Problem in creating New Simple Volume of Unallocated space

Question

People,

Error Message: [Disk Management]
There is not enough space available on the disk(s) to complete this operation

I have Dell inspiron 1520 with windows vista home basic edition.. just bought couple of weeks ago.

I am trying to create a partition. I first shrunk my primary partition (C) which was around 140 GB, and created an unallocated space of 60000 MB, using the shrink volume option.

I changed the drive letter of my dvd drive to F from E. Now when i try to create a new simple volume, i get an error. following are the steps i used to create new simple volume;
- right click unallocated space... select New simple volume.
- click next - max disk space in MB: 60000, min: 8MB, i let the simple volume size in MB to 60000 MB(default)
- assign following drive letter: E (from drop down)
- format this volume with the following setting:
file system : NTFS
allocation unit size: default
volume label: New Volume
checkbox .. perform a quick format click next
- completing the new simple volume wizard, click finish

Error!!!

pcgeek11 · Answer

You probably already have four primary partitions on the hard drive. The maximum allowed primaries is four and the system cannot create another. This has been the facts forever and is a limit with all hard disk.   How many partitions of what type do you see in disk management?   If you have four and would like to create a new one one of the existing will have to be deleted.   pcgeek11

shashin011 · Answer

Thanks for your reply pcgeek.

Now I understand, why in this world, I am not able to create a simple "New Simple Volume"

well i already had 4 partitions, but only three of them are primary, but will give the details as follows, so that one can suggest me;

1. Volume (EISA Configuration) of 102 MB
2. Volume (Primary Partition) of 2.50 GB
3. Volume OS (C: ) (System, Boot, .... , Primary Partition) of 77.86 GB [NTFS] and it has 59.85 GB free space (this is the unallocated space that I just created)
4. Volume Recovery (D: ) (Primary Partition) of 10.00 GB [NTFS]

I don't want to fiddle with the recovery partition and the EISA config one. I am thinking of deleting the no. 2 volume then. Any suggestions or comments on whether its right.

Thanks in advance.

pcgeek11 · Answer

Quote:   1. Volume (EISA Configuration) of 102 MB2. Volume (Primary Partition) of 2.50 GB3. Volume OS (C: ) (System, Boot, .... , Primary Partition) of 77.86 GB [NTFS] and it has 59.85 GB free space (this is the unallocated space that I just created)4. Volume Recovery (D: ) (Primary Partition) of 10.00 GB [NTFS] Unquote   All four of these are Primary Partitions, this one ' Volume (EISA Configuration) of 102 MB ' is just hidden as it is for the diagnostics boot.   Quote:   I am thinking of deleting the no. 2 volume then. Any suggestions or comments on whether its right. Unquote.   Is that the Media Direct Partition? This would be a personal choice.   pcgeek11

shashin011 · Answer

thanks again, How can I tell that a partition is Media Direct partition. Should I rather ask this to the Dell technical support, or can I make it out, if yes then how should I?

pcgeek11 · Answer

Yes that would be the Media Direct Partition.   pcgeek11

shashin011 · Answer

Ok,

So can you tell me, what this partition is used for. I checked my order details on the dell site, I can see an Item 'Media Direct 3.3'.

Well there are just couple of questions;
1. If I delete this media direct partition, would I be able to create it later, if I need it and how?
2. If I delete this partition and create an partition for XP, can I use that partition or any other partition for Media Direct?

Thanks in advance.

pcgeek11 · Answer

If you delete this partition the Media direct function will be gone. II think it can be restored if needed, but I couldn't tell you how.   pcgeek11

shashin011 · Answer

Thanks pcgeek.

Well I think I will call dell on call and see what they say.

Also I have a plan. lemme know what you think?
I am thinking of extending the media direct partition using the unallocated space, and then install my XP over it. what say? Media direct will stay put and I can also install XP.

thanks in advance.

pcgeek11 · Answer

I am fairly certain that installing XP on the media direct partition will also render the media direct useless...   pcgeek11

shashin011 · Answer

Thanks pcgeek for all the help and info. I really appreciate it.

Well I would rather not delete the media direct partition. I will contact dell on call and see what can be an alternative, or I will create a secondary partition using some tools.

Regards.

Windows General

Problem in creating New Simple Volume of Unallocated space

Was this post helpful?