Re-partition trouble sign of bad drive?

Hello everyone,

Let me first start with explaining that I'm new to the forum and to some of the more in depth setup processes. I am currently trying to re-partition my hard drive in order to setup a dual boot. I have just installed windows 7 on the computer, not carrying over anything from the old OS. When I open computer management, it states that of the total 76,000 MB's of the single existing partition, only 1,413 MB's is available to be shrunk by. This is an insufficient amount for the second partition I require for the dual boot. Additionally, when I take a different approach and try to re partition from with in the OS that I am trying to dual boot with, it gives me a warning that the program (gparted) detected that the disk has at least 51 bad sectors when I unmount it.

So my questions are: Is this a sign that my hard disk is on its way out? Is there a way to fix this? Its there another way to properly partition the disk?

I scoured the internet looking for an answer to this but found none. If I missed something and there is another thread like this I apologize.

Windows Disk Management has mixed results when shrinking a partition. You are better off trying Partition Wizard, which is more flexible and likely to allow you to shrink as you wish.

Re the bad sectors: they can be a sign impending failure, but I would run the drive manufacturer's downloadable utility as a first step.

As suggested, Partition Wizard will check the file system as it works: Partition Wizard Move/Resize Partition Video Help.

If any problems arise during the operation test the HD as wisely suggested.

Thanks everyone!