I just recieved a new laptop, and for some reason the manufacturer decided that one great C: drive and no other (user available) partitions was the way to go. I would like to have two partitions – one for OS/Program files and one for my personal data (documents, photos etc.).
I tried using the Disk Manager built into Windows7, but it doesn't work as expected. After shrinking C: to make space for the next partition available, I right-click the unallocated space and select "New simple volume…". I click "next" in all the steps of the wizard, and at the end Disk Manager still asks me if I want to create a dynamic drive. My previous experience with dynamic drives tells me this is a really bad idea, so I say no, and the entire process is cancelled.
Is there a way to split the system partition in Windows7 without converting the disc to a dynamic drive?
(PS. I have seen this question, but it doesn't help as that user doesn't seem to have the same problem with dynamic drives as I do.)
Best Answer
What about doing the partitioning using LiveCD?
You can use Ubuntu for example (or any rescue disc LiveCD which comes with GParted). I prefer Ubuntu because you can use Firefox, pidgin, anything while you mess with the partitions. Like browse the web, check a howto, anything.
Or just copy files easily with the file manager. Boot it up, open a Terminal, and type:
With the graphical partition manager, create the wanted ones, shrink your current one, do whatever you just want. Apply the changes.
Boot into Windows and if you just can't see it, assign a drive letter. At the managing step, where you wanted to do the partitioning. Right click on the new one.
Let me warn you, always do a backup before you mess with partitions. Another thing: it'll take a lot of time to resize the partition if you got some data there. If you want, of course you can use any Windows based live discs around there.. which I don't really see quite often.