quick repartitioning question

[SrGuapo]

OK, I have had my system for about a month now. When I originally set it up, I created one large partition (since I was in a hurry and didn't think too far ahead). this hasn't been a very big deal, but now I want to install a dual boot with WinXP 64. I have installed qwuite a few games and a one time copy of VS.NET (MSDNAA).

Basically, I want to know the best way to repartition my HDD (80 GB SATA) without losing all my data. I could backup to an old 20 GB IDE drive, but wouldn't I still need to reinstall all the games/apps? I have the install files from the Visual Studio download (don't worry it is legit) on a CD, but would I be able to reuse them? I don't think I "activated" the product or whatever...

I am a little confused about how to go about this. Thanks for the help and sorry if I sound a little confused. This is my first build and my first repartitioning.

Edit: I am currently using Win XP home.

 

[D1gger]

You need a third party application like Partition Magic. It will allow you to resize your single partition into a smaller partition (as long as you have not filled all of the space), and then you can create a new partition in the free space created.

First - Definitely backup all of your data.
Second - Defrag the drive
Third - Resize the current partition to a smaller size that frees up the amount of space you want to allocate to WinXp - 64
Fourth - Install WinXP-64 onto the free space.

I just installed WinXP-64 Build 1433 last night, and it cleared up a couple of bugs I was seeing in the earlier builds, otherwise, it is hard to see the advantages until the 64 bit apps start to appear. Still - it is fun to play.

 

[daveqb]

Mandrake can resize NTFS partitions. Boot with CD 1 as if to install, get the partitioning, resize your NTFS partition and then switch off to end the installation process. (unless you want to put Mandrake on there, which i strongly advise )

 

[SrGuapo]

Originally posted by: D1gger
You need a third party application like Partition Magic. It will allow you to resize your single partition into a smaller partition (as long as you have not filled all of the space), and then you can create a new partition in the free space created.

First - Definitely backup all of your data.
Second - Defrag the drive
Third - Resize the current partition to a smaller size that frees up the amount of space you want to allocate to WinXp - 64
Fourth - Install WinXP-64 onto the free space.

I just installed WinXP-64 Build 1433 last night, and it cleared up a couple of bugs I was seeing in the earlier builds, otherwise, it is hard to see the advantages until the 64 bit apps start to appear. Still - it is fun to play.

And, assuming all goes well, I won't have to reformat correct? Thanks for the help. I was thinking I would have to reformat and make new partitions...

Originally posted by: davegb
Mandrake can resize NTFS partitions. Boot with CD 1 as if to install, get the partitioning, resize your NTFS partition and then switch off to end the installation process. (unless you want to put Mandrake on there, which i strongly advise )

Thanks for the advice, but I think I will wait on linux. Besides having no free time anymore, I don't see any real benefits of using linux. I am a gamer and a programmer (windows programmer). I'm sure I will give it a try sometime (maybe in the summer), but for now I will wait.

 

[daveqb]

Cool, was just saying/suggesting you can still use Mandrakes resizer and not install the OS.