partition a computer

[moro]

I have a computer used to control a machine.( hard disk :312 GB win : xp ). contain Just one drive c:

Can I partition the hard drive  to many drive C: D: E: 
without to cause damage to the existing programs...

[Ryder17z]

Yes

But you need a decent software to do that, I'm personally using Acronis Disk Director and there are alternatives, but the tool has to work without having the operating system loaded (eg: linux, windows, bsd...)


Then you can "remove" a part of the free space on the C: partition and create a new one, using the unused/unlocated space


Basically this will happen:

You open up the software, set the new size of the C: partition
You apply the changes, computer restarts
The C: partition gets a resize
Optional/Might not supported by the software: The unused/unlocated space is used to create new partions *
Computer restarts
Operating system loads
Then your done.

* = If this step is skipped, you can create partitions whenever you want to inside windows/linux or whatever operating system is used

[Allan]

You don't need 3rd party software. You can just use disk management. If you do want to use a third party app try Easeus Partition Manager (it's free).

[moro]

Well
Thank you Ryder17z   &   Allan
I tend to Easeus Partition Manager

[soybean]

I have a computer used to control a machine.( hard disk :312 GB win : xp ). contain Just one drive c:

Can I partition the hard drive  to many drive C: D: E: 
without to cause damage to the existing programs...

You don't need 3rd party software. You can just use disk management.

That's true with Windows Vista and Windows 7 but not Windows XP.

[moro]

so Easeus Partition Manager  is the best choice

[soybean]

Yes.