Partitioning

Here's my problem, I have a 2 partition disk split: C:\Se7en & E:\data . I want to sneak in a partition at the start of E: to hold XP os and thus "F:" becomes my new data partition. Shrink as far as I know will create a space after the currently existing E:. The added problem is I am only playing with a small drive and cannot just copy over the data. Any help welcome.

I reckon I will have to flatten the E:, or at least part of it me thinks!! Unless someone out ther can help.

Hi Bellerophon,

Although the windows disk management will not allow you to do what you want to do 3rd party options will allow this.

Have a search for gparted Live CD which will allow this and is open source -

Note you may need to do a start-up repair after use so keep the Windows 7 Install dvd handy, although as you are not touching the system partition it should not be required in your case

Once you have the partitions organised how you need have a look here it's for Vista/XP but should give some insight

http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_v...step_guide.htm

Don't forget all these things are possible and normally work without problems but ensure any irreplaceable data is backed up before you start

Barman58 said:

Hi Bellerophon,

Although the windows disk management will not allow you to do what you want to do 3rd party options will allow this.

Have a search for gparted Live CD which will allow this and is open source -

Note you may need to do a start-up repair after use so keep the Windows 7 Install dvd handy, although as you are not touching the system partition it should not be required in your case

Once you have the partitions organised how you need have a look here it's for Vista/XP but should give some insight



How to dual boot Vista and XP (with Vista installed first) -- the step-by-step guide with screenshots

Don't forget all these things are possible and normally work without problems but ensure any irreplaceable data is backed up before you start

THX for the second time

Was using partition magic before and I know this would do it but it doesn't seem to like 7, as you say there are programs out there just findind a decent one. Had a quick look through the freeware section but couldn't see anything apart from easybcd

Bellerophon said:

THX for the second time

Was using partition magic before and I know this would do it but it doesn't seem to like 7, as you say there are programs out there just findind a decent one. Had a quick look through the freeware section but couldn't see anything apart from easybcd

I have my other machines partitioned so I am OK with the genreals. I have a triple and a dual boot machines besides this one.

Perhaps you could give me some insight into my other problem, which would negate the need for a dual boot on the third machine??

Hi Bellerophon,

Have a look Here ...

GParted -- Live CD/USB/PXE/HD

As in my OP you have to be a bit careful as it can confuse the Windows Boot managers but I've used it for a while without any real issues. and as it's a bootable CD it is totally OS independent. I personally use Paragon Drive manager 8.5 within vista to partition my drives ( available free ATM for UK users only)

I also always use easyBCD to manage the dual boot using the Vista / windows 7 boot manager

Barman58 said:

Hi Bellerophon,

Have a look Here ...

GParted -- Live CD/USB/PXE/HD

As in my OP you have to be a bit careful as it can confuse the Windows Boot managers but I've used it for a while without any real issues. and as it's a bootable CD it is totally OS independent. I personally use Paragon Drive manager 8.5 within vista to partition my drives ( available free ATM for UK users only)

I also always use easyBCD to manage the dual boot using the Vista / windows 7 boot manager

Many thanks, it looks like I have been able to now install Paragon Drive manager 8.5 thanks to your previous tip (compatibilty), I think I said partion magic before I meant, Paragon Drive manager 8.5.

I like to use VistaBootPRO 3.3 to control boot options, seems quite good.

Hi,

Glad to see you got things sorted out..

VistaBootPro is a good Application and I have used it myself It's just that I found EasyBCD more intuitive to use, just personal choice

Either is a lot better than Microsoft's Built-in bcdedit