Windows 7: Creating a New Partition

Hi All

I want to create a new partition to load Linux on it (on my Windows 7 system). Now I currently have a C-drive(Windows), a D-Drive(80GB) and an E-Drive(400MB). Now how do I create a new partition for Linux, without using the windows cd and booting from it? Can I use Virtual Hard Disk(VHD)?



Thanks

I used ubuntu a while back it is pretty easy to install once installed you always get the option which OS you want to start which is handy for other people using the same PC. Go here Download Ubuntu | Ubuntu and go for the WUBI version - you get plenty of options resize partitions and even to create them - and of course you can uninstall it from the windows programs and features section in the controll panel.

I can't advise about VHD. there is lots of support forums from the above ubuntu link which helped me a lot in the past.

A couple of years ago you had to choose a seperate partition for ubuntu, and you couldn't access files, pics or music from other drives. This changed with ubuntu version 10 (I think) and it operates quite easily within windows and you can access file on windows parttions. Meaning no need to duplicate those files....

Hope that helps a bit

Please post back a screenshot of your maximized Disk Management drive map with listings, using Snipping Tool in Start Menu.

You should be able to use Disk Management to create a partition. In Windows 7, you can right click on a partition and chose 'Shrink Volume...' to shrink your volume. You can use the remaining space to create a new partition to use for Linux. You do not need the Windows CD to do this.

I currently do not have experience with install Linux. Not sure how that works.

@bigkendo: Thanks a lot, this really helps. Will try it out. This is what I was looking for

@pamccabe: Thanks, this also helps. Was not sure what would happen if I did the shrink volume option, that's why I was trying to make sure I'm taking the right path. Thanks

I would like to know one more thing. If I do not use Wubi, and install Ubuntu Linux on a new partition from a bootable cd, will I still be able to access other drives(other than the drive Linux is installed on)?
Will it still run the same way with windows than it would have if I used the Windows Installer(Wubi)?

Thanks

Download the free Partition Wizard ISO, burn it to create a bootable CD then boot into it to create the new partition.

When you're done, just exit PW and boot back into Windows.

Partition Wizard : Use the Bootable CD

The best two ways of running Linux with Windows on one Hd drive.
Dual Boot Windows 7 and Ubuntu
Linux - Install on Windows 7 Virtual Machine using VirtualBox

Personally I would go with what pamccabe said. There are also plenty of free partitioning tools that work great and have fail safes built into them. I've never had a problem with EaseUS Partition Master Home.

If your hard drive is fragmented a lot, and rather full I highly suggest moving files briefly to another hard disk before partitioning. Otherwise when the resizing occurs it will take quite a bit longer than just Cut/Paste then Cut/Paste back. I know it sounds stupid but on every occasion I've partitioned I have found this to be quicker than letting the tool move files, and of course quicker than de-fragmentation.