Windows Vista laptop with hard drive partition problem

gateway laptop, W340 UI.
Large memory, CD/RWR DVD, 100 Gb hard drive.

Sombody partitioned the C: drive at1 Gb as a backup up memory, and left the rest in a D drive.

I think my Vista is on the D drive.
Anytime I try to download i'm told "you dont have enough disk space"

I dont know how to solve this and get every thing back on the C drive, and delete the D drive without losing Data out there on the D drive.

I hope the fix is easy.
I got this used because I'm stuck on my back in bed for a couple months.
I want to watch DVD's and listen to audiobooks.

 

While downloading save the files on to your D: drive, instead of C: drive. That could be a short term solution.

Various free utilities can expand partitions, but if you need to move your OS from one partition to another then you may need to buy one. For one off operation, it would be far cheaper & better to backup, repartition, reformat & restore.

 

I thought that would be the answer. To down load both C & D to another large drive.
Then repartition and initialize the C to one drive, then download all that stuff from the 'other' drive.

I'm scared to do that. I don't have the original disk's with the Software.
If I lose my Vista can I get it back from MS?
Or better yet, can I put W-7 on this Laptop?

 

Whatever program is doing your download may have been set/defaulted to a folder like C:\Downloads, you might just need to find the setting and change the C: drive to the D: drive. If nothing else, you will get experience working with drives. Look around at the settings of your downloader (is it part of browser?).

I use Vista at home and at work run/install/reinstall/troubleshoot Windows 7. Personally, I only see Windows 7 as an upgrade of Vista. Software and hardware manufacturers have provided full support for Vista.

If you were to decide rsinfo's suggestion was the best, reinstall, get updates for your drivers and software and install Service Pack 2 straight away. Vista should then work well.

Matt

 

Thanks Mattman,
Now I cant get it to connect to the Internet.
I'm afraid I dont know how to re-install my Vista as I dont have the original disks.

 

Hi Pete, no, you don't get a DVD with any laptops now. I said "reinstall ", the only way is to follow the manufacturer's method. That, I doubt, will involve running from a DVD disk.

If the "service drive" or system reinstallation drive, that is normally used for reinstalling/reimagining the system to the way it was supplied from the factory, has been turned into the C: drive, that could be the reason. In other words, the second drive. the one that is used for returning it from a catastrophe , has been turned from a hidden drive to a standard one, that could now be the C: drive.

What else is listed on the C: drive? Are there files and folders on it? Are there files/folders for reinstalling/reimaging the laptop?

Laptops don't have original disks now. Find out the way of reinstalling Windows from the Gateway information (on the computer or at their website).

Matt

 

"vWhat else is listed on the C: drive? Are there files and folders on it? Are there files/folders for reinstalling/reimaging the laptop? "

Why do you ask that question? Are you thinking I can Delete the contents of the C drive?
What else is listed on the C: drive? Are there files and folders on it? Are there files/folders for reinstalling/reimaging the laptop?
it says:
program files
recData
users
windows
satBA1A.temp1

 

The files needed for reinstall/recovery would most probably on a hidden partition which you won't be able to access normally.

Open Disk Management & look for the info there.

 

Even with all your knowledge, I did not have the resources to do what needed to be done.
I took it to a GURU in Cullman AL.
I might not see it again for a few days. I might see some 'Labor' involved in getting it back too.
So we'll cancel this call.
I'll come back if its anything interesting for your knowledge base.

 

I ask that question because the drive might have changed from it's original role (from a hidden to normal drive). That hidden partition that rsinfo talked about.

You say C: has

Is your Windows system on C: or D:?

You seem to have another forum providing suggestions. DO NOT ASK US FOR ANY SUGGESTIONS RELATING TO ANOTHER FORUM.

I can't see any suggestions that are exceptionally hard. Use your resources, do websearches, repeat, do websearches. You need to research for yourself.

Do you want someone to lead you, step by step, to a solution that you do not understand? Would you prefer to use the suggestions to provide you with the information to find the solution yourself?

I will only provide the latter. Magic answers are not my style. [I want questioners to find out how to find the answer for themself and so improve their experience level, not just be given a list of steps].

Good luck,
Matt

 

There was no other forum or advisor.
I took it to a Tech.
I said that in my last post.
Appearenty you needed to vent on me for some reason.
Sorry.

 

Sorry to you, I thought Cullman AL was another help website and we frown upon taking a problem to another website at the same time we are trying to make suggestions.

If you have taken it to a repairer, that's fine. We don't have physical contact with the machine and can't see how it reacts to tests (I often see something strange that is happening when I am in front of a problem computer, that can lead to the cause).

We definitely don't mind if you take it to a repairer.

If nothing else, I hope you gained some experience.

Matt

 

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