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


email addy removed to prevent SPAM

[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.

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

Right. I believe the only partition management option related to partition size that you'll see in XP is "Delete Logical Drive".

[Moderator]

Correct. You MUST use a third party utility to modify the system partition with XP

You could possibly try and download a Partition shrinker.. I've done some research, but i can't find any for windows XP, there are loads for windows VISTA and 7, but none for XP, i will keep researching and let you know as soon as possible if i find any..

Helper

[Moderator]

You could possibly try and download a Partition shrinker.. I've done some research, but i can't find any for windows XP, there are loads for windows VISTA and 7, but none for XP, i will keep researching and let you know as soon as possible if i find any..

Helper

You need to stop posting nonsense.

You need to stop posting nonsense.

You Need to shutup and do something other than always stalk me and correct what i've said, now leave me alone or i'll continue to report you! DOn't bother, just don't contact me! And stop Stalking me!

Use this:
EASEUS Partition Master 4.0.1 New Upgrade!
http://www.partition-tool.com/
Wprks Great! 

You need to stop posting nonsense.

SEE!! Look below.. Now YOU stop posting nonsense..

[Moderator]

SEE!! Look below.. Now YOU stop posting nonsense..

There's something very wrong with you.

Use this:
EASEUS Partition Master 4.0.1 New Upgrade!
http://www.partition-tool.com/
Wprks Great! 

Yes it does!

I did it with the help of EASEUS Partition Master version 4.1.1.

I'll mention how I did it for future reference: first I shrinked the C partition, then I created 2 more partitions from the unallocated free space, worked great and I'm posting from my installed Win XP

Thank you everyone for your kind support.

Now is there a way to make my last partition private, i.e. only accessible by me and not visible by other logged-on users?

*sigh*

helper4789, there are many partition tools, I don't know what you searched, but it was obviously very flawed.  Just like telling people that Disk Management will shrink the active partition.

Don't post misinformation.

The OP solved his problem. So this thread has served his purpose.
In retrospect,
he should have made partitions on the HDD during installation.

The OP solved his problem. So this thread has served his purpose. In retrospect, he should have made partitions on the HDD during installation.

Yes, that is the preferred way to do it, I think my original post reflects that.

I'm glad to hear you got it working Duderino.