The WinXP installation process gives you the option of deleting
the existing partition and/or reformatting it. You can even select
its size. If you select a size that is less than the whole disk then
you can create an additional partition from within WinXP.
The 'costly, professional' software that you refer to is the only way to do
the job - neither Windows XP or the Windows XP Setup can shrink an existing
partition and then make another (new) partition with the remaining free
space.
However you may find that the software you require can be found with a fully
functional but time limited trial...?
Have you got a working install of XP to get any necessary partition
management software working?
Do it during the setup.
Follow the step by step below.
Boot from the CD and do a clean install.
Click on or copy and paste the link below into your web browser address bar.
How to clean install XP. http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
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