mandrake 9.1 can't resize partition

[cjt]

I tried installing mandrake 9.1 on my laptop with winxp. When I got to the partitioning portion it would only let me resize my windows ntfs partition down by a maximum of 6 megabytes smaller. What's up with that? I know mandrake 9.1 can resize ntfs partitions but why won't it let me shrink the winxp partition smaller? I was hoping to free up 10 GB's to install LInux onto. It's a 40 GB drive total and I've only used about 11 GB's of the Windwos partition.

Thanks for your help.

[dkeav]

you do know that mdk's ntfs resize tool is by no means considered non destructive, your best bet is to reinstall windows and during the install set up your partitions, then install linux, with some minimal backup and a few hours you can have both OS's up and running no problem

[DSwain]

yes, that's not a good way to do it. with any dual boot machine, always setup your scheme before going for the install, this generally makes everything less complex, and smoother. Just my thoughts on it

[Fryguy8]

partition magic is a worthwhile investment IMO.

[Ryochan7]

I think it might have to do with where WinXP places files. On the three times I have installed WinXP on my computer, it seems that some required system files (which cannot be moved) are placed near the end of the partition. So, if you are using your full hard drive for WinXP, then maybe there are only 6 MB of data beyond the system files; I'm just guessing. Maybe reinstalling WinXP and setting up the partitions that your will need for Linux ahead of time will be the only thing you can do.

[Sepero]

To kdeav:
The 'ntfsresize' tool is now considered stable.


To cjt:
I've had the pleasure of working with the 'ntfsresize' tool recently myself. Here's the trick:
the program cannot make your partition any smaller because there is a file exactly 6 gigs before the end of the partition

The 'ntfsresize' tool cannot safely move any files on the partition. Where ever the last file is, that is the smallest the partition can become.

That is why they always say to defrag your harddrive before using 'ntfsresize'. Hopefully it will move your files closer to the beginning of the partition.

[MMYoung]

Originally posted by Fryguy8
partition magic is a worthwhile investment IMO.

I agree wholeheartedly!! The only problem is that PM won't resize Mandrake 9.1 partitions, at least I haven't been able to do so with my copy of Partition Magic 8 (even with the newest 8.01 patch applied). Something about the "journalized" file system. Hopefully PowerQuest will come out with a fix pretty soon.

Later,
MMYoung

[MMYoung]

I installed Mandrake 9.2 RC 2. Come to find out they've gone back to using the ext3 file system as the default, at least on this release candidate. Now PartitionMagic can resize the drives.

I just wonder if I can "upgrade" 9.2 RC 2 back to 9.1 without having it change the partitions back to "journalized" ext3? There is an option to "use existing partitions" during the install. I'm going to give it a try and will post back, if anyone is interested.

Later,
MMYoung

[cjt]

Do you like the RC2? What new features/additions are there?

[MMYoung]

Main difference between 9.1 and 9.2 (so far) is that 9.2 will support the Promise Fastrak IDE RAID/SATA on my ASUS A7V8X mobo. Soon as it comes out I'm on the hunt for a SATA hard drive.

Also has the "latest/greatest" release of the standard software that comes with MDK, ie OpenOffice 1.1 RC3, Evolution 1.4 (which is MUCH faster than the earlier releases).

The only problem I'm having with it is there seems to be a problem with the audigy/emu10K1 module. When it's booting up there are some error messages (I can't remember what they are right now) concerning loading the sound module so the sound doesn't work just right at present. I can open up KMix and set the volumes to 100% and I have sound, but I can't save them so I have to set it back everytime I reboot. MDK 9.1 has NO problems with this at all, so I'm really puzzled by this little quirk. I'm sure they'll have it running like a Singer sewing machine by the time it's an official release though.

Just MO (my opinion),
MMYoung