I am in the process of using Linux for the first time, and Fedora seemed to be the choice for me. Only one issue, when I first built the computer two years ago the entire HD was partitioned for XP Pro. I would like to set up 50 gig of free space to run Fedora, but I cannot find a way to repartition the drive without losing things that I have saved on Windows.

Thanks for the help.

Is there 50gig of free space on the existing partitions?

Brian

Yes. There is a little over 60gig free.

I have been told about Partition Magic, and I'm going to try it after defragging the drive.

Any pointers are still welcome.

You need to defragment Windows. The graphical display in the defragmentation tool will show where the files are placed after defragmentation. The file browser (Explorer?) shows the amount of free space.

Then use a partitioning tool to repartition the drive. Fedora probably has its own but I recommend Clonezilla, which incorporates GParted or one of the other specialised tools. Do a search on www.distrowatch.com. You can use the tool to shrink the Windows partition and re-partition the free space left.

I stick to a minimum of a root partition (type ext3) and a swap partition. The first three are "primary" partitions; unless you want only four partitions, the fourth partition will have to be an "extended" partition which contains the remaining partitions ("logical" partitions). I use type ext3 for all Linux partitions other than swap.

I'd suggest allowing for another installation which could be another Fedora. I've got 10 Gb for each root (/), 20Gb for /home (not reformatted after the first install) and 1 Gb for swap. I've also been using 1 Gb for /opt but I may change that. The /home partition includes a /data folder and another folder which includes downloads and backup files. I intend to add some 5 Gb partitions for standby installations if my main ones fail - also for testing certain updates / new software before installing it on the main root partitions.

Edit: The 5Gb partition can use the same /home partition as the original installation.

If you're using Partition Magic, it will move data automatically from the back of the partition, and then it will create the new one. Defragmentation is also a good choise, but you must know, that windefrag will not do a complete job. Some data might remain at the end of the partition, so be careful what application you are using for the part splitting process. If you're not sure if a tool (even partition magic) will do the data moving before splitting, read the manuals. This will avoid data loss.

I don't use Vista much but i think it has it own resize tools. Check this link.
http://www.pro-networks.org/forum/viewstory.php?t=78111

Brian

Thanks everybody. I've got it installed and running. Have a little issue with the internet connection that I'm trying to work out, but it is installed and going.

It would be nice if Vista has that tool built in, but I'm not going to even think about loading it until after about another 6 months. Still too buggy for me.