How can I resize C: drive by shrinking D:?

RaptorDRS · 12 Jun 2013

I'll tell you my question as briefly as possible. Please listen carefully.
* I've been using windows xp and windows 7 both installed in one PC.
*My C: drive is 11GB and XP is installed in it.
*My D: drive is 50GB and windows 7 is installed there.
*Now I want to give up XP and Reinstall windows 7.
*I want to install windows 7 in the C: drive this time but the disk space is not enough in C:

How can I resize C: drive by shrinking D: ?
Is it OK if I just format the C: drive and install windows 7 as the main operating system in D: drive?
Or can I change the drive letter of C: to D: and D: to C: ?

What I want to do is to install Windows 7 on C drive.
Please Help!

PS.
I tried Easeus Software to manage partitions, but simply that didn't work. What should I do?

Barman58 · 12 Jun 2013

I've always used Partition wizard for this type of re-alignment.

The Bootable CD should allow you to set things up as you like, merge existing or wipe and create new, from outside windows, which is an advantage with OS partitions.

Partition Wizard Bootable CD allows user to manage partition directly with partition manager bootable CD.

RaptorDRS · 12 Jun 2013

Thanks! one thing though. Is this operation safe? I mean, I don't want to lose all the valuable data in my other partitions. I have total of 5 partitions. and I want to change only C: and D: . So Are you sure this won't affect the data on other partitions accidentally (E:, F: .....)?

Barman58 · 12 Jun 2013

No major drive realignment can ever be 100% safe. I would strongly advise you make full backups of all your data - just in case something goes wrong.

saying that, I have performed numerous similar operations in the past without any major incident, of course, I may have been just lucky, although I always make regular backups, and especially before any work like this.

Mark Phelps · 12 Jun 2013

IF you installed Win7 after XP was on your PC, it undoubtedly installed the Win7 boot loader files to your XP partition (not "drive"). Thus, removing the XP partition is going to render the PC unbootable.

So, BEFORE you remove that partition, it would be best to use the Backup feature to create and burn a Win 7 Repair CD.

That way, you can boot from the CD after the partition removal and restore the boot loader files.

theog · 12 Jun 2013

RaptorDRS said:

Thanks! one thing though. Is this operation safe? I mean, I don't want to lose all the valuable data in my other partitions. I have total of 5 partitions. and I want to change only C: and D: . So Are you sure this won't affect the data on other partitions accidentally (E:, F: .....)?

As the OP has five partitions, there may be up to four logical drives.

Can you post a screen shot of Disk management?

Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Seven Forums
Disk Management - Post a Screen Capture Image

gregrocker · 12 Jun 2013

There is no reason to use 3rd party partitioning software since the installer can handle what you need and give you a cleaner install at the same time.

So Boot the Win7 installer to do a Custom Clean Install Windows 7 using the Drive Options shown in Step 7 to delete all partitions, then create and format New as you wish or just click Next to have the installer create one large partition for the install.

There are other tips here to assure you'll get and keep a perfect ean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 which work the same for retail.