So now, a new question:

[genegodawa]

This laptop was partioned with a small C and a very large D.

Without having any software disks to do so, how do I go about combining them into one large C partition?

Computer Management won't let me format the C/main partition and I HATE having to use D...and there's not much room on C.

[Shack]

EaseUs Partition Master has been kind to me over the last couple years. The free version has done everything I need. I have not need to but it will even partition while the drive is in use. I assume it completes some commands at the next boot.

If you try it and after it is installed, when opening the program right click the icon and run as admin.

[upnorth]

Yeah windows does not natively allow growing the boot partition (C:\ most the time). Before you mess with this make sure you back up any data or get the install files for any apps on drive D:\.

[RuKiddingMe]

Download Unbuntu and make a bootable disk, once you get in to unbuntu just delete (make sure you back up all data - go without saying)the D: and then extend the extra space to the c drive. Then install unbuntu to the drive and unable the dual boot and you'll options for what OS you want to run.

Also check the laptop manufacturer's HSOforum as you may be able to download an image you can use. If it's Dell any Dell Restore XP, Vista or Win 7 disk will get you going also.

[spearchucker]

Yeah windows does not natively allow growing the boot partition (C:\ most the time). Before you mess with this make sure you back up any data or get the install files for any apps on drive D:\.

If running Windows 7, I think you can do this with just Windows.

Are you running Windows 7 or something else?

[upnorth]

From his earlier post it is XP.

[spearchucker]

From his earlier post it is XP.

Where do you see that or am I blind?

I guess it must have been a post in another thread.

[upnorth]

It was in a different thread. Should have mentioned that.

[Shack]

Download Unbuntu and make a bootable disk, once you get in to unbuntu just delete (make sure you back up all data - go without saying)the D: and then extend the extra space to the c drive. Then install unbuntu to the drive and unable the dual boot and you'll options for what OS you want to run.

Also check the laptop manufacturer's website as you may be able to download an image you can use. If it's Dell any Dell Restore XP, Vista or Win 7 disk will get you going also.

LOL that would be one way of going about it, but the long and winding way. I have become an Ubuntuist. I will be starting a thread soon on Ubuntu as I will most likely never buy a version of Windows again.

[RuKiddingMe]

Long way about it yes, but a good reason to familiarize yourself with and coming open source technology and it's many purposes. Both Linux and Windows have their place, going forward any Workstation laptop I own will run both.

[PierBridge]

Just stick with the current partition. It's not that difficult and much safer having C and D separated.

My goodness Geno...

[Shack]

I was going to say (did not know being an older machine) but D: is most commonly designated to the DVD or floppy drive. You never know though.

[upnorth]

From a virus/malware/spyware aspect have a data partition is helpful as you can format and reinstall on drive C and not lose data. It also could be that they did that for security where they could encrypt the whole drive and still leave the OS drive unencrypted which will run a bit faster. But kind of a moot point.

It may be easier cuz most apps like to be installed on drive C and I have seen a few where they just won't go anywhere else.

[spearchucker]

I bought an Acer laptop that had the drive partitioned into a small C: and larger D:. I just merged the 2 using Windows 7. There are advantages to having 2 partitions, but it makes things confusing for some.

[upnorth]

Agreed, sometime simplicity is the easiest.

[genegodawa]

It is true I have seen some programs that would not install on D which is my major issue with it besides confusing the normal D of a CD/DVD with another part of the hard disk.

Given the amount of time I already spent, I gave up and left it with both a C and D. My daughter will have to get used to using D to save her files to (won't matter much since C will eventually fill up with temp files...and then I'll have to teach her how to hunt for those to delete...a hassle, but you know what they say:

"that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger"

Thanks for all the help you guys chimed in with.