Partitioning my HD in Windows XP, without a reformat

[HobbitsHD]

Is it possible to re-partition a single HD without reformatting the entire HD? I would like to have a partition for windows/programs-games/personal files/and maybe one for linux (which I have never used before and would like to try).
I have the time to do a fresh Windows install but would rather not...

Trying to figure out my options... I would prefer option 1 below

OPTION 1: I have one 80GB HD PATA and keep only that drive/repartition

OR

OPTION 2: Buy a new SATA HD and reformat/reinstall everything

Any suggestions are appreciated... thanks in advance

 

[stars]

You could try a live Linux distro without installing it to the hard drive. I have zero faith in third party partitioning tools like Partition Magic. I would just make a smaller partition, reinstall Windows and put Linux on the left over space if you want it on the hard drive.

 

[HobbitsHD]

Thanks stars. I have just recently noticed that you could run Linux live out of a CD player - pretty cool.
Back to the main topic - Repartitioning
Can I make new partitions on my current HD without reinstalling Windows? Or can I simply add a new partition to the plenty of space I have left on my HD? If I do this, will it give me any significant performance increases such as loading windows, running windows, games, playing music?
I am thinking of my partitions being Windows/Games/Programs/Personal.
Thanks again.

 

[stars]

If your current hard drive is 1 partition you will need to use a 3rd party tool or reinstall Windows to make new partitions.
If buying a 2nd hard drive is an easy option I would buy one and use it for storage (music, documents, etc).
I would then just reinstall Windows on the current hard drive with a partition of 40GB and leave the remaining 40GB for Linux.
When first learning Linux you will probably reinstall often due to trying new distros and/or user error.

 

[HobbitsHD]

Thanks again. I didn't think that I could partition without reinstalling using windows.
I am probably going to upgrade my system soon, and it may include a new faster HD, so I will probably just wait and repartition/reinstall the OS when I finish building it.
I think that I will try the live (off of a CD) edition of linux to start but leave a partition open for later.

BB

 

[powerMarkymark]

I've done this countless times.

M preferred software is Acronis PartitionExpert.

Works every time.

M@rc

 

[TechMaster1972]

I have used partition magic which seemed to work ok, now problems. although i would back up if possible before doing any partition re-sizing.