How to ADD a Hard Disk partition in Vista

[kb100]

Folks!

I just got a new comp with vista business preloaded - I, by oversight, did not specify the partitions I want on the hard disk - so I have some 220 GB in C and some 10GB in a recovery partition .

I would like to now add at least ONE partion to this - is this possible without having to reformat the whole drive and reload the factory installed OS and software. (I have a Dell XPS 1330)

Or can I make a mirror - reformat - and copy the mirror - and still be okay to go? I am worried about all the drivers etc - I assume there must be some re-installation sequence to follow for all the software to work harmoniously.

HELP!

[gopz]

Control Panel> Administrative Tools> Computer Management > Disk Management

Right click on C: and Shrink Volume to how much ever you want.

Then create a new partition using the free space.

Will take less than 5 mins for this and you will not even need a reboot

[rsjaurr]

kb100000,i must tell you this is a pain making partitions in vista.I had got ext 2.5" USB HDD and i wasted whole yesterday trying to do what gopz has said.
Anyway good luck.

[vivekiny2k]

if it has unmovable files, it will not be able to shrink the disk. defrag doesn't help either.

in that case try smaller sizes to free (e.g. try freeing 10 MB by shrinking 220 to 210 GB) until u succeed.
I tried multiple times in a period of few days one by one and i was able to free up around 70 GB.

[Sideways]

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Try this sight, amazing number of tutorials which handle most questions.

[gopz]

kb100 has a brand new system, just out of the box. I am sure that my suggested method will work for him.

For others, if it didnt work, I suggest using linux-based Gparted. Google Gparted and you will know the tool. It is Freeware.

[Technocrat]

Yes I had used the same way as gopz suggested, Should not be an issue.

[kb100]

Originally Posted by gopz

Control Panel> Administrative Tools> Computer Management > Disk Management

Right click on C: and Shrink Volume to how much ever you want.

Then create a new partition using the free space.

Will take less than 5 mins for this and you will not even need a reboot

Did this.. It liberated over 100GB ... But strangely it refuses to let me create a new partition - am getting the "Not enough space" message.

Turns out Dell has already created FOUR primary partitions - displayed in this sequence on the disk management software



The first entry .. . 74MB - Healthy (EISA Configuration) (what is that???)

The last partition I am told is the Dell Direct software without which the Multimedia functions dont work (without switching the comp on or something like that)

Please tell me how this can be resolved

Is having two partitions advisable/recommended?

If so then guess I will have to return this to them under their free look period.

[aaggoswami]

Try using partition magic. It worked on my friend's Vista Business.

[kb100]

Thank you--but I read that Vista recognizes only 4 primary partitions -- are you sure that Partition Magic will work under the circumstances??

[aaggoswami]

I have never tried using partition magic in Vista myself. Just seen that being done. I think it will work.

[aah78]

Download the demo version of PerfectDisk 2008 Professional from Disk Defrag Software | Raxco.com.
You have to register first, and then they'll send you a link for download.

PerfectDisk is one of the few defragmenters that'll move your unmoveable files to the beginning of your hard disk.

This'll let you squeeze out more space for your partition, when you use Shrink Volume.

I have an older version of Partition Magic that didn't work - maybe the newer version does.

[kb100]

Thank you Aah, But the issue is with creating a new partition itself- I already have 100GB liberated and lying around.

THe Dell ppl seem to have configured all the four partiions as primary partitions, hence vista is not lettinng me create a new one. So two questions

1. Is there any third part software that will circumvent this

2. Even if the attempt is successful, will Vista recognise the partition and allow me to work with it.

[NetfreakBombay]

Ther ecan not be more then 4 "primary" partitions.

But you can expand a primary partition to cover unused area and create a secondary partition there. Partition Magic can do that easily.

[kb100]

Is Partition Magic Vista compatible?.. If so which version?