The Amagicsoft Knowledge Base explains disk partitions, file systems, Windows tools, and storage technologies. Browse practical articles to understand common errors, troubleshoot storage issues, and learn the basics of data recovery and disk cloning.
A disk sector is a fixed-size unit used to organize and access data on a storage device. The operating system addresses logical sectors, while the device also reports physical sector information that matters for write alignment and compatibility. These sizes can differ: a 512e hard drive exposes 512-byte logical sectors over 4,096-byte physical sectors. Sector […]
A GPT partition entry is a record that describes one partition on a GUID Partition Table (GPT) disk. It identifies the partition’s type, unique GUID, starting and ending logical block addresses (LBAs), attributes, and name. The usual GPT partition entry structure occupies 128 bytes. By decoding these fields, you can locate a partition, calculate its […]
A GPT header is a metadata structure that describes a disk’s GUID Partition Table. It identifies the disk, locates the partition entry array, defines usable disk boundaries, and stores checksums used to detect metadata corruption. GPT maintains primary and backup headers for redundancy. Understanding their byte layout and CRC32 fields helps explain how partition information […]
The EFI System Partition (ESP) is a small partition that stores startup files used by a UEFI-based computer. On a typical Windows UEFI/GPT installation, it uses the FAT32 file system and normally has no drive letter. It helps the computer start Windows; it is separate from the partition containing your documents and installed applications. You […]