Partition HDD after OS/programs installed?

I bought a new PC and totally forgot about partitioning my 320GB hard disk drive and proceeded to install my OS, programs and stuff, I know I am supposed to format, partition and then (re)install everything but is there any way I can partition my HDD after Win XP has been installed?

I am fairly experienced with PCs so any suggestion is welcome.

Well... If I were you and I had just installed the OS, then I'd just start over again and make partitions with the XP disk. That would be the best way to do it.

However, if you want to re-size your partition there are a few options. Most people are familiar with Partition Magic  http://www.symantec.com/norton/partitionmagic  but it's expensive.

I like to use Gparted  http://gparted.sourceforge.net/  it's freeware but it's a bit more tricky to use. If you are experienced with computers, you shouldn't have a hard time with it.

But, like I said, If I were you I would just start over and use the windows disk to make your partitions.
 
Post back if you need help with Gparted.

I did try that, I have a Gparted Live CD but I had display issues so I couldn't use it, I'm downloading latest version as we speak.

Now let's say I find a way to do it, the big question here is will shrinking the C:/ partition screw up my Windows installation or not?

Now let's say I find a way to do it, the big question here is will shrinking the C:/ partition screw up my Windows installation or not?

It shouldn't, but there is always the chance. Do you have a good backup? Do you have the XP disk?

I did try that, I have a Gparted Live CD but I had display issues so I couldn't use it, I'm downloading latest version as we speak.

What kind of display issues?

What kind of display issues?

Multiple adjacent screens, almost impossible to see what was going on.

Ctrl Atl + does not fix this like my old system did.

As a matter of fact all of my Linux Live CDs I tried have this issue, that's why I haven't been able to use them any suggestions?

How old is the video card and monitor?

The video card is integrated into a fairly new MoBo.

The monitor is very old

Try one of the vga= options at Linux startup to get a basic 640x480 60 Hz video output. Numbers to try 769, 784, 785, 786, 809. This is somewhat like Windows "safe mode".

Also, this article may go some way to helping you with Gparted video problems

http://humanreadable.nfshost.com/journal/2006-026.htm

Ah cheatcodes, I will try that thanks.

[Moderator]

Back to the original question - there is no reason not to use 3rd party partition utilities after the OS is installed. Try EASUS if gparted is a problem for you. But even though there should not be any issues, make sure you backup all critical data before performing any disc level function like partitioning.

Yes! There is a way!

1. Click Start
2. Right click my computer, and click manage
3. Click Disk management, and you should figure out from there

If you have any questions, please contact me on _____________@hotmail.co.uk


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[Moderator]

Yes! There is a way!

1. Click Start
2. Right click my computer, and click manage
3. Click Disk management, and you should figure out from there

If you have any questions, please contact me on msnpphi@hotmail.co.uk

Ummm - no. Not with XP and not to shrink the system partition.

Ummm - no. Not with XP and not to shrink the system partition.

Yes you can.. I've done it before.

[Moderator]

Yes you can.. I've done it before.

You've used Disk Management in XP to shrink the partition to which you were booted?

Yes! There is a way!

1. Click Start
2. Right click my computer, and click manage
3. Click Disk management, and you should figure out from there

Hmmmm I tried this and I see no option to reduce the partition size.