I have Windows XP installed and loads of stuff belonging to me and my family also, so formatting is not an option. The method must NOT require me to buy a licence or buy software for the purpose. It must be free.
2006-09-30 11:54:17 · 7 answers · asked by kfgmaster 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
OK the reason is I have another OS that I want to install, Windows Vista Beta, but I want to be able to use either XP or Vista on the same machine freely. Therefore partitioning seemed like a sensible option.
2006-09-30 12:09:58 · update #1
Partition Magic is a good software package for doing exactly that. Bear in mind if it goes wrong, bye bye data. Best way is to back up all your data and reformat, and sort the partitions out using the setup program for WinXP or Linux.
2006-09-30 12:02:33 · answer #1 · answered by Bunglebear 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no need to reformat and setup from new or a use a commercial program like partition magic.
I recently used 'gparted': http://gparted.sourceforge.net/
It's a Linux based live CD - you boot from the cd into a Linux OS (Linux does not install, you use the OS from cd). Gparted provides you with various disk tools (including a partition tool).
I had no problems with the software but you would be wise to backup before you start - just in case.
2006-09-30 12:35:31 · answer #2 · answered by marmaladiator 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Formatting is by far the easiest way. If you have a DVD burner, I suggest backing up what you want and reinstall windows. When it starts installing, you can edit the partitions. There's something called PartitionMagic that might let you get away without formatting, but that costs money.
2006-09-30 11:57:16 · answer #3 · answered by treseuropean 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you have a hp -computer you can use the
hp-system tools recovery cd to creat multiple partitioins ,with out having to format the hard drive
and the multiple partitioins are created verry fast
the
hp-pc-tools system recovery cd
this just reinstall's the software that was on the
the hard drive at the time you buy the pc it will also
install windows xp. os .with out asking for the windows xp cd
creat multiple partitioins
2006-09-30 12:05:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
nonononononoooooooo!
nononoooo!!!!!
don't do it!!
There is nothing good that can be achieved by partitioning that can't be achieved less destructively by other means. The ONLY exception is when you want to run Linux and Windows off the same box. In all other circumstances DON'T DO IT!!!
It's easy to click that button. It's bloody hard to unclick it.
2006-09-30 11:57:57 · answer #5 · answered by wild_eep 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Use a program like Norton PartitionMagic, can create, delete and resize partitions on-the-fly
2006-09-30 11:59:25 · answer #6 · answered by simon.foxcroft 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the only way i know of to create a partition is to reformat, partitioning is very easy, i dont know what that guy is talking about, sounds like a rookie to me
2006-09-30 11:55:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋