Hello, Everyone I'm new so please try to like understand. So Yesterday I went & got VectorLinux cd to boot it from that to try out linux. Well I really like it and now I want to install it onto my computer. So I downloaded a full version, then all of a sudden I find out I need to make a new partition. Okay, no prob [It shouldnt b anyway]. So I went and went to disk manager (im on Windows xp with 38 gig HD by the way). And I was going to create a new partition but I have no space allocated for a new partition, and I have no idea how to do that. I have looked all over but to no avail. Please help! So basically I need help taking space from my C drive and allocating it so I can make a L drive. (L for linux). Thank you please help...

This is somewhat of a racket. Windows XP uses NTFS. NTFS isn't well supported on linux: You can Read, and write (kinda... but not really). Linux/current partitioners (fdisk) lack the ability to resize NTFS. They'd just wipe your harddrive.

That said, you'd think Windows would allow you to resize your harddrive. Nope, you need to find and buy PowerQuest Partition Magic, which is (afaik) the only software to resize your NTFS partition.

Sorry

hi chrishikel, welcome to lq. you could use something like partition magic, or ranish, i think that one is a free download. be certain to defrag the machine thoroughly, that should move all data to the front of the partition, another thing to consider is how much space you need for the data that exists, e.g. you don't want to resize the partion to 10 gb, if your using 15 gb at present. no warranty on the resizing, i've done it w/out problems before, and i've done it and wrecked an install. hope this helps.
good luck.

Okay, Thanks a ton. I was wondering about that. So, once I do this will it still be NTFS? Or will it be NTFS but linux can read and write to it? Thanks 4 ur time.

It won't be NTFS once linux gets done with it. It will be ReiserFS or ext2 or ext3 or something...

Ok. And very last question: Will my windows still be able to use it?