New Computer: Need to Partition Disk

[Guest]

Before I transfer my data to my new computer, I want to partion the disk and
assign a drive letter to the new partition. The disk is currently configured
as a basic disk with three partitions (Partition 1: OEM, Partition 2:
Primary, Partition 3: Unknown). Currently the C: drive has all of the
available free space (70GB). Can I use Diskpart to accomplish this? If so,
I would appreciate a step-by-step approach. I figure that I do not need
third party software since I have no data on the new computer that I am
concerned about losing. I just want to make sure that I don't lose the
operating system in the process.

 

[Ted Zieglar]

Sorry, you need third party software. The only way to repartition in XP is
to delete partitions and create new ones in the space made available.

BTW, I can help you figure out the other two partitions on your disk.
Partition 1 is probably diagnostic tools the manufacturer placed on the hard
disk. They are usually invoked by pressing an F key during startup. This
partition was intended to be used when you are talking with a technical
support person. It is 'invisible' to XP, since it uses a file system
unreadable by XP. If you erase it, you won't be able to reinstall it.

Partition 3 is probably a so-called recovery partition. It contains all the
software that was on your computer when it left the factory, as well as the
means to quickly set it up again. You can erase this partition IF you have a
complete set of install CDs containing all the software that was loaded onto
your computer at the factory. You will have to install the software
yourself.

 

[Guest]

Ted--

Thanks for the quick response. Question: Do I need to delete all
partitions, or could I just delete Partition 2 (the primary partition) and
then create two new partitions to replace that one (using all the space made
available by deleteing Partition 2)? In other words is there anything on
Partition 2 that precludes me from deleting it?

 

[Ted Zieglar]

Just Windows, all your programs and all your personal files.

 

[John R Weiss]

Before I transfer my data to my new computer, I want to partion the disk and
assign a drive letter to the new partition. The disk is currently configured
as a basic disk with three partitions (Partition 1: OEM, Partition 2:
Primary, Partition 3: Unknown). Currently the C: drive has all of the
available free space (70GB). Can I use Diskpart to accomplish this? If so,
I would appreciate a step-by-step approach. I figure that I do not need
third party software since I have no data on the new computer that I am
concerned about losing. I just want to make sure that I don't lose the
operating system in the process.

Unless you use 3rd-party software, you WILL lose the OS from the C: drive when
you partition it. Before you do that, make sure you have the OS installation
CD, and test to make sure it's bootable. Otherwise, test and make sure any
recovery routines that came with the computer work to restore the OS.