Adding space to C:\

Question

Hi Experts,

I have done a complete reinstall of the OS (Windows Vista) on my Dell Inspiron 1525, with partitions as 20GB for C, 100GB for D and 104 GB for E and rest is unallocated.

Now, i am having issues while installing new softwares as my c:\ is nearly full, and m not able to extend this drive by adding space ( the unallocated space) to this drive as the option extend partition is disabled for C:\ when i try to extend this drive.

Is there any solution for this or do i need to reintall OS with proper partitions.

Please help,

Thanks & Regards,

Bhavesh

ieee488 · Answer

Try the demo of PartitionMagic to see if it can do what you want. If it can, buy it.

Bob_Short · Answer

20GB should be enough space for the OS. What else is installed there? You could try changing the registry so your Program Files Directory is on D. Also consider moving the page file to D or E. Another trick is to move the print spool file to one of the other drives, if you're printing large graphics this can be a space saver. Another trick is to edit the registry so that "Documents and Settings" point to one of the other partitions. Because you store stuff in "My Documents" it's really storing on the C partition.

OF COURSE I Have to add BACK UP THE REGISTRY before attempting.

and

Disclaimer: Modifying the registry can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. We cannot guarantee that problems resulting from modifications to the registry can be solved. Use the information provided at your own risk.

:emotion-2:

Bmarolia · Answer

Hi There, Thanks for the update, can you please let me know how can i move my program files from c:\ to d:\ and also the registry. Thanks again for the help, Regards, Bhavesh

Bob_Short · Answer

The FIRST thing to do is move the page file. This is the quickest and easiest

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307886

I dont' recommend moving the files, this "should" be done BEFORE you install your programs. So if you have programs installed, I would recommend uninstalling them then change the registry then reinstall.

See the following articles

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/03/23/how-to-change-default-windows-installation-path-to-your-desired-path/

http://www.registrycleanersreviews.info/change-default-cprogram-files-directory-to-dprogram-files

Also note that Microsoft "does not recommend" changing the location but if you read this article, they also tell you how to do it.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/933700

The alternative is to uninstall the "largest" programs and reinstall specifying D:\Program Files instead of C:\Program Files on each install.

Also to relocate the Documents and Settings folders see

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=236621