Splitting an existing partition....

[timmcat]

I'd like to split an existing partition on my PC's hard drive. Reason - to install a dual o/s boot system, the current XP, and Vista beta. Currently the drive is formatted into three partitions, one of which is only lightly used and has loads of room.

Anyone know how, short of buying Acronis or a similar utility?

[Conan the Librarian]

Tim, storage is so cheap nowadays. Can't you install another hard drive somewhere and do it form that without the attendant nightmares?

I should talk - up to drive X at present - oh - and short of room...

Conan

[Mac the Knife]

Gotta agree with Conan - put Vista beta on another HDD if you can. You'll still be able to dual-boot.

Having said that, here is a page that lists some free non-destructive repartitioning software - http://www.thefreecountry.com/utilities/partitioneditors.shtml

You might consider Ranish Partition Manager at - http://www.ranish.com/part/

As an aside, I always keep my data on a separate drive from the main OS - a separate partition is a second best but it might be a good use for your "lightly used" partition.

[raejones]

Or better still...steer will clear of Vista for a while yet. The launch has been delayed again as its still nowhere near finished. Wouldn't put the current Beta anywhere near my main PC.

[Rivenx]

You can use Partition Magic 8. I used it to partition my drive and dual booted XP and Vista Beta with great success. But be forewarned that Vista is a real resource hog. If your pc/laptop is not up to spec, don't install. It ain't worth it.. I've read that Acronis works just as well if not better than Partition Magic.

Good luck!:ok: