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Topic: Changing Partitions

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dhatcher2@neo.rr.com Offline

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Posts: 10
Joined: Oct. 2004

Posted: Oct. 17 2004,14:41

I have a 5GB HD in my Compaq Laptop. I currently have the entire HD partitioned for FAT32/Windows. I want to free up 1700 MB for DSL (1500 MB boot and 200 MB swap), how can I do this without going into Windows - fdisk - delete partition - make partition? I do not want to trash my Windows install, I just want to change the FAT32 partition from 5000 MB to 3000 MB to free up some space for DSL. I do not have access to Partition Magic and need to know if there is any way to do this with utilities at my disposal (Windows fdisk or DSL cfdisk).

ke4nt1

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Posts: 2329
Joined: Oct. 2003

Posted: Oct. 17 2004,15:58

No,

fdisk for windows/dos or linux is NOT a partition resizing utility.
cfdisk is NOT a resizing utility.

programs like parted, gnuparted, qtparted, are linux utilities that can
resize a partition, and create free space on your HD for adding partitions .

I'm not familiar with any free utilities for windows that do this.
Partitionmagic is a nice utility to use for this.

There are a number of downloadable CD Utility discs that you can get
that have the linux versions of these utilities on them..
System Restore , Ultimate Boot CD, etc..

73
ke4nt

clivesay

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Posts: 935
Joined: Dec. 2003

Posted: Oct. 17 2004,17:38

Here is a cd utility you can try. System Rescue

I tried qtparted for the first time last night to resize a 80gig hd with ntfs. Although it didn't have windows on it, it did have a lot of files. I backed up the files on another hd, defraged the drive and booted into the cd. I ran qtparted, held my breath and resized the ntfs partition, rebooted and crossed my fingers. Everything worked perfectly. The files were all there just as I left them!

Use at your own risk, but worked for me OK.

Chris

ke4nt1

Group: Members
Posts: 2329
Joined: Oct. 2003

Posted: Oct. 17 2004,18:54

clivesay has it correct..

my post stating "system restore" was a typo/brainfart on my part..
system rescue is correct..

73
ke4nt

prayforwind Offline

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Posts: 7
Joined: Feb. 2004

Posted: Oct. 22 2004,18:18

FIPS is your friend, and its free (as in GPL). With it you can shrink a FAT32 partition to make room for Linux install.

Before use: Turn off Windows's virtual memory, and run a full defrag. Use FIPS to shrink your partition. Afterwards, turn Windows's virtual memory again. YMMV, but I've had success with it.

7 replies since Oct. 17 2004,14:41

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