Un-partition a Hard drive

General Topics
1

I have a hard drive that’s split into 4 partitions.
What’s the easiest way to un-partition it without loosing the information stored on the main-active partition ?
Thanks

2

There are a number of partitioning tools that can resize and remove partition without destroying data. Though I don’t know if there are many free ones, http://www.google.com/search?q=drive+partition+tools.
I guess you could tack freeware to the above search, http://www.google.com/search?q=freeware+drive+partition+tools.

I’m still using PartitionMagic version 8 last version before Symantec bought out PowerQuest the owner of PartitionMagic and DriveImage.

I think the usual backup with a disk imaging tool would be advisable just in case.

3

Thanks David

4

Your welcome, if your looking at free, Ranish is one I have heard of before that seems to get reasonable reviews. Though looking at the web site doesn’t fill me with confidence, they could do with some help with a redesign extremely basic.

5

I have Partition Magic but, will probably utilize those extra partitions to set up other
operating systems and then just use Boot Magic or one of the others to choose which
system to boot into. :slight_smile:

6

I really like PartitionMagic, I have had it in various versions for many years, even though it isn’t something that you use on a regular basis every week/month, etc. I feel it was money well spent.

If you have a second or more HDD I would have though it better to have the additional OS on a completely separate HDD. That way it is completely isolated from your other drive if you have a drive failure you may still be able to use the other OS and if you upgrade your system you just transfer the 2nd HDD to the new system.

7

What you say David makes sense but in my case, it’s a spare computer with one large HDD that’s been partitioned.
It’s not the heart of my computer system just a spare part.
Right now it will just be used to experiment on. :slight_smile:

8

Paragon 7 Tools Partition Manager is better. It’s not free but i’m sure trial will be enough to sort it out.
You can also try “System Rescue CD”, a bootable Linux utility with HDD backup/restore and repartitioning tools.

9

GParted from Linux on a live CD will do it (http://www.linux.com/articles/53924).
Also, Partition Logic is free (http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/Partition_Logic/1138879100/1).