how to divide the single drive into three new drives?

hello there,

i have got a laptop which has got only one C drive with 100gb capacity. i would like to divide it into three drives. i think there are some softwares to do this. can anybody suggest me some free softwares to do this please?

thanks in anticipation

 

Hello jdsony,

Partition Magic - the 8.0 version, free if downloaded today: Saterday 09/22.

http://www.download3000.com/download_14230.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PartitionMagic Info on PM and its history.

I would advise that once installed and you've read the documentation, that you create these new partitions one at a time.

 

hi mate,

i have downloaded that. but it doesn't work out. it says its the trial version and needs a full version to make a partition.

cheers

 

Hi jdsony,

I have PM already installed, so can't go thru the exercise. In looking around at
"free trial" offers, none seem to be fully functional - makes sense from the point of view of the Vendor, since the use of the tool for most is on a one time need basis.

My suggestion would be to do a search on PM and see how deep a discount you can get it for.

Or do a Google search on "Free partitioning tools ". You'll get hits.

Or XP itself can partition, but that is on an install of the OS. If you're willing to reinstall XP, post back for instructions.

 

thanks for the reply mate. but i reckon re installation wouldn't work out for me. cause its sony vaio laptop and they didn't provide me any compact disks. i have got a system recovery option in the control panel and when i click it, it will prompt me to select either to restore c drive or to select total system restoration to factory settings. if i chose any one of them, it will automatically do its work and doesn't allow the user to make changes as he wishes. i think what you said works on a desktop but not on a laptop. i am not sure cause i am a beginner and don't have much knowledge. so any way to get around it?

cheers

 

Not a Desktop / Laptop issue - you need an XP OS disc.

Not having the OS disc itself is not good in the long run.

Currently your only choice is to go back to the factory image. Contact Sony and see if they will provide you one. If they do, hopefully should be just a nominal charge.

On your quest for a partitioning tool: did you do the searches I suggested? I think your best bet is to find a copy of PM at the lowest cost.

 

Be aware that partitioning the drive may disable your Sony recovery system. I've seen some makes of laptops where the recovery system will still work, but some where it will be completely disabled by any partition changes. I don't know about Sony as I've never played with one.

You will almost certainly already have at least two partitions on the drive, or even more. Have a look in Disk Management. http://www.theeldergeek.com/disk_management.htm

http://www.gnu.org/software/parted/index.shtml
Or if it's Vista you are using,
http://vistahelp.blogspot.com/2007/02/resize-partitions-with-vista-disk.html

 

Hi McTavish,

Good point, and once having the OS disc, the "Recovery" partition should be dispensed with.

The older the system gets - software and user data added over time, the more damage done going back to the factory image.

 

Will this Partition Magic work on Windows Vista? I just got my new laptop today and would like to split it up as well... or is it just a trial that won't really do anything??

I believe I used it in the past but it's been awhile and don't remember if that was it or not..

Thanks in advance!

 

Partition Magic 8 is NOT compatible with Vista. It can be used under certain conditions, but there are many other conditions where it could literally trash the drive just by starting it up. Best to stay well clear of it. If you have Vista you can use it's own built in tool "“ see my post above. Also take note of the warning that partitioning could disable the manufacturer's recovery facility.

 

wow, good to know! Thank you!

Ok, I'll look into this system a bit more.. I literally just cracked it open

Now, doing the partitions makes the computer run smoother or is it purely for organization and in case the main drive fouls up then the others will be spared?

I like it just for the organization factor myself since I store 1000's of photos and music on my drives, there easier to find

Any advise is appreciated... should I start a new topic in Vista? Sorry, didn't mean to hijack this thread

 

Hello Chloe Bug,

Smoother? I can't notice a difference.

For organization - yes, but the standard folder is a good organizing method. It is helpfull if you image the OS.

Your last reason is the most important - if the OS, if on it's own partition, gets fouled up, reinstalling/repairing won't put your user data at risk.

Yes, you should start a thread in the Vista section. Big differences in Vista partitioning options.