How to Partition?

[Guest]

I am running XP Pro (SP2) on a HP/Compaq nx9010 notebook with a removable
Iomega 80GB HDD that I use for backups of my standalone home use system that
connects to the network via cable. I would like to add a partition/logical
drive on the Iomega to improve the backup process. Instructions to do this
are available and clear but I am stuck on start.

When I go to Disk Management the Iomega is displayed: Volume=Iomega_HDD
(E Layout=Partition Type=Basic File System=NTFS Primary Partition
Allocated=100%.

I said all that just to say this: I cannot click on Unallocated or Free
Space as the instructions require because there is none. All space is
allocated. How do I get to 1st base? Formatting the drive and losing the
data is not a problem. How do I get started?

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi BobW,

To have unallocated (free) space, you must first delete the existing
partition that is occupying 100% of your drive. This *will* result in the
loss of all data currently on the drive. There are other utilities available
that are capable of dynamically resizing (shrinking) the existing partition
should this be a concern, but you cannot use the Windows Disk manager for
this (it's a very simplistic tool).

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Guest]

Hi Nutcase, Good to hear from you (again).

I can delete the existing partition but will the same 100% allocation again?
Thanks for your interest!
BobW

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

You write "but will the same 100% allocation again". I don't know
what you mean with this question. Are you asking if the installation
process will again allocate 100% of the disk space to the Windows
system partition? The answer is no - you get the opportunity to
select the size of the system partition. Just read every screen
carefully so that you don't miss it.

 

[Mike Hall - MS MVP Windows Shell/User]

Bob

If you delete the present partition which has been sized to occupy ALL of
the drive, you will be left with FREE space in which you can create as many
smaller partitions as you like up to the total maximum size of the drive..
any data on the drive will of course be lost..

Alternatively, you could use a program like Partition Magic that enables the
creation of partitions 'on the fly', and that does not incur data loss..

 

[Guest]

Hi Pegasus,
Yes, that is what I was trying to say. Thank you, and I will follow the
instructions carefully.
Thanks again,
BobW

 

[Guest]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for your help. Will do some cleanup/backups first and give it a try.
Thanks again,
BobW

 

[Guest]

Mike, Nutcase & Pegasus,

My sincere thanks to all. You got me off of Start which was to click on
Delete Partition. That simple. The rest was just a matter of following
instructions.

I now have two drives on the Iomega which will allow for an easier backup
system.

Thanks again,
BobW

 

[Mike Hall - MS MVP Windows Shell/User]

Bob

You're welcome..