30GB C partition full, 500GBs+ free on D partition - but how to allocate across?

AJP · 14 Dec 2010 at 12:25

Hi,

Got an annoying problem...

When i originally set up my PC, i (in hindsight - stupidly) created a C partition just 30GBs in size, and assigned the remaining 970GBs onto the D partition.

After a few years, even with all programs installed to D - my C drive is now full to the point where i can't install Windows updates, update my iPhone software, all sorts.

So i need to find a way of allocating more space to the C partition from the D partition. However, i'm struggling.

I'm running Vista Ultimate 64bit, which is not supported for Partition Magic.

Any bright (and preferably no-cost) ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Mr_Orange · 14 Dec 2010 at 12:39

You could use gparted off a linux live cd. It's not risk free but it's worked for me in the past.

PatZ1989 · 14 Dec 2010 at 12:39

Not sure on vista but windows 7 can shrink and extend volumes natively in Disk Management, Vista and 7 share many core features it's possible it can do this for you

rpstewart · 14 Dec 2010 at 12:43

PatZ1989 said:
Not sure on vista but windows 7 can shrink and extend volumes natively in Disk Management, Vista and 7 share many core features it's possible it can do this for you

Unfortunately the Disk Management functionality isn't rich enough to do what the OP is looking to do. DM can shrink and extend partitions but it can't move a partition to the right to allow one ahead of it to be extended.

Gparted is the best option but while it's normally reliable I wouldn't use it without an up to date backup handy.

ubersonic · 14 Dec 2010 at 13:16

If you haven't done it yet move the pagefile (virtual memory) form C: to D: that should free up bout 4GB depending on your ram.

AJP · 14 Dec 2010 at 13:20

Thanks for the quick replies guys.

rpstewart said:
Unfortunately the Disk Management functionality isn't rich enough to do what the OP is looking to do. DM can shrink and extend partitions but it can't move a partition to the right to allow one ahead of it to be extended.

Yes - exactly the problem I have...

Does Gparted support 64bit OS?
Also seen MiniTool Partition Wizard - which deffo does support 64bit OS', anyone know if it's any good?

Amp34 · 14 Dec 2010 at 13:20

It's the stupid sxs files that I think you're having problems with. That folder can easily take up over 16GB of space on it's own which means you have no chance gaining space by deleting programs etc.

AJP · 14 Dec 2010 at 13:21

ubersonic said:
If you haven't done it yet move the pagefile (virtual memory) form C: to D: that should free up bout 4GB depending on your ram.

Yeh, pagefile already moved.

AJP · 14 Dec 2010 at 13:22

Amp34 said:
It's the stupid sxs files that I think you're having problems with. That folder can easily take up over 16GB of space on it's own which means you have no chance gaining space by deleting programs etc.

Yep - over 20GBs and can't delete any of it

gareth170 · 14 Dec 2010 at 13:42

use Acronis Disk Director Home that can let u shrink and extend partitions.

KIA · 15 Dec 2010 at 15:38

AJP said:
Does Gparted support 64bit OS?

OS doesn't matter.

AJP · 15 Dec 2010 at 15:39

gareth170 said:
use Acronis Disk Director Home that can let u shrink and extend partitions.

As i don't plan to be making regular changes to the partitions - I don't particularly want to pay for software i'm going to use just once...

Acronis Disk Director's trial version only allow changes of 100MBs - not quite enough for what i need to do

AJP · 15 Dec 2010 at 15:41

fluff said:
OS doesn't matter.

For Gparted specifically you mean? As it certainly matters when it comes to other disk management software - Partition Magic for example doesn't support 64bit OS'.

Toughnoodle · 15 Dec 2010 at 16:12

I think Partition Magic installed into the OS and it'll make partition changes during boot. GParted Live boots Linux from CD and runs independently from the OS installed on the HDD. I'd try GParted Live.

CaseyChaos · 15 Dec 2010 at 20:49

Clone your info for C & D and place the images onto a 2nd hard drive. Wipe your drive and set up your partitions as needed, then just copy the images back again? Will only work if you have a 2nd drive you can get hold of though.