Merging two NTFS partitions

Spyhop

Spyhop

Spyhop

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Hey. I've got a 160GB hard disc that's partitioned in to a 120GB C:\ with my XP Pro installation and everything else on it and an empty 40GB D:\ partition.

Is it possible to merge D: in to C: to create a single 160GB C: drive (as it is physically) without hosing the Windows installation?

Thanks. :)
 
I got Paragon Partition Manager on a free DVD with September 2005's Computer Shopper, I'm 99% sure that does what you ask. If not, I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will correct me.

Perhaps you could look around at some cover-discs!
 
Most software like "partition magic" will do the job. But there's always a small chance it will go wrong so i would always recommend you do a full backup of your vital data first.
 
It could be better to keep D:for your user data and C: for all software.
Then if you need to clean reinstall Windows anytime, you won't lose any data. Just need to reinstall all the software.
 
partition magic can do it, but it's hit and miss if there is data strewn accross them. Tho personally i find it pays to have C and D because if windows arses up even if you have data on the boot partition you can install fresh and boot from that to pull your data across before formatting the dead windows.
 
Thanks guys. I'll check out partition magic.

It's not like the 40GB partition is large enough to hold all my data in the event of a windows reinstall anyway. I do regular backups to DVD-R discs for that. :)
 
rather than merge the partitions, delete the empty d: parition yourself in disk management and then use parition magic to enlarge the c:\ drive taking up all the free space. a lot less scope for it to go wrong. :D
 
Partition Magic will cost around £50 - not cheap for a one-off operation.
There is some freeware partitioning s/w available, providing it has good reviews from actual users.
Have you considered buying a second large HDD? For about the same amount you could get another 120GB drive from OcUK. You'd still have the 40GB partition, but that would be plenty for temporary work areas, for example, for your disk writing and other stuff.
 
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To be honest, I can't remember why I partitioned the drive in the first place. All my work and media is nicely organised in the My Documents folder on C: and I've simply run out of space. I can't see any reason to start keeping things on a seperate partition seeing data backup is not a concern.

I am considering getting an external Lacie FireWire HD to share between the PC and a laptop in the near future though.

Again, thanks for the advice. :)
 
vince said:
Partition Magic isn't cheap for a one-off operation - £45.62 + carriage at ****************
Click to expand...

Might wanna remove that link!... its a Competitor!!!... Read the FAQ!...

you could always keep a look out for Acronis Partition (summut!) on any Magazine cover discs!... Its usually free!!!... Thats how I got it!... Does most of the stuff Partition Magic does!!...
 
Think about it, Partition Magic is also known as Partition Tragic ;)

I merged two partitions once and it messed them both up, fortunately there were fairly empty and important stuff was backed up but I will never ever use PM, especially not on my Windows partition.
 
I think in the blurb it says 'Do not Split/Merge/resize your C:\Windows Partition, as this may cause Data Loss'...

Just Ghost/Backup to a different drive and if it norks-up then just Format and Restore!!...
 
What about this...

In XP, could you convert the hard drive ("basic disk") into a dynamic disk? Back up everything on D: drive and then delete. Then you can extend C: partition into the empty space?
 
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