Partitoon HD without deleting any data...

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Could anyone tell me about a procedure or program that partitions the hard
drive without deleting any data? IF IT'S A PROGRAM i'd like it free (don't
have a bunch of money to buy one, i don't want to spend a single cent)
 
Could anyone tell me about a procedure or program that partitions the hard
drive without deleting any data? IF IT'S A PROGRAM i'd like it free (don't
have a bunch of money to buy one, i don't want to spend a single cent)
Click to expand...



Windows has built-in partitioning tools. When you first install it,
you tell it to create one or more partitions on your drive.

But my guess is that you presently have a single partition on your
drive (probably called C:) and what you actually want to do is
*repartition* the drive--to change its structure so that you end up
with two or more partitions instead of just one.

Unfortunately, no version of Windows before Vista provides any way of
changing the existing partition structure of the drive
nondestructively. The only way to do what you want is with third-party
software. Partition Magic is the best-known such program, but there
are freeware/shareware alternatives. One such program is BootIt Next
Generation. It's shareware, but comes with a free 30-day trial, so you
should be able to do what you want within that 30 days. I haven't used
it myself (because I've never needed to use *any* such program), but
it comes highly recommended by several other MVPs here.

Whatever software you use, make sure you have a good backup before
beginning. Although there's no reason to expect a problem, things
*can* go wrong.
 
My apologies, i think i did'nt give enough information...
I'm using Windows XP Home Edition
I want to make one new partition (of course withouth deleting anything) but
my PC came with windows pre-installed... I just want to know how to make a
new one besides the two ones that came partitioned already with windows
i'm a total novice at this so i don't know a lot
 
My apologies, i think i did'nt give enough information...
I'm using Windows XP Home Edition
I want to make one new partition (of course withouth deleting anything) but
my PC came with windows pre-installed... I just want to know how to make a
new one besides the two ones that came partitioned already with windows
i'm a total novice at this so i don't know a lot
Click to expand...



In addition to the message I sent earlier, what do you want to use a
third partition for? Many people plan their partition scheme based on
a misunderstanding of how Windows works. For example, some people want
to separate their programs in a separate partition, so that if they
ever have to reinstall Windows, they won't also have to reinstall all
their programs.

But it doesn't work like that. All programs (except very rarely for a
small one) have many files, pointers, and entries within Windows, in
the registry and elsewhere. If Windows is reinstalled, all those
files, pointers, and entries vanish, and the programs no longer work.
If you ever have to reinstall Windows, you will also have to reinstall
all your programs. So the value of having the programs in a separate
partition largely vanishes.
 
i just wanted a partition for high-def videos (but it's because it slows down
my computer if everhything is on the same drive, correct me if i'm mistaken)
Also, i have a project for school and i need to install Linux, (it needs a
separate partition, so...)
 
i just wanted a partition for high-def videos (but it's because it slows down
my computer if everhything is on the same drive, correct me if i'm mistaken)
Click to expand...


You are mistaken. It's completely irrelevant.

Also, i have a project for school and i need to install Linux, (it needs a
separate partition, so...)
Click to expand...


There, however, you are right.
 
ok, well then about how to make a partition...
what can i do?
(remember please i need it free)
 
Not to steal any thunder from Ken, but repartitioning requires highly
sophisticated software. That kind of software doesn't come free, and if
it did, I wouldn't trust it.

Arguably three of the best known applications are (in no particular
order) Acronis Disk Director, Terabyte Unlimited BootIt NG and Symantec
Norton Partition Magic. They may have free trials that you can use.

The only totally free method is to erase your hard disk and reinstall
your software. Windows lets you partition your disk before it installs.
 
The trial versions often have all features enabled, but will restrict you to
small changes which may not necessarily be what you want or need..
 
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