Windows 7 - Partitions

Copyright · 05-04-2009

I did a quick install of Windows 7 using install.wim, onto a 16 GB partition. When I made sure everything worked, I deleted the original partition. Now when I go to extend the 16 GB partition, the option is greyed, yet there is like 150 GB of unallocated HDD space. What can I do?

(To fix this I think I need to make the 16 GB partition into a primary partition)

YupYup · 05-04-2009

Can you post a screen shot of your disk management.

Copyright · 05-04-2009

Here it is.

Brink · 05-04-2009

Hello Copyright,

You may be able to do this by using METHOD TWO with the step 7 option in the tutorial below to extend all of the unallocated space into the C: drive.

Partition or Volume - Extend

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Copyright · 05-04-2009

Code:

Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7100]
Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation.  All rights reserv

C:\windows\system32>diskpart

Microsoft DiskPart version 6.1.7100
Copyright (C) 1999-2008 Microsoft Corporation.
On computer: LONGCAT

DISKPART> list disk

  Disk ###  Status         Size     Free     Dyn  Gpt
  --------  -------------  -------  -------  ---  ---
  Disk 0    Online          298 GB   127 GB

DISKPART> list volume

  Volume ###  Ltr  Label        Fs     Type        Size
  ----------  ---  -----------  -----  ----------  -------
  Volume 0     F                       DVD-ROM         0 B
  Volume 1     C   7new         NTFS   Partition     15 GB
  Volume 2     E   DATA         NTFS   Partition    144 GB
  Volume 3         PQSERVICE    NTFS   Partition     10 GB

DISKPART> select volume 1

Volume 1 is the selected volume.

DISKPART> extend

Virtual Disk Service error:
The size of the extent is less than the minimum.

What now? :S. If I have to reformat to fix this, I guess I will.

Bare Foot Kid · 05-04-2009

Hello Copyright.

You could always use a third party manager like Paragon Partition Manager, I believe they even have a free trial, it'd be worth checking out.

Later

Ted

Brink · 05-04-2009

You may be able to do so with a 3rd party partitioning program like the one Ted mentioned.

If you decide to do a clean install, then you can just delete the 7new partition to combine the unallocated space to reinstall Windows 7 on without having to wipe out your Data partition as well in Custom (advances) and Drive options (advanced).

jimbo45 · 05-04-2009

Hi there

There's a free one you can download directly

GPARTED.

GParted -- Live CD/USB/PXE/HD

This can extend and manipulate partitions "on the fly" as it's a BOOTABLE "Live CD".

Works just like the old Partitionmagic software from Powerquest (before Symantec bought them out and bollixed it wholesale).

Don't worry about the Linux OS -- It's a GUI which even the most dedicated Windows user would have NO trouble in using

You get images of your partitions -- just use the mouse to resize them. The menu system is pretty foolproof as well. (Delete, Create etc etc).

Enc screenshot.

You can also create a USB bootable version as well.

(If you've ever used the Acronis Backup software from the bootable media you might not have also realised that it actually boots up a small Linux kernel before presenting the user with the GUI so don't be put off by the fact that GPARTED also boots up a small Linux kernel before going into the graphical mode).

Cheers
jimbo

SIW2 · 05-04-2009

Just to follow up on Jimbo's post - full instructions here:

Using GParted to Resize Your Windows Vista Partition :: the How-To Geek

You don't need VistaBootPro for the last step - instructions here:

Dual Boot - Change OS Name in Windows Boot Manager

Hope it helps

Copyright · 05-05-2009

Thanks guys, it worked.

Windows 7 - Partitions

Partitions problems?