partitioning software

I need to resize my XP and Vista partitions and I was wondering if there was a partitioning software available for free that could do the job please?
I know XP partitioner does not resize. I looked in the Vista partitioner and it has "shrink volume" but I don't think that is right somehow so don't want to fiddle with it.

Terabyte's BootIT NG has a 30-Day fully functional trial for Disk Management. However, Resizing partitions is a pretty high risk type operation. Bing has a more "Techy" style interface so it's a little more difficult to use. Best to never try and do a direct type of space reallocation. Better to shrink the one partition leaving the unallocated, then resize the destination to include unallocated space. Always do a cursory Chkdsk on both partitions before you begin. Some inconsistencies aren't checked by Disk Management and you can end up with a real mess if it (Resizing) fails. Also I'd recommend taking an Image before starting. Symantec PQMagic and Acronis Disk Director are other DiskMgmt tools but neither are free/shareware (~$60+).
BootItNG info here: http://www.bootitng.com/
Acronis Disk Directory info: http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/diskdirector/
"Beck" wrote in message

I need to resize my XP and Vista partitions and I was wondering if there was a partitioning software available for free that could do the job please?
I know XP partitioner does not resize. I looked in the Vista partitioner and it has "shrink volume" but I don't think that is right somehow so don't want to fiddle with it.

"R. McCarty" wrote in message

Terabyte's BootIT NG has a 30-Day fully functional trial for Disk Management. However, Resizing partitions is a pretty high risk type operation. Bing has a more "Techy" style interface so it's a little more difficult to use. Best to never try and do a direct type of space reallocation. Better to shrink the one partition leaving the unallocated, then resize the destination to include unallocated space. Always do a cursory Chkdsk on both partitions before you begin. Some inconsistencies aren't checked by Disk Management and you can end up with a real mess if it (Resizing) fails. Also I'd recommend taking an Image before starting. Symantec PQMagic and Acronis Disk Director are other DiskMgmt tools but neither are free/shareware (~$60+).

So are you saying that the "shrink" command in Vista will do what I need and resize the partitions? I was unsure because of the use of the term "shrink". Don't know why but it gave me an impression that it would compress it or soemthing. I was looking for a resize command. :-)

"Beck" wrote in message

"R. McCarty" wrote in message Terabyte's BootIT NG has a 30-Day fully functional trial for Disk Management. However, Resizing partitions is a pretty high risk type operation. Bing has a more "Techy" style interface so it's a little more difficult to use. Best to never try and do a direct type of space reallocation. Better to shrink the one partition leaving the unallocated, then resize the destination to include unallocated space. Always do a cursory Chkdsk on both partitions before you begin. Some inconsistencies aren't checked by Disk Management and you can end up with a real mess if it (Resizing) fails. Also I'd recommend taking an Image before starting. Symantec PQMagic and Acronis Disk Director are other DiskMgmt tools but neither are free/shareware (~$60+).
So are you saying that the "shrink" command in Vista will do what I need and resize the partitions? I was unsure because of the use of the term "shrink". Don't know why but it gave me an impression that it would compress it or soemthing. I was looking for a resize command. :-)

Ignore that, found this article. http://www.pro-networks.org/forum/viewstory.php?t=78111

Yes, that is the function. However I've only tried it once or twice and that was with "Empty" volumes just to experiment. I'm not sure I would risk existing partitions, but if they are imaged/backed up then the risk would be less. If you go for it, be sure to post back your results.
"Beck" wrote in message

"R. McCarty" wrote in message Terabyte's BootIT NG has a 30-Day fully functional trial for Disk Management. However, Resizing partitions is a pretty high risk type operation. Bing has a more "Techy" style interface so it's a little more difficult to use. Best to never try and do a direct type of space reallocation. Better to shrink the one partition leaving the unallocated, then resize the destination to include unallocated space. Always do a cursory Chkdsk on both partitions before you begin. Some inconsistencies aren't checked by Disk Management and you can end up with a real mess if it (Resizing) fails. Also I'd recommend taking an Image before starting. Symantec PQMagic and Acronis Disk Director are other DiskMgmt tools but neither are free/shareware (~$60+).
So are you saying that the "shrink" command in Vista will do what I need and resize the partitions? I was unsure because of the use of the term "shrink". Don't know why but it gave me an impression that it would compress it or soemthing. I was looking for a resize command. :-)

"R. McCarty" wrote in message

Yes, that is the function. However I've only tried it once or twice and that was with "Empty" volumes just to experiment. I'm not sure I would risk existing partitions, but if they are imaged/backed up then the risk would be less. If you go for it, be sure to post back your results.

Well sadly it did not work. It looked like it was doing something then after abotu 10-15 mins it returned an error about parameters. Have to rethink the situation :-)

I use BootIt NG and it works like a champ. I have their original free version and it's quite good. I used it when preparing my PC to dual boot Vista. Their current version is payware but you may still be able to find the free version somewhere. I've successfully changed the size of all partions without problems. Yes, it can be risky but after many changes with no problems I'd say the risks are quite low.
HTH!
Doug
"Beck" wrote in message

I need to resize my XP and Vista partitions and I was wondering if there was a partitioning software available for free that could do the job please?
I know XP partitioner does not resize. I looked in the Vista partitioner and it has "shrink volume" but I don't think that is right somehow so don't want to fiddle with it.