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Combining Partitions on NT 4

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8 replies

by spank 1 view

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I have an NT 4 server that was not setup properly and has three partitions instead of two (c, d and g). I would like to combine d & g. Can you tell me if use Disk Admin to combine these 2 partitions will it reformat both partitions or just the onethat I'm getting rid of (g)? I know of Partition Magic and that's not a possibilty right now. I also want to be sure that I don't end up having to perform a complete reload of NT. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

8 replies

by vinnyd

The easy way is to backup the D and G to some where else. (To backup Tape or another computer on the network.)

Then use the Disk Manager to delete the partitions on D and G.

Then create a new partition for the D drive using all the space from the old D and G drives.

Restore or Move the files back.

You will have to setup each share that you had on the old D and G drives.

by spank

Thanks for your help. I thought that this was the way to go, but wasn't quite sure.

by timwalsh

You don't NEED to wipe both partitions and start from scratch, although the method suggested in Answer 1 is definitely the safest way to go.

You can also use Disk manager to extend the D partition. One caveat: the partition being extended must be formatted NTFS.

Obviously, make a good backup of your data before starting this procedure (I'm batting 50% doing this. Sometimes it works with no problems. Other times it corrupts all the data on the partition being extended).

Once all the data is moved from the G partition to the D partition, use Disk Manager to delete the G partition. Then you can extend the D partition using the free space formally occupied by G.

While anything is possible with NT, this procedure shouldn't affect any other partitions (i.e. C) than the ones you are working with.

by spank

Thank you for your help. I wish that I could award my points to both you and #1, but first come first serve. Thanks again.

by spidererrol

Sorry, meant to acknowlage that you said it wasn't a possibility, but add that how does $70 compare to your time spent with other methods?

by spank

As stated in my question I am aware of Partition Magic, but it is not an option right now due to our budget. I knew that there had to be a way in NT without spending any extra cash. Thank you though.

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