I need to convert a primary Windows partition into logical

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  1. Posts : 76
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
       #1

    I need to convert a primary Windows partition into logical


    Hello, i have a question regarding partitions: my HDD has both Windows 8.1, 7 and XP installed, each on a different partition (7 and 8.1 both primary partitions and XP logical). It also contains a 'system reserved' primary partition and 'other' partition wich is logical. The problem is, i have about 50gb unallocated disk space and i want to create a new partition to use. When i'm trying to create a new partition (using EaseUS Partition Master), a message pops up saying that i have to convert an existing primary partition to logical, then should try again. So here's the question: wich primary partition i need to convert into logical ? The one with Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 or System Reserved ? I don't want to lose any of my operating systems. I mention that when i start the laptop i choose wich os i want to use from Windows 8.1's bootloader using a menu with 3 options (start W8.1 or 7 or XP). Any advice would help me.

    I need to convert a primary Windows partition into logical-capture.jpg

    I need to convert a primary Windows partition into logical-capture2.jpg
      My Computer

  2.    #2

    On an MBR disk there can only be four total Primary partitions, or three Primary and unlimited contiguous Logical partitions.

    You can add the 50 gb to C using Disk Mgmt Partition or Volume - Extend which only extends to the right, or add all or part of it to any other partition using How to extend partition easily with Partition Wizard - video help. This is a very cool tool which can borrow or add space to/from any other partition whether or not its adjacent, Primary or Logical. But I would use the Partition Wizard boot disk which is safest.

    In order to add another partition due to the limitation on Primaries it would need to be Logical, but it is separated from the Logical partitions by System Reserved which is booting all OS's and C which are both Primary, and Logical partitions must be contiguous or adjacent to each other.

    What exactly is the unlettered Logical partition after XP partition showing 1.03 gb used? What you could do is format it and issue a letter, then use Partition Wizard extend to add all of the 50gb space to it thereby having a new 50gb+ partition in the Logical block.
    Last edited by gregrocker; 07 Dec 2014 at 04:49.
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  3. Posts : 76
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    gregrocker, i should hit the 'Convert to logical' button from EaseUS Partition Master. Right now i'm running Windows 7 from C. Should i do this from Windows 8.1, or it's safe to convert it running the os stored on it ?
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  4. Posts : 13,576
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #4

    Can you post a shot from Disk management, not EaseUS :)

    Fully expanded.
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  5.    #5

    Brian's idea is probably best to see a second screenshot of Disk Management - How to Post a Screenshot of .

    You can't create another Primary partition from the 50gb since there are already three plus the Logical extended partition, the maximum limit. But you also can't create a Logical there because they must be contiguous and you have Primary partitions System Reserved (which is booting all the OS's) and C in the way. So I would redistribute the 50gb to the other partitions where needed, or if you want to create a new Logical partition in the Logical block you can annex the 50gb into it using PW Extend function.

    To do that right click on the 1.03gb Logical partition in Easeus to Explore what's in it. You may need to issue a drive letter first. It says its full but that might be misreported so confirm its contents with Disk Mgmt. You can issue a letter, move any data off of it if needed, format it, and annex the 50gb into it using How to extend partition easily with Partition Wizard - video help.
    Last edited by gregrocker; 07 Dec 2014 at 03:21.
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  6. Posts : 76
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Regarding the 1.03gb partition, i cannot see what's inside it because i don't have that option on EaseUS. Also i cannot assign a drive letter. Here are the screenshots:

    I need to convert a primary Windows partition into logical-capture3.jpg

    I need to convert a primary Windows partition into logical-capture.jpg

    I need to convert a primary Windows partition into logical-capture2.jpg
      My Computer

  7.    #7

    That partition shows empty in Disk Mgmt. It is not a protected OEM partition or Disk Mgmt wouldn't have Delete highlighted, and it's too small to be a part of the missing Recovery partition or any other functional OEM utility partition. There is a conflict with Easeus saying its Logical while Disk Mgmt says its Primary.

    What I would do, since the partition is not needed and could possibly cause problems if it is a fourth Primary, is download Partition Wizard, burn to CD with Windows Image Burner, boot the disk, right click the 1.03 gb partition to Delete it, then use Partition Wizard to Create Partition - Video Help a Logical partition there, assigning it a letter, Apply those steps. Next rightclick on the new partition to extend partition with Partition Wizard - video help., annex the 50gb Unallocated Space into the partition, again Apply steps.

    Since this will require moving C files be sure to use the PW Disk which has never failed here before, while all others can and will fail except Disk Mgmt which cannot do these advanced operations.

    You still have the option to redistribute the 50gb and the deleted 1.03gb space to any of the other partitions too. With PW Extend you can move any empty space to anywhere you want it.
    Last edited by gregrocker; 07 Dec 2014 at 04:54.
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  8. Posts : 76
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #8

    So i need to download the 'MiniTool Partition Wizard Bootable CD' to allow me to boot it from CD. The problem is i don't have a blank CD right now, i'll have to wait till tomorrow to buy one, since now it's Sunday and all shops are closed. Is it a change to write it to a memory usb stick, because i have one right now ? Regarding moving the C files as you said, what does this means ? I have to delete my Windows 7 ?

    EDIT: I've installed MiniTool Partition. It says that that 1gb it's a Linux Swap Partiton (i had Linux installed in the past).

    I need to convert a primary Windows partition into logical-capture.jpg

    I need to convert a primary Windows partition into logical-capture2.jpg
      My Computer

  9.    #9

    If you add the 50gb to the new 1.03 Logical partition you create after deleting the existing one, it will by necessity move the files on the partitions in between over to the right.

    You can create a bootable flash stick from the Partition Wizard ISO file download by using YUMI - Multiboot USB Creator (Windows) | USB Pen Drive Linux to format the stick
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  10. Posts : 76
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #10

    So basically i need to boot from Partition Wizard from usb, then delete the 1.03gb partition, boot back on Windows 7, use the MiniTool Partition Wizard to make a new 0.3gb logical partition and assign it a letter, and finally extend it with the unallocated 50gb. Am i right ? The only thing i don't understand is wich files from wich partitions i have to move ? If it means that i'll lose some of my OS's, i won't do that. Please be more explicit.
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