Shrinking an existing partition is the first step to creating a new partition in Windows.The tool that allows you to perform this task is not included in Windows XP.You can shrink partition in Windows with third-party tools.
Step 1: It's important to back up your data.
You'll use a third-party tool if you need a "Shrink Partition" function.There is an increased chance that your data could be lost or corrupted.If something goes wrong, backup your data to another location.Instructions on how to quickly back up your files can be found here.
Step 2: MiniTool Partition Wizard can be downloaded and installed.
Most partition tasks can be performed with the free version.There are partition managers that do the same thing.You can use MiniTool Partition Wizard in Windows.MiniTool Partition Wizard can be downloaded for free from partitionwizard.com.
Step 3: You can launch the minitool partition wizard.
You can see a list of your installed hard disks.The layout of your partition is shown at the top of the list.How you shrink the partition is determined by the layout.
Step 4: Select the partition you want to shrink.
Even if your Windows boot partition has been formatted, you can shrink it.You can't shrink unallocated space or unformatted space until it is formatted with a file system.
Step 5: The "Move/Resize Partition" is in the left menu.
This will open a new window and show the partition's storage.Data on the partition will be represented by a slightly darker color.
Step 6: To shrink, drag the sliders on each side.
Shrinking the partition from either side is possible.Depending on how much you shrink,allocated space will be created on each side of the partition.The partition can't be shrunk more than the amount of free space.If you want to add space to an existing partition, you need to choose the right side.If you have a Windows installation and a D drive with your data, that's a C drive.Shrinking the D: drive on the left side will add space to the partition.Unallocated space will be created between the drives.You can put it in the C: drive.
Step 7: Wait for any additional changes.
You can queue up multiple changes to be applied at the same time.This function can be used to perform many tasks at the same time.Unallocated space was left between the C: and D: drives in the first shrink procedure.To add more space on the right side of the C: partition, click "Move/Resize" and then use the sliders.Two tasks are waiting for you.
Step 8: When you are done making changes, click "Apply" at the top of the partition wizard window.
Partition Wizard will tell you to close your programs and back up your data.Partition Wizard will be able to perform the action if the partition is not being used.The shrink process should take less than a few seconds, but older computers may take longer.You will be given a couple of different options if the partition you are adjusting is in use.To restart your computer, select "Restart Now".Partition Wizard will finish the task when it boots into a special interface.Windows will continue to boot.
Step 9: You have unallocated space.
You can convert your new unallocated space into a partition or add it to an existing partition now that you've shrunk the partition.Instructions on creating a new partition can be found here.Instructions on extending a partition can be found here.
Step 10: I can't create a new partition from the space I shrunk.
If you have more than one primary partition, you will encounter this error.In the "Type" column, each partition will say "Primary" or "Logical".You won't be able to create new ones until one of the primaries is logical.You can choose a partition that doesn't need to be primary.This can be a data partition or a program partition.Any partition that you boot from, such as your operating system or recovery partition, must be set as a primary one.The "Set partition as logical" button is located in the left menu.If you can create a partition from the unallocated space, that would be great.You can now create a partition.
Step 11: Partition Wizard won't shrink the partition.
The hard disk could be to blame.If you run the "chkdsk" command you will be able to shrink the partition.Select "Command Prompt" if you want to start.Press Enter if you want to type chkdsk c: /r.You need to replace c: with the drive letter.Wait for chkdsk to be finished.chkdsk can perform fixes if you reboot.
Step 12: Shrinking the boot partition won't boot Windows XP.
Your master boot record needs to be repaired.Instructions for repairing Windows XP can be found here.