And if I don't partition it, can I still store two system's worth of
"Complete PC Backup" .VHD files (and maybe use it for regular file backups
besides) and they don't conflict?

BTW, while we are on the subject, what happened to just being able to pick a
folder and back it up? I guess I see why they dumbed down Backup and Restore
Center for the majority of users, but am wondering if there is a more
flexible UI hiding somewhere for the rest of us.

The problem with partitions is always how to size them to avoid having to
use a tool like Acronis Disk Director.

I'd test this, but I don't have a free external to play with. I use WHS to
back up my systems, but my daughter is looking for a simpler solution for
her desktop and laptop.

"John Barnett MVP" <freelance@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
news:CFE1797C-E297-4E53-9E5C-4A76453D1FBF@microsoft.com...
> The trick is to partition the external hard drive.