Can I partition a HDD that already contains several GB of data?

Question

I installed a 250GB WD HDD as my secondary HDD.....and I didn't partition it. And, I only "see" and use about 117GB of the 250GB HDD. I've had that explained to me already. This HDD already has about 7GB of data on it.

But now, I'd like to partition this "117GB" HDD so I can store my photo's and video that I've captured to one partition and "my docs" to another, etc.

Is it possible to partition a HDD after the drive has been used to store data? I'm guessing not.....but I had to ask.

I have Norton Partition Magic 8.0 but haven't installed it yet.

By the way, I have not downloaded SP1 or SP2 to my HP yet....and may not ever.....the reason: I've been told it can, and will, mess up the HP (especially) computer. So, I'm afraid to take the chance on doing it.

I have Norton Internet Security and it seems to work OK for me....and far as security goes.

Answer 1

Yes, you can do that with Partition Magic. The only limitation is that you cannot reduce the partition size below the level of used space. In your case, you won't be able to make the first partition smaller than 7GB.

If you don't install Service Pack 2 for Microsoft Windows XP you will still be vulnerable, despite having "Norton Internet Security". Additionally, many programs depend on SP2 being installed.

Answer 2

Oh God! Don't speak that name,.. It's pure EVIL >.< "Partition Magic"

So far it sounds like you don't know what a Partition is. A Partition is chopping up the Hard Drive into Bits. So you have 113 Gigs of Hard Drive on the other side of the Partition. Noone needs to Partition their Hard Drives these days >.<

Partition Magic is insane and a Pain. Everyone that I've known to use it couldn't undo it,.. without something really stupid happening,.. like the Hard Drive decideing it was only 1% of it's self >.<

So why are you Partitioning your Computer and what do you think Partitioning means? It sounds like it's already Paritioned and that's why your only seeing 117 gigs,.. your in one part of your Hard Drive. Some times the other Paritions are set up to act like they are another seperate Hard Drive so try looking for those unaccounted for Drives on your computer,.. they might be total gibberish instead of a single letter also. Your Partitions might also be set up with Seperate OS (Operateing Systems) so some how you might be able to access another OS and that could turn out to be where the other part of your Hard Drive is hideing. You may want to go into Dos on that 117 gig hard drive and start checking for OS run points.

Answer 3

Is it possible? Sure, and that is someting Partition Magic can do for you. Acutally, windows can do that for you. PM is used for exotic partitioning (like taking a drive full of data and adding partitions without loosing data.

The real question might be.. "Can PM take the data out of the regions not viewable by my old bios and stick it in the new smaller partition?". My educated guess is no... but we can see what others say.

Answer 4

Yes, you can use third party partitioning software to add, delete or resize existing partitions that are already in use. There is some inherent risk to doing this so be sure to backup anything important before proceeding. It probably wouldn't hurt to defrag the entire physical disk before hand either though it's not necessary.

Answer 5

Check your BIOS and see if the full capacity is recognized before you do anything.


Problem:
The full capacity of EIDE drives larger than 137GB (128GB binary) is not recognized in Windows 2000/XP.

Cause:
The Windows Operating System, Motherboard BIOS, or PCI IDE controller BIOS does not currently support 48-bit LBA (Logical Block Addressing).

Resolution:
48-bit LBA support is necessary for drives larger than 137GB (128GB binary). The following conditions are necessary for the correct functioning of 48-bit LBA support in Windows 2000/XP:

Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) or Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 (SP3) must be installed for Windows or a registry key must be manually added to Windows' Registry. For information about Windows XP Service Pack 1, see Microsoft Article 322389 or for Windows 2000 Service Pack 3, see Microsoft Article 320853.


The system must have a 48-bit LBA-compatible Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) installed. This includes EIDE controller card BIOSs. Please determine with the computer, motherboard, or PCI IDE controller manufacturer if this hardware supports 48-bit LBA.

For a more complete answer go to:

http://support.wdc.com/

Answer 6

Hi yea its possible, and you have the right software. Partition magic will repartion the drive for you.
however
i would not suggest this. Its just not worth it, its alot east to just store your different files etc, in a certain folder.
also partion magic takes along time to reparition, i did so on my 250 hard drive, and let me tell you took the better part of a day.
so i would recommend that you do not create a partion for your mydocs.

but its your choice

Answer 7

well you can partition the hard drive again. I use acronis partition expert the best in my opinion the only one i have used. It will even see more of your hard drive space. back up before you mess with your hard drive

You will not lose any information if you use acronis, you can divide, resize, and many more without losing information unless you decide to delete partitions within information

Answer 8

Norton Partition Magic could do it for you... I believe... Or you could backup that data, and wipe the drive clean, and then partition it easily.

Answer 9

yes, use 3d party partitioning tools for example disk director, i think it's the most convenient prog for such operations.
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/diskdirector/

Answer 10

yes....

do a google search for partitioning tools