Partioning

[Senteaf]

Hello sevenforums!

I have two partitions: C (for documents, system, programs) and D (recovery partition).

So I want to shrink C and then use the unallocated space to create a partition.
This partition will be used for backups (as one compressed file) and should house all my documents. perhaps I will later decide to move all program files to that partition.

How do I move files into the partition?
First concern: I am used to using a partition which is already set up(formatted). So what I am cornered about is that because windows uses registry issues could emerge and thus corrupt said programs, and other configs.

Second concern: if anyone knows or has experience partitioning with recovery partitions, please help me find a way to part without losing the recovery partition boot key.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

How do I move files into the partition?


First concern: I am used to using a partition which is already set up(formatted). So what I am cornered about is that because windows uses registry issues could emerge and thus corrupt said programs, and other configs.

Second concern: if anyone knows or has experience partitioning with recovery partitions, please help me find a way to part without losing the recovery partition boot key.

Move personal files with the mouse.

Could you rephrase your first concern?

I don't understand the second concern either. Making a new partition shouldn't have any affect on your recovery partition. What is "partitioning with recovery partitions"?

 

[Senteaf]

Sorry.

I will try again:
1. I am not sure I can just copy with the mouse...
2. This is exactly what I thought before, but I read it does corrupt recovery partition even if you don't "touch" the recovery partition...

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Sorry.

I will try again:
1. I am not sure I can just copy with the mouse...
2. This is exactly what I thought before, but I read it does corrupt recovery partition even if you don't "touch" the recovery partition...

I've never seen a situation in which data files cannot be copied with the mouse, unless there are permission issues of some kind.

Regarding 2: I still don't follow you. What does the pronoun "it" refer to??

 

[Senteaf]

it refers to shrinking expanding of other partitions.
So for example if I shrink C, D (recovery partition) will no longer work.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

it refers to shrinking expanding of other partitions.
So for example if I shrink C, D (recovery partition) will no longer work.

I have never heard of such a thing.

Please expand on this or post a link. More details needed.

 

[Senteaf]

No problem.

Look here, please..
Disk Partitioning and OneKey Recovery Feature - Lenovo Community

 

[gregrocker]

It is not wise to back up to the same HD because if the HD fails you lose your backup. Best to buy an external HD to use for backups - until then use flash stick, DVD, or CD's, another computer on the network, or 15gb free Skydrive storage with each Windows Live ID.

Nor is it wise to move programs to another partition. They write reg keys which intergrate themselves into the OS so they should remain with it for imaging purposes.

To shrink C partition to create a new partition use Disk Mgmt. Partition or Volume - Shrink
Then create a new partition in the space: Partition or Volume - Create New
If this is the fourth partition you will be offered a Logical extended which can then have as many sub-partitions added as you wish. Do not accept a Dynamic Disk conversion.

Your Recovery Partition will not be affected. But make your Recovery Disks anyway.

 

[Senteaf]

This is only a temporary solution until I buy external HD.

I could leave programs on Windows partition, but I must move personal data because it is too large and I don't need it backed up.

In the link I provided he mentions the corruption of the recovery partition.

 

[gregrocker]

Why exactly do you need to move this personal data if it is using the same amount of disk space on another partition?

You can actually link your User folders to another data partition you create, but this is for the purpose of keeping your OS backup image smaller. What other reason do you have, if not that?

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html

 

[ignatzatsonic]

No problem.

Look here, please..
Disk Partitioning and OneKey Recovery Feature - Lenovo Community

I can't help you.

I see that Lenovo says not to shrink C because "Onekey recovery may no longer work".

But I don't see why that should be.

Normally, a shrink will only shrink to a certain size. If the shrinking process runs into files that shouldn't be moved, it will stop the shrink.

All I can suggest is to do your own research and contact Lenovo or drill into Google and try to get more details.

 

[Senteaf]

Why exactly do you need to move this personal data if it is using the same amount of disk space on another partition?

You can actually link your User folders to another data partition you create, but this is for the purpose of keeping your OS backup image smaller. What other reason do you have, if not that?

I will read the link as the issue is not familar.

Yes this is the reason. I want to keep my OS backup image smaller. This is exactly why I don't want my personal data on my OS partition.
I will create another partition to move my personal data into and then I will save the OS backup image on that same partition.

This is just temporary.

No problem.

Look here, please..
Disk Partitioning and OneKey Recovery Feature - Lenovo Community

I can't help you.

I see that Lenovo says not to shrink C because "Onekey recovery may no longer work".

But I don't see why that should be.

Normally, a shrink will only shrink to a certain size. If the shrinking process runs into files that shouldn't be moved, it will stop the shrink.

All I can suggest is to do your own research and contact Lenovo or drill into Google and try to get more details.

I will research more I guess. Thanks for your help!

 

[gregrocker]

If that Lenovo forums post relates to your model then I think you should heed it. But it states that the models are issued with a D Data partition to keep your data safe during Recovery of C, so why do you not have one?

Are you able to make Factory Recovery Disks? You could choose to rely on them, or to rely more on a Win7 backup image which would restore what you have now already set up: Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

If you decide to proceed you might lose the hotlink but with the Recovery Disks to set the machine back to factory state, and a Win7 backup image to return it to the state it is now, you may choose not to keep the Recovery partition if it stops running.

Here is how to link User folders to a new data partition: User Folders - Change Default Location

 

[Senteaf]

If that Lenovo forums post relates to your model then I think you should heed it. But it states that the models are issued with a D Data partition to keep your data safe during Recovery of C, so why do you not have one?

Are you able to make Factory Recovery Disks? You could choose to rely on them, or to rely more on a Win7 backup image which would restore what you have now already set up: Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

Actually now that I looked at the models, mine is not there but I still don't want to try unless I am certain it won't corrupt my recovery partition.

I have made these factory disks, but if I use them I will lose my personal data.

 

[Senteaf]

If you decide to proceed you might lose the hotlink but with the Recovery Disks to set the machine back to factory state, and a Win7 backup image to return it to the state it is now, you may choose not to keep the Recovery partition if it stops running.

Here is how to link User folders to a new data partition: User Folders - Change Default Location

thank you it is a good idea, but only when I have external HD to save my backup on will I try.

 

[gregrocker]

That Lenovo bulletin apparently doesn't apply to your model G560.

It says specifically it only applies to Lenovo 3000 Y410, IdeaPad Y510, IdeaPad Y710, and Lenovo 3000 K100 Desktops

 

[Senteaf]

So can I shrink it or not?

 

[gregrocker]

If there is no similar warning for your model Lenovo then I don't know why you can't use Disk Management to safely shrink C. This has never been an issue I've seen except with reinstalls. I see no warnings for your model when I google the issue.

It appears the models in question had a D Data partition added so that users wouldn't shrink C because it causes loss of hotlink.

I would call or chat with Lenovo Tech Support which is included free for the first year to be certain of this.