Installing Vista, ran into a partition-size problem.

[TrevorRC]

So... here's what I have:
2 main partitions; One is 10GB the other is ~260 [250+10].
the 10GB partition had Windows/etc. on it, I installed all apps/downloads/videos/data/program files to D:\ [set environment variables.]

Now, I went to install Vista today and I had to delete the partition windows was located at in order to install Vista... after pressing delete, I went to install it only to find I was ~1000MB short. [~150unused* gigs on the 250 partition]

So, 2 drives:
C:\-10Gigs
D:\250Gigs [NTFS]
And another unallocated logical partition which is 10 gigs

I tried deleting the logical partition [10GB] so I'd have the space, only to find out I can't exactly move it. It became 'empty', but was still logical. It was un-mergable with the other bit.

So, the questions are...
1) Why can't I in a normal fashion?

2) How can I do it, if at all possible. [Move the space from the unallocated Logical Partiton (which I have tried deleting] to the primary (also now unallocated, but still reading primary)] partition?

3) How can I go about doing this without installing Vista to the current D drive. [I like to keep them seperate in case of instances like this, so all of my data is secure during a reformat and such.] (If Step 2 is done this is a given..)

4) What apps can I use to do this?

Thanks guys, I appreciate it.
--Trevor

 

[TrevorRC]

After reading a bit more, it struck me that the extra 10Gig partition may in fact be an extended partition... if this helps. Still looking to see if I can solve the problem on my own--keeping this thread going regardless in case someone else makes the mistake and searches.
-T

Edit:

"VFAT Extended LBA"
Under that is the 250 gig and 10gig partition.

I pressed delete on the extended [which was 'tree branched' above the other two] and it made the 10GB open, but also messed with the 'good' 250. ("Invalid layout of Extended Partition Chain".]

Also--this is more of a hardware question than a support question, as it deals with resizing partitions and the like, not finding a missing DLL :roll:
Just figured I'd justify that, and if a mod deems otherwise feel free to move it.
--Trevor

 

[TrevorRC]

Slight update..

? You cannot delete an extended partition unless the extended partition is empty. All logical drives in the extended partition must be deleted before you can delete the extended partition.
[Windows support.]

So, I can't delete that logical/extended partition, even though it's empty--that's entail deleting the ENTIRE partition, correct?
1) Primary Partition, 10Gigs for Windows.
2) VFAT Extended LBA Partition
-250GB partition [NTFS] (all my data)
-10GB empty, nothing on it, etc.

Is there any way I can "move it" to another extended partition?

Say...

1) Primary Partition, 10Gigs for Windows.
2) VFAT Extended LBA Partition
-250GB partition [NTFS] (all my data)
3) VFAT Extended LBA Parition [Logical]
-10GB Empty/Blank partition [Logical]

Then delete 3?

Thanks.
--Trevor

 

[Billb2]

Originally posted by: TrevorRC
So... here's what I have:
So, 2 drives:
C:\-10Gigs
D:\250Gigs
And another unallocated logical partition which is 10 gigs

Vista takes almost 20 gigs. My installation is 16.9 gigs with only drivers and 1 Anti virus installed.

 

[TrevorRC]

The drives are 13.4, not 10; sorry. Was approximating. And, Vista said "14XXX MB necessary" ~14GB. Good to know regardless, I'll make sure to use the full partition [10GB+10GB] if I ever get this sorted out.

Worst comes to worst, I can install it on the current D:\; borrow an external drive from a friend and backup all my data then re-format/partition.

--Trevor

Side note, very nice water setup.
-T