Abstract: A computer having storage apparatus with protected and drive data areas and with an operating system stored in the storage apparatus. The computer is controlled to select a hard drive of the storage apparatus and determine if the selected hard drive has a protected area for storing diagnostic programs and data in combination with a drive data area for storing user information. The computer has operating apparatus for adjusting sizes of the selected hard drive protected and drive data areas in accordance with requirements of a user of the computer and for reallocating storage of data in the adjusted data areas.