dialog box, General tab


Figure 4-6: A drive Properties dialog box, Volumes tab


Figure 4-7: A volume Properties dialog box, General tab


Figure 4-8: A volume Properties dialog box, Tools tab


Figure 4-9: A volume Properties dialog box, Hardware tab


Figure 4-10: A volume Properties dialog box, Sharing tab


Figure 4-11: A volume Properties dialog box, Security tab


Figure 4-12: A volume Properties dialog box, Quota tab

Drive Letters and Mount Drive Letters and Mount PointsPoints

Windows XP uses drive letters to Windows XP uses drive letters to grant applications and user interface grant applications and user interface utilities access to file system utilities access to file system resourcesresources

A mount point is an alternative to A mount point is an alternative to drive lettersdrive letters A mount point connects a FAT/FAT32 or A mount point connects a FAT/FAT32 or

NTFS volume or partition to an empty NTFS volume or partition to an empty directory on an NTFS volume or partitiondirectory on an NTFS volume or partition

Disk CleanupDisk Cleanup

Figure 4-13: Disk Cleanup dialog box

Check DiskCheck Disk

Check Disk (Error-checking)Check Disk (Error-checking) Inspection utility used to:Inspection utility used to:

Examine disk integrityExamine disk integrity Locate both logical and physical errors on a Locate both logical and physical errors on a

hard drivehard drive

DefragmentationDefragmentation

FragmentationFragmentation The division of a file into two or more The division of a file into two or more

parts where each part is stored in a parts where each part is stored in a different location on the hard drivedifferent location on the hard drive

DefragmentationDefragmentation Process of re-organizing files so they Process of re-organizing files so they

are stored contiguously and no gaps are are stored contiguously and no gaps are left between filesleft between files

DefragmentationDefragmentation

Figure 4-14: Disk Defragmenter

NTFS Folder ObjectNTFS Folder Object

Figure 4-15: An NTFS folder object’s Properties dialog box, General tab

NTFS Folder ObjectNTFS Folder Object

Figure 4-16: Advanced Attributes dialog box

FAT/FAT32 Folder ObjectFAT/FAT32 Folder Object

Figure 4-17: A FAT/FAT32 folder object’s Properties dialog box, General tab

NTFS File ObjectNTFS File Object

Figure 4-18: An NTFS file object’s Properties dialog box, General tab

FAT/FAT32 File ObjectFAT/FAT32 File Object

Figure 4-19: A FAT/FAT32 file object’s Properties dialog box, General tab

NTFS Mounted Volume NTFS Mounted Volume ObjectObject

Figure 4-20: An NTFS mounted volume object’s Properties dialog box, General tab

FAT/FAT32 Mounted FAT/FAT32 Mounted Volume ObjectVolume Object

A FAT/FAT32 mounted volume A FAT/FAT32 mounted volume object’s Properties dialog box has object’s Properties dialog box has three tabs:three tabs: GeneralGeneral SharingSharing CustomizeCustomize

NTFS File and Folder NTFS File and Folder PermissionsPermissions

NTFS file and folder permissions are NTFS file and folder permissions are nearly identicalnearly identical The only differences are:The only differences are:

Files do not offer child inheritance optionsFiles do not offer child inheritance options Some obvious permissions apply only to Some obvious permissions apply only to

folders or only to filesfolders or only to files


Figure 4-21: The Security tab of an NTFS object’s Properties dialog box


Figure 4-22: The Advanced Security Settings Properties dialog box for an NTFS object, Permissions tab


Figure 4-23: The Permission Entry dialog box

NTFS Permission BasicsNTFS Permission Basics Rules to keep in mind:Rules to keep in mind:

NTFS object permissions always apply, no NTFS object permissions always apply, no matter if the accessing user is local or remotematter if the accessing user is local or remote

NTFS object permissions are cumulativeNTFS object permissions are cumulative NTFS file permissions override any NTFS file permissions override any

contradictory settings on the parent or contradictory settings on the parent or container foldercontainer folder

Deny overrides all other specific AllowsDeny overrides all other specific Allows When disabling inheritance for an NTFS object, When disabling inheritance for an NTFS object,

select to either Copy the parent object’s select to either Copy the parent object’s permissions to the current object or Remove permissions to the current object or Remove permissions assigned from the parent and retain permissions assigned from the parent and retain only object-specific settingsonly object-specific settings

Copying and Moving Copying and Moving NTFS ObjectsNTFS Objects

There are four different situations to keep There are four different situations to keep in mind when dealing with NTFS source in mind when dealing with NTFS source and destination volumes or partitions:and destination volumes or partitions: Moving an object within the same volume or Moving an object within the same volume or

partitionpartition Copying an object within the same volume or Copying an object within the same volume or

partitionpartition Moving an object from one volume or partition Moving an object from one volume or partition

to anotherto another Copying an object from one volume or Copying an object from one volume or

partition to anotherpartition to another

Managing Shared Managing Shared FoldersFolders

Figure 4-24: A folder object’s Properties dialog box, Sharing tab


Figure 4-25: The Share Permissions dialog box


Important issues to keep in mind when Important issues to keep in mind when working with shares:working with shares: The three permission levels on a share are the only The three permission levels on a share are the only

way to impose security on shared FAT volumesway to impose security on shared FAT volumes Shares are folders not individual filesShares are folders not individual files Share permissions only apply to the network Share permissions only apply to the network

access pointsaccess points Default permission for a new share is Full Control Default permission for a new share is Full Control

for the Everyone groupfor the Everyone group Multiple share-permission levels due to group Multiple share-permission levels due to group

membership are cumulativemembership are cumulative


Important issues to keep in mind when Important issues to keep in mind when working with shares (cont.):working with shares (cont.): Deny always overrides any other specific Deny always overrides any other specific

allowedallowed The most restrictive permissions of The most restrictive permissions of

cumulative share or cumulative NTFS cumulative share or cumulative NTFS applyapply

Share permissions only restrict access for Share permissions only restrict access for network users, not local usersnetwork users, not local users

A moved folder is no longer sharedA moved folder is no longer shared

Media Folders and the Media Folders and the Customize TabCustomize Tab

Figure 4-26: A file object’s

Properties dialog box,

Customize tab

Simple File SharingSimple File Sharing

Used when quick and easy file sharing Used when quick and easy file sharing is needed from a Windows XP is needed from a Windows XP Professional systemProfessional system

Really only effective when Windows XP Really only effective when Windows XP is a member of a workgroupis a member of a workgroup

When enabled, as it is by default, all When enabled, as it is by default, all shared folders are accessible by shared folders are accessible by everyone on the networkeveryone on the network

Zipping Files and Zipping Files and Compressed FoldersCompressed Folders

Zipped filesZipped files Compressed files that house one or Compressed files that house one or

more files, and possibly a directory more files, and possibly a directory structure, into a single .zip filestructure, into a single .zip file

Zipped files are treated as Zipped files are treated as compressed folderscompressed folders

CD BurningCD Burning

Windows XP includes native support Windows XP includes native support for writing files either to:for writing files either to: A CDRA CDR A CDRWA CDRW

This feature does require a This feature does require a compatible CDR or CDRW drivecompatible CDR or CDRW drive

Offline FilesOffline Files

Figure 4-27: Offline Files tab of Folder Options

Folder RedirectionFolder Redirection

The mechanism of altering the physical The mechanism of altering the physical storage location of commonly used storage location of commonly used folders to a network server while folders to a network server while retaining the original local access retaining the original local access methodsmethods

Folder Redirection can be configured Folder Redirection can be configured through two different mechanismsthrough two different mechanisms When either of these mechanisms is used, When either of these mechanisms is used,

the redirected items are still accessed in the the redirected items are still accessed in the exact same manner as before by each userexact same manner as before by each user

Removable MediaRemovable Media

Removable media include any Removable media include any storage device that is installed onto storage device that is installed onto a Windows XP systema Windows XP system

Storage devices can be:Storage devices can be: Read-onlyRead-only Write-onceWrite-once Re-writeableRe-writeable

Troubleshooting Access Troubleshooting Access ProblemsProblems

In most access problems, either of In most access problems, either of the following occurred:the following occurred: The resource object has the wrong The resource object has the wrong

settingssettings The user account has the wrong The user account has the wrong

settingssettings


Guidelines to design your permission Guidelines to design your permission levels and to avoid common levels and to avoid common problems:problems: Grant permissions only as neededGrant permissions only as needed Rely upon NTFS to restrict accessRely upon NTFS to restrict access Grant Full Control only when necessary, Grant Full Control only when necessary,

even on shareseven on shares


Guidelines to design your permission Guidelines to design your permission levels and to avoid common problems levels and to avoid common problems (cont.):(cont.): Change permissions on a folder level, Change permissions on a folder level,

allow changes to affect all child elementsallow changes to affect all child elements Use multiple folders and subfolders to Use multiple folders and subfolders to

separate files into groups for different separate files into groups for different permissions levelspermissions levels

Stay away from the Deny setting unless Stay away from the Deny setting unless absolutely necessaryabsolutely necessary

The Microsoft The Microsoft Distributed File System Distributed File System

(DFS)(DFS) A Windows 2000 or Windows .NET A Windows 2000 or Windows .NET

Server hosted service used to Server hosted service used to manipulate and manage shared manipulate and manage shared resourcesresources

The benefits of DFS include:The benefits of DFS include: All network resources are organized in a All network resources are organized in a

single-tree structuresingle-tree structure User navigation of resources is simplified User navigation of resources is simplified

because the host computer name is not because the host computer name is not requiredrequired

The Microsoft The Microsoft Distributed File System Distributed File System

(DFS)(DFS) The benefits of DFS include (cont.):The benefits of DFS include (cont.):

Powerful administration is simplifiedPowerful administration is simplified Access permissions are preservedAccess permissions are preserved The DFS root is accessed in the same The DFS root is accessed in the same

way as a normal shareway as a normal share Once inside the DFS root, all other Once inside the DFS root, all other

resource accesses are simplified and do resource accesses are simplified and do not require knowing the name of the not require knowing the name of the host systemshost systems

Chapter SummaryChapter Summary

Be familiar with basic and dynamic storage Be familiar with basic and dynamic storage conceptsconcepts

The FAT and FAT32 file systems are The FAT and FAT32 file systems are retained by Windows XP for backward retained by Windows XP for backward compatibility with other operating systems compatibility with other operating systems on the same multi-boot systemon the same multi-boot system

Mount points are a new mapping method in Mount points are a new mapping method in Windows XPWindows XP

All file system objects within Windows XP All file system objects within Windows XP have unique properties and controlshave unique properties and controls

Chapter SummaryChapter Summary

Windows XP includes support for:Windows XP includes support for: Simple File SharingSimple File Sharing Zipped filesZipped files CD burningCD burning Folder redirectionFolder redirection Management of removable mediaManagement of removable media Support for DFSSupport for DFS

Documents

Chapter Four Managing Windows XP File Systems and Storage