I cannot create a Windows 8 partition as I already have four partition

[DarkEddy]

I want to install Windows 8 Consumer Preview, and create another partition, but I already have four partitions. I have tried partitioning my primary partition, but this does not work as there is a maximum amount of partitions?

One of the partitions I have is a logical partition, but I think it is a default for the Lenovo Recovery OS. Please could someone tell me how to create a partition to install Windows 8?

I have attached a screenshot of how my hard drive is partitioned, to help explanation.

Thank you very much if you help me on this

 

[Brink]

Hello Eddy, and welcome to Seven Forums.

You should be able to shrink say the C: drive for how much you want to use for Windows 8, then use the tutorial below to create a logical partition from the unallocated from C: to use to install Windows 8 onto instead.

Partition / Extended : Logical Drives

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[SIW2]

I don't think that is going to work Shawn.

Because he is using mbr style - he will need to either delete a primary, or create another logical inside the Extended.

He could possibly use a 3rd party app to include one of the existing primaries into the extended - might stop him accessing the oem functions, tho.

Best bet is to make his windows partition system - then delete the 100mb thing.

Then he has one free slot and can create another partition.

 

[AddRAM]

Why ? It`s only 200 MBs.

 

[Brink]

Ah, you're right Simon.

 

[SIW2]

Doesn't matter how small it is.

It is a partition - it is therefore using up a slot in the partition table.

He only has 4 slots.

Why ? It`s only 200 MBs.

 

[Duzzy]

Well I've never tried to extend or shrink partitions but couldn't he shrink the C: drive then extend the logical partiton to use that space and create the new logical drive within that. I presume when you shrink a partition your free space becomes unallocated not two partitions.

I'm also a little curious what's on the Logical Drive as it's 29GB but there's only around 3GB used. The 4th partition is the OEM partition. I couldn't see an OEM creating two partitions for there stuff, but I could be wrong.

 

[DarkEddy]

Which program should I use

Which program should I use to shrink my C drive and extend the logical drive?

Also, would I need to reformat anything?

Thank you so much for your help

 

[Duzzy]

Please wait for confirmation that'll this will work from someone else before continuing or do so at your own risk, I will not be held responsible if my info is incorrect.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2672-partition-volume-shrink.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2670-partition-volume-extend.html

EDIT: Partition Wizard Bootable CD might be better as I have seen that recommended quite a bit.
http://www.partitionwizard.com/download.html

 

[DarkEddy]

I get this message when I follow your tutorial. I am not sure why this happens.

 

[zabih]

Which program should I use to shrink my C drive and extend the logical drive?

Also, would I need to reformat anything?

Thank you so much for your help

Windows drive manger

I installed windows 8 just now on a PC with 4 partitions maze by windows 7. It is so good looking and Smooth. I hope it succeeds as it is a game changer

 

[DarkEddy]

Alternatively, can I somehow delete the 29GB Logical Drive and then create another partition off my 550GB hard drive???

I hope this works

 

[Duzzy]

This is why I said wait for confimation. I just looked at diskpart and you can only extend a volume the problem is you need to extend a partition. I would now suggest trying Free Download Magic Partition Manager Software - Partition Wizard Online. But I don't know if you will be able to extend a Extended Partition.

As for deleting the Logical Drive you can if you don't need what's on it then you will need to delete the Extended Partition then create a new one. Make sure you have hidden and system files shown before inspecting whats on it.

 

[DarkEddy]

The 29GB Logical Drive and the 15GB drive contain the drivers and the Lenovo Recovery Software. Is it okay if I delete the one containing in the Recovery OS? THen will I be able to partition the 550GB hard drive, and create a new partition which I can install Windows 8 on?

 

[theog]

   Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD.
startup repair disc-create
​

Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

You can Order Lenovo Recovery Disks from here:
Lenovo Support - Home (US)

Lenovo Recovery
Lenovo Support - Home (US)

 

[DavidE]

do you by any chance have an "Old/Unused/extra" HD laying around?

I'm thinking of trying Win8, and that is the approach I would take...

I would disconnect my current HD, then install Win8 on a "Spare/unused" HD.

 

[gregrocker]

You can rightclick C in Disk mgmt to Shrink it by as much as you want. If you need more, use free Partition Wizard bootable CD Resize function.

Next use PW CD to rightclick on the Unallocated Space that you made to Create a New Logical partition, name it Windows 8, no need to assign a letter, click OK, Apply both steps.

Boot the Win8 installer, choose your new partition and install.

 

[cyclic]

There is also the option to create a virtual machine and install to that, no it's not the same you wont get any performance out of it however you can try the new OS, if you like it, re-arrange your partitions and install to that. If you don't like it, delete the VM.

 

[Duzzy]

You can rightclick C in Disk mgmt to Shrink it by as much as you want. If you need more, use free Partition Wizard bootable CD Resize function.

Next use PW CD to rightclick on the Unallocated Space that you made to Create a New Logical partition, name it Windows 8, no need to assign a letter, click OK, Apply both steps.

Boot the Win8 installer, choose your new partition and install.

He has alreay shrunk the C: drive and as you have used the PW CD I was going to pm you today to ask you if PW can resize a Extended Partition?

He already has 4 partitions so he can't create a new one but if he could extend the Extended Partition then he could create a new Logical Drive in it, unless he deletes the current Logical Drive and Extended Partition then he can use all the Unallocated Space to create a new Extended Partition.

 

[DarkEddy]

I managed to delete one of my partitions, and create another one. However, when I try to install Windows 8, I get this error message 'The selected disk has an MBR partition table. On EFI systems Windows can only be installed to GPT disks' Should I use something called MDT 2010 to install Windows 8?