Combining partitions - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

k1ng · 05-07-2004, 08:42 PM

Ok here's the deal: I was experimenting with partitioning after my last format. I split up my 60 gig HD into three partitions (3.5gb-Windows XP, 16.5gb-Installed Programs, 40-Storage(mp3s/movies/etc).

I was told that if I keep my windows files on a separate partition it would make windows run better. I've come to find out that 3.5 gigs is definately too small for my windows-only drive(even after i movied My documents and most/all my temp files to another drive). I don't really see any major benifits from having windows on a separate partition. And it's kind of been a hassle overall.

Seems like I have a few options:
1. Don't change anything until next format (in a couple months)
2. Keep the three partitions and just make my windows partitions bigger.
3. Merge my "Windows" and "Installed Programs" partitions, leaving me with only two partitions remaining (Windows/Program files AND Storage)

I would prefer to do either option 3.

Here's where you guys come in:
What program should I use to combine my two partitions? I was planning on using Partition Magic, but I've never used it before and so I'm not sure how well it will do the job I want.

Will I encounter a lot of headaches trying to combine my Windows drive and installed programs drive?

How great of a risk is there of me completely screwing up my partitions and having to unexpectantly format again?

Any information at all would be greatly appreciated!

glytch · 05-07-2004, 09:10 PM

Perhaps I did something wrong all three times I've used Partition Magic to try and do anything to my boot partition (windows partition), but every time I've done it, it's screwed up my boot sector and I've ended up repairing/formatting windows. I would advise that if you use Partition Magic, make sure you absolutely know you're not going to screw it up. For non-system partitions, PM works like a champ, but I've had bad luck with using it on my boot partition.
Just my 2c.

docbungle · 05-07-2004, 09:47 PM

Well, I'd say put Windows and Installed Programs on the same partition. No point in seperating those. After all, if you reformat, it's usually better to wipe everything out and start fresh. Keep everything else on a separate partition so you don't lose it when the comp eats shit.

As far as Partition Magic, it's worked great for me, but as with anything, I've heard complaints from others. You should be able to merge two partitions together or, more ideally for your situation, just borrow space from your Installed Programs partition and give it to your OS partition. It's instructions are pretty basic and it has wizards to lead you through the steps.

k1ng · 05-07-2004, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by docbungle
Well, I'd say put Windows and Installed Programs on the same partition. No point in seperating those. After all, if you reformat, it's usually better to wipe everything out and start fresh.

Right, I always do a clean/full format. I was experimenting by splitting windows/programs more for performance reasons.

Quote:

As far as Partition Magic, it's worked great for me,

Did you ever use PM on your boot partition? Glytch mentioned that he's had problems with using PM on his boot partition, not his other non-boot partitions.

JStrider · 05-07-2004, 10:18 PM

you really only see much benefit if you have seperate physical drives...

the only benefit to partitioning a single drive is that you can format and reinstall windows without losing all your data... just wipe the one partition clean... install onto it and youve still got all your movies,mp3s, etc...

guthmund · 05-08-2004, 12:08 AM

I have done this with BootIt NG.

I split up a 20 GB drive to install xp and linux on it to dick around with it. I decided to dedicate a small drive to linux afterwards and deleted the linux partition and deleted the partition.

I had to format the linux side of the drive effectively deleting the partition. Then I used the "resize" command to add all the extra space to the xp partition.

It didn't cause any problems as far as I could tell and if a freeware program like BootIt can do it, I don't see why Partition Magic couldn't as well.

docbungle · 05-08-2004, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Did you ever use PM on your boot partition?

Yes, I've used it to resize my boot partition. You should always back up your data first ibefore partitioning in case anything goes wrong.

05-07-2004, 08:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
k1ng Nothing Location: Atlanta, GA	Combining partitions Ok here's the deal: I was experimenting with partitioning after my last format. I split up my 60 gig HD into three partitions (3.5gb-Windows XP, 16.5gb-Installed Programs, 40-Storage(mp3s/movies/etc). I was told that if I keep my windows files on a separate partition it would make windows run better. I've come to find out that 3.5 gigs is definately too small for my windows-only drive(even after i movied My documents and most/all my temp files to another drive). I don't really see any major benifits from having windows on a separate partition. And it's kind of been a hassle overall. Seems like I have a few options: 1. Don't change anything until next format (in a couple months) 2. Keep the three partitions and just make my windows partitions bigger. 3. Merge my "Windows" and "Installed Programs" partitions, leaving me with only two partitions remaining (Windows/Program files AND Storage) I would prefer to do either option 3. Here's where you guys come in: What program should I use to combine my two partitions? I was planning on using Partition Magic, but I've never used it before and so I'm not sure how well it will do the job I want. Will I encounter a lot of headaches trying to combine my Windows drive and installed programs drive? How great of a risk is there of me completely screwing up my partitions and having to unexpectantly format again? Any information at all would be greatly appreciated! __________________ "Delight in excellence is easily confused with snobbery by the ignorant." -Joseph Epstein

05-07-2004, 09:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
glytch I am not permanent. Location: Tennessee	Perhaps I did something wrong all three times I've used Partition Magic to try and do anything to my boot partition (windows partition), but every time I've done it, it's screwed up my boot sector and I've ended up repairing/formatting windows. I would advise that if you use Partition Magic, make sure you absolutely know you're not going to screw it up. For non-system partitions, PM works like a champ, but I've had bad luck with using it on my boot partition. Just my 2c. __________________ If you're flammable and have legs, you are never blocking a fire exit. - Mitch Hedberg

05-07-2004, 09:47 PM	#3 (permalink)
docbungle It's all downhill from here Location: Denver	Well, I'd say put Windows and Installed Programs on the same partition. No point in seperating those. After all, if you reformat, it's usually better to wipe everything out and start fresh. Keep everything else on a separate partition so you don't lose it when the comp eats shit. As far as Partition Magic, it's worked great for me, but as with anything, I've heard complaints from others. You should be able to merge two partitions together or, more ideally for your situation, just borrow space from your Installed Programs partition and give it to your OS partition. It's instructions are pretty basic and it has wizards to lead you through the steps. __________________ Bad Luck City

05-07-2004, 10:18 PM	#5 (permalink)
JStrider Poo-tee-weet? Location: The Woodlands, TX	you really only see much benefit if you have seperate physical drives... the only benefit to partitioning a single drive is that you can format and reinstall windows without losing all your data... just wipe the one partition clean... install onto it and youve still got all your movies,mp3s, etc... __________________ -=JStrider=- ~Clatto Verata Nicto

05-08-2004, 12:08 AM	#6 (permalink)
guthmund big damn hero	I have done this with BootIt NG. I split up a 20 GB drive to install xp and linux on it to dick around with it. I decided to dedicate a small drive to linux afterwards and deleted the linux partition and deleted the partition. I had to format the linux side of the drive effectively deleting the partition. Then I used the "resize" command to add all the extra space to the xp partition. It didn't cause any problems as far as I could tell and if a freeware program like BootIt can do it, I don't see why Partition Magic couldn't as well. __________________ No signature. None. Seriously.