partition tool server 2003

partition tool server 2003

How to repartition drive without losing data?

C drive - XP Pro @ 70 GB
D drive - windows server 2003 @ 30 G

Unfortunately, there is no way to just switch both the partition size and to set your main OS to boot off the main partition [c:] at the same time without having to delete both...

It's probably a lot easier to just go out and buy a new, physical Hard Disc Drive and install that into your computer, either "piggy backing" it (putting it on the same cable, in the same port on the Motherboard) and, for non-SATA HDD's, setting the jumper switches so that the new one is the Master and the old one is the Slave, or installing it into the primary slot (putting the other one into the secondary) on your Motherboard.

You may need to set the new HDD up in your computer's BIOS, too, and tell it to boot off that, after installing XP Home onto it.

This is the best solution to your problem, as it requires no backing up and you can keep all your system settings and, after you have made the new multi-boot settings correct, have no problems whatsoever...

No repartition or extra software, loss of data or lengthy backup needed.

But without getting a new HDD:

I think you will have some problems with your new configuration running XP pro and Server 03...

The disc size is pretty small if you want it to run at it's best...

Especially running it from a multi-boot menu - a lot of the system files will take up a lot of extra space as they can't really share them, without a lot of mucking around that is not really worth the effort unless you are getting paid a lot of money to do so.

Why do you want to use XP Home?
For networking, which is what you seem to be interested in, it's not a good package.
Granted, for troubleshooting purposes, you can learn about it, but the general architecture and interface is not that much different.

If you want to learn how to fix windows, Vista is the place to start because that OS is a load of bugs in a expensive box.
You'll never be out of work...

If you are mainly using Home and are using the other partitions only rarely, then the configuration you have suggested is feasable.

Unfortunately, it is practically impossible to repartition a hard-drive in the way that you have suggested without having to wipe it and re-install everything on the new partitions.

Which would be a good exercise, if a touch boring.

You will need to back up all the information and saves that you have - you will not be able to get it again once you start.
For this you can use CD/DVD's, another HDD (physical, not another partition) or an External Memory solution such as a USB drive. Or another computer on the Server Network...

Which are always handy to have...

You will need the Windows discs and to set your BIOS [Basic Input/Output System] to boot from the CD/DVD drive before the HDD (you enter this by pressing Del in most cases when the POST [Power On Systems Test] comes up - the bit that tells you about the memory, etc...)

Doing this, you can tell the first Windows you install to partition 80GB of the HDD space and then, on the subsequent installations, 10GB respectivally.

There will be a little bit of space lost from 100GB with three installations, but it will be minimal - just prioritise and go with what you need, largest to smallest in order.

The only tools you will need are your mind and the discs (and maybe some CD/DVD's or another Disc Drive or networked computer of somekind for the backup if you do it.)

You can always look at the Microsoft KnowledgeBase if you get stuck on a particular issue in this process, but it's quite straightforward if you've done it before.

You can always add addtional details if you have another computer, or ask another question.

I wouldn't attempt this until you are absolutely sure that you will be able to do it if you have no back-up machine or another way to access help if you get stuck.
Getting an Microsoft Certified Service Engineer or Microsoft Certified Personell tuition/reference book is vital in these instances when you are learning and feel some doubt about what you are doing.

I still have to refer to mine in some cases.
The Windows Bible.

It's easier to break computers than it is to fix them a lot of the time...

When you're confident and are certain that you want to downgrade to Home, back-up and give it a go.

The best way to learn is to try it out - but in a safe enviroment where, if anything goes wrong, you can always put it back together again how it was.

Good Luck!

Email if you need any assistance on any of these procedures - I'll be happy to help.

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How To Create a Partition Quick & Simple