Im trying to create a partition so i can dual boot linux on my comp, but it wont let me. Im pretty frustrated because we first got linux working on my friends computer, and it worked fine, no problems whatsoever.

So anyway, i have around a 112gb HD and i have about 60% of that filled up (its NTFS if that means anything) and im just trying to resize it down 10gb so i can get linux on. So i resize it, and it restarts, it goes through step one fine, then gives me a error that says something about chkdsk. and it doesnt resize it

Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you

hi...

1. What exactly is the error message that you are seeing....? and what tool are you using to resize your NTFS partition ? I presume it is Partition Magic....if its not, then use partition magic to resize your NTFS partition.....also, Provide some more details about the chkdisk error...

2. You may try to resize your partition using a knoppix Live CD...it includes a tool called 'qParted' which will let u resize your partitions from linux. However, you must defrag your NTFS partition to avoid any data loss

--amit

ntfs is window 2000/xp file system you probably can't resize because there is data there start by duing a defrag in safemode for windoz? Also it would be helpful to know what distro you are installing e.g. redhad, mandrake, slackware

Ok, i tried it again, and i got the same results of course. The exact error message is this

" Incorrect file system! Use CHKDSK "

Also i am not using partition magic. I am using paragons' partition manager, which worked on my friends computer.

I had read somewhere that i needed to defrag and i have...twice. but NOT in safe mode. Will that make a diference??

Someone asked but i dont see why it matters, but im going to install SuSe linux. is there a prob with that? im new.
Again, any help wll be greatly appreciated

Also, would i have to buy partition magic? or does the free trial cover the whole resizing?

I not sure why defrag in safe mode I think it is because normally windoz writes some of its data at the end of the drive. The reason distro matters is because different distros come with partition managers in their install package.

I agree

im gonna need to stick with SuSe, so no knoppix for me

I don't think you understand I only suggested that you use Knoppix to partition your hard drive, it requires no install. You run Knoppix from the cd not the hard drive.

Does that run me any risk to losing info i already have? where do i get this cd? and cant i just use partition magic (previous question about it still stands)?

No risk at all it is a great tool. Find it here:
http://iso.linuxquestions.org/distro.php?distro=5

NOTE: Knoppix is not a risk but partitioning your hard drive with any tool still is. So take note of where your windows partitions are so you don't damage any data. Most likely the partition tool that comes with Knoppix won't let you destory any windows data but do you want to take that chance? And no matter what you partition tool you use a back up of data you can't replace is a good idea.

I don't mean to worry you but I have lost enough data to know what happens when a partition change goes bad.