Linux on an already full partition

[littlevito]

I have WindowsXP Professional installed on an NTFS partition which occupies my entire drive. I was wondering if it was possible to shrink the partition (it is only half full) easily and safely so that I can dual boot Linux. Details are appreciated. Thank you very much.

[Hayl]

you need to use partition magic to resize your partition. http://www.partitionmagic.com/

[heron26]

If you try this with PartitionMagic 8.0 and it (Windows XP) gives you error messages saying this will compromise you system and cause problems with Running XP, this is windows way of nagging you out of partitioning.

Go ahead an have PM shrink the Windows Partition, and leave a blank partion there for installing Linux.

I usually have better luck with a blank partition which linux formats at intsall, than with a partition formatted by PM.

The only exception is if your hard drive is at the small end of the acceptable level of usable for windows XP.

Check back if you have trouble.

[ViMan]

Too bad fips can't handle ntfs partitions :(

[heron26]

Yeah, I wish it too. However since I probably will never have a computer with an NTFS file system and Linux coexisting, it is moot.