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February 13th, 2005 22:00
How to partition Dimension 4600 hard drive?
I want to install WinXP Pro on a new partition of my hard drive on my 4600. My hard drive is 160GB and I have over 130GB free space. I do not want to wipe out the installation of XP Home or personal data now on C:, which is formatted as NFTS.
I tried to use Norton Partition Magic 8.0 but I cannot create a new partition, using either the Wizards or Partition Tasks.
When I click on the (C:)in the Disk Map and then use a Wizard, I get this message
"The selected disk contains one or more partitions which cannot be moved. To complete the task use the Operations menu rather than a wizard."
But "Create Partition" on the Operations menu is greyed out.
I already have four "Primary" parts (for want of a better word) of the hard drive indicated on the Partition Magic Disk Map. One is my C:\ drive (described as Active). The other three are described as "Status--None" and apparently "Hidden" since their "Partition" is indicated by an asterisk. Two of these come from Dell (I gather they are System Recovery and Diagnostics), and there is an "Unallocated" one (about 50MB), which when I try to delete (or change to Logical), I am told there is a program is running from that partition and it cannot be deleted (Error 38).
Can anyone help me create a new partition?
It is not necessary that I use Partition Magic, but I would like a procedure that is simple and not overwrite my existing C:\ drive.
As mentioned, my purpose is to install WinXP Pro on a new partition. I already have WinXP Home on the hard drive, but do not want to replace it or lose the other data.
P.S. If there is a prior thread that answers my question, please refer me.
I tried to use Norton Partition Magic 8.0 but I cannot create a new partition, using either the Wizards or Partition Tasks.
When I click on the (C:)in the Disk Map and then use a Wizard, I get this message
"The selected disk contains one or more partitions which cannot be moved. To complete the task use the Operations menu rather than a wizard."
But "Create Partition" on the Operations menu is greyed out.
I already have four "Primary" parts (for want of a better word) of the hard drive indicated on the Partition Magic Disk Map. One is my C:\ drive (described as Active). The other three are described as "Status--None" and apparently "Hidden" since their "Partition" is indicated by an asterisk. Two of these come from Dell (I gather they are System Recovery and Diagnostics), and there is an "Unallocated" one (about 50MB), which when I try to delete (or change to Logical), I am told there is a program is running from that partition and it cannot be deleted (Error 38).
Can anyone help me create a new partition?
It is not necessary that I use Partition Magic, but I would like a procedure that is simple and not overwrite my existing C:\ drive.
As mentioned, my purpose is to install WinXP Pro on a new partition. I already have WinXP Home on the hard drive, but do not want to replace it or lose the other data.
P.S. If there is a prior thread that answers my question, please refer me.
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rickmktg
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February 13th, 2005 23:00
Dr.Knowitall
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February 14th, 2005 05:00
rickmktg
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11.9K Posts
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February 14th, 2005 13:00
jcimarron
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February 14th, 2005 20:00
To try Pro out and see if I like it.
But I could also have originally said that I want another partition to separate my personal data from the existing OS. Or that I want a new partition to try out beta software, etc.
The problem seems to be that Dell installs two Active, hidden partitions, and I understand Windows only permits a total of four. (And maybe Dell put that third, unallocated, one there, too.)
I do not understand why Dell would want to restrict their customers from creating new partitions.
I cannot see how to uninstall/delete the unallocated (47MB) hidden partition. The Delete, Size/Move and Convert keys are blanked out when I click on it. The only usable action key is Create, and if I try to change its properties using Create, all I do is create another hidden 47MB partition (now called Extended) but the original remains.
Is there some way of putting the two hidden partitions from Dell somewhere else so I can access/restore them if I want? I can Delete them, but would rather not if there is an alternative.
I am still looking for a way to create another partition on my hard drive.
Message Edited by jcimarron on 02-14-2005 03:41 PM
jcimarron
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February 16th, 2005 22:00
This is not meant to be a flame or rude, but it is hard to believe I am the first person to ask the question. And even if I am, the creation of a new partition would seem to be an easy procedure for owners of a Dell Dimension 4600 who have been through it.