Iv recently tried partitioning my hd to create a space to install linux. However when i test the windows partition to see that its working i get an unmountable boot volume error, this is easily solved by writing the original partition table but that leaves me where i started.When partitioning i create a 115gb partition for windows at the beginning of the disk. I have tried defragmenting the drive. I could probably get around this by reformating but i dont have an external harddrive so backing up data would be a problem, any easier solutions to this would be helpful.

120gb hd NFTS 80gb free.
Attempted windows partition, 115gb NFTS beginning of disk
Iv put it in this forum because its not really a linux issue

Thanks

I presume you have a single partition on your drive.

Your options include:

1. defrag windows, the reboot with the Linux install cd. When you reach the partitioning stage, select your existing partition and choose to RESIZE it to your desired length, Remember. this can lead to loss of data.

2. Use a live CD.

HTH

You have 120GB, and you are trying to make 115GB partition for Windows--leaving 5GB for Linux? That makes no sense...

At one point, you said 120GB drive with 80GB free---If THAT is correct, then leave the Windows install alone, put Linux on a 10GB partition, and then set up a FAT32 data partition on the rest. Linux and Windows will easily access the FAT32..

Sorry, 120 gb partition with 80gb with no data on it.ie c drive with free space on it.
The problem i have is why taking 5gb of supposedly unused data at the end of the drive after defragmenting should cause a problem. And how to avoid it without reformatting