Resizing system partition without deleting data

[binks]

Hi all.
I just have a question for you guys smarter than me as I was unable to find solution for this one.
I have 2 partitions on 1 physical HDD. One for System and one for Data. On the one for Data I've got about 100GB free space and the one for System has only 1GB of free space. Now I'll be reinstalling Windows 7 soon and would like to make partition for data bigger. Is there any way to take away like 5 GB from the Data partition and give it to System partition without having to format all HDD? I don't want to loose files from the Data partition.

 

[Golden]

Hi,

Yes you can do that. Normally, you simply shrink C: (your system partition presumably), therby creating free unallocated space. Then you expand your existing data partition into the previously created unallocated space. Very easy.

Use Parition Wizard to do this, as it is more flexible than Windows Disk Management for this job:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/93322-partition-wizard-use-bootable-cd.html

Before you start, post an image of the existing disk management so we can check for any possible issues before you start:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/274797-disk-management-post-screen-capture-image.html

Regards,
Golden

 

[LMiller7]

You should make a backup of all important files on the data drive. Usually there are no problems with partition resizing but occasionally things go wrong.

Of course you should have a backup of all important files anyway. Files of particular importance need 2 or more backup copies. Having no backups is asking for trouble. Data recovery is always hit or miss and cannot be relied on.

 

[gregrocker]

There is a cool new feature on the PW CD that will allow you to borrow space from any other partition even if it's not adjacent. Watch this video: How to extend partition easily with Partition Wizard - video help.

 

[chaz125]

Proprietary disk partition tools will do this for you and move data safely outside of Windows, though there is always a risk of e.g. a power cut, so it is wise to back up the data first!

I recommend Easus Partition Master Professional - very easy to use, as long as you know how partitioning works and what it does! (resize existing partition, create partition from new unallocated space, format new partition and allocate a drive letter or description to it, will require reboot to resize and to apply these changes!)

Windows shrink tool is only really suited to new hard drives or hard drives without much data on, or it likely won't find space to shrink an existing partition or drive space. Windows shrink tool is unable to move 'fixed' files.

 

[AddRAM]

Why would you recommend EaseUs Pro ? It costs $39.95.

 

[gregrocker]

We prefer free Partition Wizard bootable CD which has helped with tens of thousands of complicated partitioning operations here without a single failure, while all others except Disk Mgmt can and will fail with data loss.

 

[binks]

Was a little busy, but thanks for all the advice Now I have different problem, as my dvd stopped to read dvd's so I can't install Win all over, but I think I'll have to do a bootable pendrive with win7, never mind. So thanks again for this and I'll try this bootable Mini Tool.
BTW, as I have laptop and replacing dvd will mean disassembling all my pc (dvd is below motherboard ), what do you think it could be? Just DVD gone bad (I checked and don't have upper or lower filters in regedit, usb dvd reads discs) or could it be just dirty lens?

 

[gregrocker]

I'd try removing filters, cleaning lens first.

Also, most laptops DVD drives slide in and out after removing a few screws. Have you looked at your schematics or googled the model + replace OD DVD CD to see for sure?

 

[binks]

I'd try removing filters, cleaning lens first.

Also, most laptops DVD drives slide in and out after removing a few screws. Have you looked at your schematics or googled the model + replace OD DVD CD to see for sure?

Yep. Unfortunately I'll have to almost completely take it apart:|
Look Dell XPS M1330 | Optical Drive Replacement | How-To-Tutorial - YouTube

 

[theog]

I would you like to check your video link.

 

[gregrocker]

Paste the code from URL after = between the

code commands.

 

[binks]

Sorry about that, it's been loooong time since i used tags
But it's fixed.

Edit: for 30min I'm trying to read original win dvd on my usb dvd and it just won't red it. How the hell my internal one read that when I was installing it?

 

[gregrocker]

If you want to go through all of that and realize the risks then go for it, but if you don't use the OD for watching DVD's or other regular use I would probably not risk it.

OD's are becoming obsolete since now almost everything bootable can be run from stick, while video can be run from files.

I'd first attempt to repair the OD.

 

[binks]

If you want to go through all of that and realize the risks then go for it, but if you don't use the OD for watching DVD's or other regular use I would probably not risk it.

OD's are becoming obsolete since now almost everything bootable can be run from stick, while video can be run from files.

I'd first attempt to repair the OD.

I probably come out as complete idiot - I need some sleep- but what is "OD", "OD's"? I've heard of OS but "OD"?
I'd like to set up new system as at this point repairing my current one will take a looot more time than putting new one

 

[gregrocker]

Optical drive.

Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to get and keep a perfect reinstall.

 

[binks]

Optical drive.

Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to get and keep a perfect reinstall.

Thanks I haven't read it yet but i suspect that it won't be so easy with factory OEM. OEM OS of my laptop was Windows Vista and even on official dell support web site there are drivers only for vista

 

[gregrocker]

Win7 is driver-complete in the installer, quickly updated with newer when you run all rounds of Important and Optional Windows Updates. Only a couple should still be missing after Updates are complete, which can be found on the OEM Support Downloads webpage.

Put your wireless driver in your backup in case its not provided so you can get online to do all of the Updates.

Any Vista driver can run on Win7, but Win7 decides which drivers it wants anyway. This isn't XP technology any longer.