Can't Shrink Windows Partition - Hardware & Software

Hi there facepunch! I'm trying to shrink my Windows Vista partition to create a partition for Windows 7. When I use the default tools in vista, It tells me access denied when shrinking the partition. I've set my account to full Control (Mods don't ban me for this thread, I've even tried to google this and have come up with nothing) So people of facepunch Can anyone help me out with this?

The Windows partition manager is shit anyway, since it doesn't know how to move any of the files on the partition, which often leads up to you not being able to shrink it at all. I'd recommend you to try something that you can boot into, like GParted or the partition manager from Paragon. Keep in mind that re-sizing the Windows partition quite often breaks the boot loader, so you might have to run a windows repair to make it work again.

I'm not sure you'd want to shrink the Windows partition to begin with. It's a certain size for a reason- for example: Future updates, patches, ect... What I suggest you do is to just create a new partition for windows 7.

[QUOTE=halo_224;31276734]I'm not sure you'd want to shrink the Windows partition to begin with. It's a certain size for a reason- for example: Future updates, patches, ect... What I suggest you do is to just create a new partition for windows 7.[/QUOTE] And how is he going to create a new partition without shrinking an existing one? Oh wait, he can't. Also you don't even know what's the size of his current windows partition anyway. There is no "certain size", you can make it whatever you want when you install windows. By default it just makes a single partition that uses the whole hard-drive.

Windows doesn't allow you to shrink a partition if it has to move protected files in the process. RautaPalli's advice is correct, use different partition software to shrink your windows vista and you'll be fine.

Alrighty guys, UPDATE Just came from the Captain America Movie in 3D, Awesome I tried Ruata's idea, the Demo of PM 11 half assed the job and I do believe it fucked up my Wifi Driver. Thank god I had my Wifi Keys backed up. But I get the general idea, I will look into 3rd party programs. Thanks Guys!

[QUOTE=Michael haxz;31282527]Alrighty guys, UPDATE Just came from the Captain America Movie in 3D, Awesome I tried Ruata's idea, the Demo of PM 11 half assed the job and I do believe it fucked up my Wifi Driver. Thank god I had my Wifi Keys backed up. But I get the general idea, I will look into 3rd party programs. Thanks Guys![/QUOTE] Gparted is excellent, use that.

[QUOTE=BrainDeath;31304591]Gparted is excellent, use that.[/QUOTE] Gparted runs Linux if I'm correct and it would fuck up my MBR, I might hate vista but I still want access to it. I used the Free edition of Partition Manager, it worked pretty good and Windows 7 is a EXTREME improvement. Once again guys, thank you for your input.

Gparted will not fuck with your MBR. And if it does, windows repair disks usually check the MBR first and can repair it.

[QUOTE=Michael haxz;31307533]Gparted runs Linux if I'm correct and it would fuck up my MBR, I might hate vista but I still want access to it. I used the Free edition of Partition Manager, it worked pretty good and Windows 7 is a EXTREME improvement. Once again guys, thank you for your input.[/QUOTE] Gparted will not fuck your MBR.

[QUOTE=Naelstrom;31307920]Gparted will not fuck with your MBR. And if it does, windows repair disks usually check the MBR first and can repair it.[/QUOTE] I don't have my Vista disc and if problems occur, I need access to the Dell Backup Partition. The main point here is the problem has been fixed and I'm thankful for everyone's word on this. I'm going to now try a triple boot with Windows 7, Vista, and Xp. Wish me luck and if I need help, I'll come back. Also, TF2 and DOD S runs better. WIN