Merging Partitions (Both have Data)

This is a basic newbie question. If I would like to merge two partitions, both of which have data on them, will the result be a "combined" single partition with no data loss? The two partitions are the system partition and the other is where I store the majority of my applications. I understand that the registry on the system partition was already set when I loaded the programs on the other partition - but will combining the partitions screw everything up?

Please advise. I am using Win XP Pro. Thanks!

 

It certainly will screw things up as described. Your program installs will have registry entries pointing to whatever the drive letter is that has the original program installs. Then, after merging, the registry and all of your program start menu entries (shortcuts) will be pointing to a partition that no longer exists.

There are ways to do it and make it work but NONE of them that I'm aware of are pretty. You might want to think about whether it really would be so bad to reinstall your operating system and then all of your programs, i.e., rebuild your system from scratch, before you start looking into doing it some other way.

 

Thanks for the quick response! I intuitively thought it might cause problems. Guess I'll have to set aside time to rebuild the system.

 

If it is really necessary to merge the two partitions without data loss and just make one partition, Powerquest partition magic 8 will do it with no problems. I realize that this is an acronis thread but if you really need to merge the two partitions this is just another option since acronis can't do it with out loss of data.

 

Doh ! No, I agree totally. I have PM 8.01 and don't know why I didn't think of mentioning it. Yeah, if you don't have PM and the purchase price is worth it to you, go for it !

 

Dear Bigc,
I am getting ready to try DDS 10, but before trying it I have been reading the manual and posts on this site. I own TI8 and TI9 and with the problems some owners of TI9 are having (as well as myself) I decided to see if there are problems with DDS 10.

On the TI site the moderators are sometimes getting a bad rap. I read your above post suggesting partition Magic. That is really a sign of a true professional to help someone when their product wont do the job. Congratulations.

Becky

 

Unless I'm mistaken, "bigc" has no direct affiliation with Acronis, hence the title Global moderator. IF I'm mistaken, my apologies and I'm sure "bigc", regardless, is nothing BUT professional, otherwise it doesn't seem being a moderator here would be likely.