Partitioning Problem!!

I'm just bought an Acer Aspire 6930G and here's how my partitions look now:


Now I want to divide the partition C:\ into 3 partitions as following :

1.Windows Vista (The Current One and must stay as it is now)
2.Windows XP (Want to install it and use it as my 2nd OS)
3.Accessories (Just Some Files)


I've already tried shrinking them but failed as there's already 4 partitions exist in my HD!! So my questions is how can I create the partitions as the way I want it??


NOTE : I Haven't made backup dvd's yet so the current windows musn't be harmed and New partition should allow me to install new windows (XP) and use it as my 2nd OS

 

The only way is to install your OS (Vista) from the scratch, if possible, do not use the recovery system that ACER Provides. From the install, you will be able to delete all partitions to get only one. Next, you will be able to get to partition as you like. But careful, the 3.54GB partition is the ACER hidden partition where you can get all drivers, OS, system recovery. You should backup this on a DVD before deleting all partitions.

 

So how can I backup that hidden 3gb partition that contains the drivers?? If not use the one that acer provides then which software do I use to backup that 3gb hidden partition?? And if I install windows vista again from another source like cd/dvd will it ask me for partitioning like XP does??

 

Use acer eRecovery to make a backup of the hidden partition before attemption to install any OS. Acer uses some custom MBR which lets eRecovery & D2D (boot time) recovery opperate, once your own OS you'll lose access to the partition for good.

Both Vista & XP will let you partition the drive at install. I'd say install XP first, set up your partitions, then do Vista. Since Vista is a newer OS, IDK how XP's boot manager would handle it, if at all.

Before formating and installing anything, make sure you've downloaded all the drivers & saved them to a flash drive or cd, im not sure if the recovery disk will let you just install the drivers (someone have some input here).

 

We've said this many times before so please read this and take it to heart

**DO A FULL 1 to 1 SYSTEM BACKUP BEFORE YOU SCREW WITH YOUR PARTITIONS**

Thanks

 

I say what has been said before:
1. Burn your recovery DVDs. Use Acer eRecovery to do it. While you're using it, you can also burn a disc containing all your necessary drivers & utilities.
2. Do a full system backup.

As for the partitions, the 3.4GB partition at the end of your hard drive is NOT the recovery information - it's your Acer Arcade Instant-On installation.
The 10GB partition at the front of your drive is the recovery image.

 

BACK UP no1
then u can use "paragon partition manager" free edition
to create a new partition and take some free space from the C:/ and insure u take space from the c:/ not the recovery drive the interface of the program is pretty easy

 

Well I like what beige said cuz before I install a new OS I need to take out some space from C:/ so that I can install XP on it but the question is, will my XP run properly if I install it in the space I made out of drive C:/??
(Sorry for asking but I heard that it will not work out of some partitioning problem, primary disk or something like that)

Will do that!!

Here lies another problem....

Now whenever I try to run any of the Empowering Technology Program It says like : Acer ePower Management-Main form has stopped working.....same thing goes for the eRecovery, eSettings etc...I tried downloading and re-installing them but still the same!! Why??? Is it possible to try any other eRecovery program?? any recommendations??

It'd be good for me if u explain it a little I mean which one should I backup?? 3.4 or that 10?? Is the eRecovery Program gonna choose it for me or I have to do it manually??

 

The eRecovery program will automatically access the 10GB partition with your recovery image and burn it to a DVD. Of course, that's only if you can get it working again. Time to call Acer Support - worst comes to worst, they can mail you a recovery DVD for a price.
The 3.4GB partition is only worth keeping if you like Acer Arcade Instant-On...which I don't.

 

Hmmm....ok I can download all the drivers for vista from acer's site so do I still need to back that 10GB up? If yes then why?? I mean all I need to run vista properly is just the driver's isn't it?? besides now my Empowering Technology isn't working anymore...so I don't see any other way to back that up unless I can find that drive manually and just copy/paste BURN!!

 

The drivers and utilities disc is only part of that recovery image - we're talking about discs that can be put into your system to restore it to a factory default state, i.e. without anyone having touched it. These are essential to getting your Vista installation back up and running should it get so messed up that even System Restore can't fix it.

BUT if you have a Vista install disc of your own (easy to obtain from less-than-legal sources), AND all the drivers and utilities you need anyway, AND a good backup solution, you don't really need the recovery DVDs. Go ahead and wipe all the partitions and clean install away.
(and since you can't get the Acer eSoftware working again, I'm guessing you've already done something to gum up your system)

 

Well I have all the drivers but not utilities but then again who needs utilities like acer delux, acer games etc etc?? For me those are just waste of space All I need from the utility is Empowering Technology which I can download from Acer's Site (Hope that work after I re-install vista again as I messed it up somehow) So should I start wiping out everything??.....