Can i merge partitions within computer management?

[snow patrol]

I've just deleted 3 partitions on a disk, with a view to merging them all back to a single partition. However, i don't see any merge option in computer management. Must i use a third party program like the dreaded partition magic? Is there a free one i could use?

 

[Butters]

I believe so yes, sorry. I assume this is for XP as I don't know about Vista

 

[Nefarious]

Not that I'm aware of, you can do it with DISKPART though

 

[.walls]

delete the partitions, then create a new partition to fill up the unallocated space.... unless you want to keep the data on the disks... but from the sounds of it, you don't.

 

[bledd]

backup first (def don't use partition magic it's really bad!)

use gparted boot disc

 

[m4cc45]

Diskpart is the official windows way.

Partition Magic 8 I've found really good as well but that's a commercial product (i.e. paid for) and Diskpart does the job well.



M.

 

[snow patrol]

ok thanks guys, i'll try diskpart when i can get round to it (ie not at 3am )

 

[bledd]

Partition Magic 8

i've read countless horror stories on here regarding problems with that program, i'd never touch it

 

[.walls]

i've read countless horror stories on here regarding problems with that program, i'd never touch it

I've used it for years and never had a problem with it...

at the end of the day, resizing an active partition is always going to be risky business.

 

[MarcLister]

I've used Partition Magic in the past without any problems. Don't use it know as I have two disks, one for Windows and progs, the other for my data and music. So no partitions needed anymore.

 

[Misan]

Seconding gparted bootdisk, excellent utility. Oh and Parition Magic really isn't worth the pain you'll suffer using it.
There's also Parted Magic http://partedmagic.com/ boot CD.
Good luck.