[ltp] resizing hard disk on ThinkPad T40?

[Richard Griffith]

Annika Wille wrote:
> Hello,
> 
> I am new as a Linux user.
> 
> I tried to install Mandrake Linux 9.2 on my ThinkPad T40. It has a 40GB
> NTFS hard drive. First I checked the hard disk, then I ran defrag. But
> even though, that I have 14GB free space on my drive, I cannot resize it
> sufficiently enough within the Mandrake installation process. The reason
> might be that IBM put the Windows recovering system on a part of the
> disk.
> 
> So, my questions are:
> - Can I resize my hard disk more, without loosing my Windows?
> - If yes, how?

The defrag destroyed your chances. The MS defragmenter actually spreads 
stuff out on NTFS. Get the trial version of Diskeeper from 
http://www.executive.com/coverpage.asp  Set it up to run during booting 
and to consolidate free space. Boot and let it defrag away. Shutdown and 
start the Mandrake install. Take as much space as it will let you and do 
the resize. Abort the install and reboot to windows. It will repair a 
few bits of the file system. Reboot into windows again after setting up 
another defrag. Then start the Mandrake install again. Try to resize 
again, you should be able to get more space the second time around. 
Proceed with the install as you see fit. (When you reboot windows, it 
will repair again. Don't forget to pull out the Diskeeper before it 
expires.)

Mandrake's ntfsresize works well on a clean/new system, but a well used 
NTFS needs a proper defrag before it stands a chance. The doing the 
defrag/resize twice was the key to the last dual boot I set up, though.

Here is someone else's observations:
http://archives.mandrakelinux.com/newbie/2003-08/msg02120.php

Good luck,
-Richard