How can I extend the bootable sector on my new hard drive?

[Guest]

I recently purchased a SeaGate 320gb hard drive and did a fresh install of XP
Home edition, downloaded all updates (including SP2). Unfortunately, Windows
only partitioned the first 128GB of the drive as the bootable sector, leaving
170gb unpartitioned.

Now, I understand that I can easily partition the last 170gb as a SEPARATE
partition using the that the computer management tool within Windows XP.
However, I think I'd prefer to extend the original partition (if possible) so
that the entire C volume shows the full capacity of the drive.

I know that there are pros and cons to extending the original boot partition
vs. creatind a secondary partition and I'd be open to hearing from more
knowledgeable people on this matter.

And, assuming I go ahead with extending the bootable sector to the maximum
of the drive's capacity, I would also be soliciting recommendations from any
respondents for RELIABLE utilitities/software apps that will help me achieve
this ONE SECTOR goal of mine.

Thanks to all in advance...

Best,
Mark D.

 

[Ron Martell]

I recently purchased a SeaGate 320gb hard drive and did a fresh install of XP
Home edition, downloaded all updates (including SP2). Unfortunately, Windows
only partitioned the first 128GB of the drive as the bootable sector, leaving
170gb unpartitioned.

Now, I understand that I can easily partition the last 170gb as a SEPARATE
partition using the that the computer management tool within Windows XP.
However, I think I'd prefer to extend the original partition (if possible) so
that the entire C volume shows the full capacity of the drive.

I know that there are pros and cons to extending the original boot partition
vs. creatind a secondary partition and I'd be open to hearing from more
knowledgeable people on this matter.

And, assuming I go ahead with extending the bootable sector to the maximum
of the drive's capacity, I would also be soliciting recommendations from any
respondents for RELIABLE utilitities/software apps that will help me achieve
this ONE SECTOR goal of mine.

Thanks to all in advance...

BootItNG from http://www.bootitng.com will extend your existing
partition. The 30 day free trial version is fully functional. Do not
select the Install option and you will end up in Maintenace mode which
is what you want.

BootItNG is pretty good and I have never known it to fail. However
any work with hard drive partitions does carry with it some risk of
total data loss if things go sideways (such as a power interruption at
just the wrong moment) so you should ensure that you have all of
critical data backed up before making any changes.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2008)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
Syberfix Remote Computer Repair

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[Guest]

Ron,
First, thanks for taking the time to respond to my query. I appeciate your
doing so...

I went to the link you provided and checked out the software you
recommended. I just have a few questions and, please, forgive my ignorance on
such matters...
I noticed that I can download the zip file which I would save to my desktop
and then open (unzip). Now, this is where I am a little fuzzy...
You said something about not choosing the install option...could you please
clarify for me? I don't want to do the wrong thing...

Thanks again for your much appreciated input and help.

Regards,
Mark DiRollo
Norwalk, CT