Increasing capacity of hard drive partition

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of resizing a hard drive partition on a Windows XP system. Participants explore various methods and tools for managing partitions, including the limitations of Windows' built-in tools and the potential use of third-party software.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration over the small size of their hard drive partition and seeks advice on redistributing space.
  • Another participant suggests that the only solution may involve formatting, repartitioning, and reinstalling Windows.
  • Several participants note that Windows XP's disk management tools do not allow resizing of partitions and recommend third-party tools like Partition Magic.
  • There are differing opinions on the minimum partition size for Windows XP, with suggestions ranging from 3GB to 10GB, depending on system needs and swap file considerations.
  • Some participants discuss the benefits of placing the swap file on a separate partition versus keeping it on the same partition, with conflicting views on performance implications.
  • One participant mentions using a specific program called BootIt NG for partition management, highlighting its reliability and ease of use.
  • Another participant argues that placing the swap file on a different partition on the same hard drive may not improve speed due to the physical movement of the disk head.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that Windows XP has limitations in partition management and that third-party tools are necessary for resizing. However, there is no consensus on the optimal partition size or the best configuration for the swap file, leading to multiple competing views.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the exact requirements for partition sizes and the effectiveness of different configurations for swap files. The discussion includes various assumptions about system performance and the impact of fragmentation.

Monique
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I partitioned my hard drive into two sectors (I installed windows on one).. it turns out to be too small (sp2 makes a backup of the whole system :rolleyes:).. I'm at a loss how to redistribute the size though :rolleyes:

Anyone a clue? I'm running Windows XP (I guess I need to go into BIOS at reboot? *edit* just tried bios, didn't find anything).
 
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you made a partition too small, you need to format, repartition, and reinstall windows..
 
:cry: really?

I looked in XP disk management tools and only found a delete partition button and no make or alter disk partion buttons, so I guess you're right :P

So how big a partition would be the bottom size for XP home edition do you think?

*edit* windows is silly, why can't I just move things around a little.. everything is still empty but the one system partition
 
Greg Bernhardt said:
Windows unfortunately doesn't let you manage your partitions. You'll have to look for 3rd party products. I would recommend: http://www.powerquest.com/partitionmagic/
Greg: control panel->administrative tools->computer management->storage->disk manager

You can create, delete, format, etc., you just can't resize or work on the active partition (which Partition Magic can do).
 
Monique said:
:cry: really?

I looked in XP disk management tools and only found a delete partition button and no make or alter disk partion buttons, so I guess you're right :P

So how big a partition would be the bottom size for XP home edition do you think?

*edit* windows is silly, why can't I just move things around a little.. everything is still empty but the one system partition

I recommend 10GB for winXP minimum, because of swap and everything.
 
You might want to look around. There are (non-MS) tools for resizing partitions. http://mlf.linux.rulez.org/mlf/ezaz/ntfsresize.html might not be what you want, but it's a start.
 
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NateTG said:
You might want to look around. There are (non-MS) tools for resizing partitions. http://mlf.linux.rulez.org/mlf/ezaz/ntfsresize.html might not be what you want, but it's a start.
hehe, I might use that myself, thanks. :biggrin:
 
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I agree.

Greg Bernhardt said:
Windows unfortunately doesn't let you manage your partitions. You'll have to look for 3rd party products. I would recommend: http://www.powerquest.com/partitionmagic/


I second this. I've used Partition Magic several times, and it has always worked beautifully for me. Also, it isn't extremely complicated. One caution though; it's been over a year since I last had a need for it.

KM
 
  • #10
alexkerhead said:
I recommend 10GB for winXP minimum, because of swap and everything.

Do you not put your VM on another partition? Makes the system run faster by allowing contiginous writing of data in swap area, also it allows for less fragmentation of VM (Swap)...
 
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  • #11
Anttech said:
Do you not put your VM on another partition? Makes the system run faster by allowing contiginous writing of data in swap area, also it allows for less fragmentation of VM (Swap)...
I recommended a 10GB partition for XP minimum, for large swap and room for OS, because she asked what is the bottom size a XP partition should be..
 
  • #12
Actually I've put swap on a separate partition and inactivated the system restore function of XP. I now am using 2.35 Gb, so could have done with the original partition of 3 Gb that I had for the OS.. oh well :)
 
  • #13
Monique said:
Actually I've put swap on a separate partition and inactivated the system restore function of XP. I now am using 2.35 Gb, so could have done with the original partition of 3 Gb that I had for the OS.. oh well :)
3GB!
A regular XP install uses 2.6GB...wohaaa!
 
  • #14
That's what my friend in ICT recommended :-p don't give windows any room, it will perform better.
 
  • #15
Monique said:
That's what my friend in ICT recommended :-p don't give windows any room, it will perform better.
I can garentee that a 10GB partition will run better, because in time, "extra file" will build up and fill the HDD, and 3GB will not be enough, even if you clear stuff out.
 
  • #16
It has been some time since last I used it, but the program is called bootitng.

Homepage;
http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/bootitng.html

Unlike other bloated software, this one fits onto a single floppy disk and never failed me or caused loss of data. As I recall, when not wanting to actually install the program so as to have a boot loader, simply boot from the floppy and resize your partitions.

Good luck
 
  • #17
Anttech said:
Do you not put your VM on another partition? Makes the system run faster by allowing contiginous writing of data in swap area, also it allows for less fragmentation of VM (Swap)...

No. You will not gain speed via putting the swap file on another partition on the same HDD. Think about the pickup head must fly between partitions .. back an fourth. Put the swap on another drive is the only way to gain speed ... the head remains over the needed area to read/write. Better to leave the swap on the same partition on a single drive (less motion).

Best
 
  • #18
Your system will be faster regardless, due to the swap area (and system area) being less fragmented thus as I said before you get contiginous writing to the swap area!

If you leave it on same partition you will get more fragementation and the disk head will move further!

What you say is correct however, if you place the swap on a totally idenpendent drive you will gain even more performance!
 

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