Resizing partition once Ubuntu 7.10 is installed (dual boot)

I ran the install yesterday and all worked fine, except that the Partition resize (I chose option 1 in the install) did it backwards, i.e. I thought I was picking 40 GB for the new Linux partition, but instead it left that for my Windows Vista partition and took 90 GB for it self. So now windows only sees 29 GB free or so... and while I ultimately plan on using Linux exclusively (still a bit new to it), I need more room in my windows paritiion for games. So is there a SAFE eek: ) way to do this, by giving the windows parition a few more gigs? I'm assuming doing it through Ubuntu would be the best way to go, correct? and how so?

 

Parted Magic live CD (free). partedmagic.com

 

Nothing in Ubuntu I can use?

 

you could use gparted in ubuntu but my personal experience shows parted magic is better.

 

It's called gparted. You can also download the live CD, which I am given to understand works better.

 

yes, sure, I will correct my misprint now.

 

ivar -
Interesting discovery of yours, this Parted Magic. Had never heard of it. Visited their webpage; it sure looks like the foundation is built from the same parts as GParted, it's just assembled differently from there? Is that your impression?

 

Couldn't you use Vista's partition too? Or is it better to do this procedure through Ubuntu.

 

I've heard the Vista partition is more restrictive than GParted as far as creating partitions goes....

 

it is based on gparted, afaik. It boots fast and it seemed to work for me better that ubuntu partitioner at least in one case. I think it is very practical just to use this live CD.

 

I did the same thing at one time, went into Vista and deleted the linux partition, expanded the vista partition, and reinstalled linux. I've done it several times actually...easiest way to do it IMO.

 

Are these partition resizing tools trustworthy? Can I do this without the risk of having to flatten-reinstall Windows? What steps should I take to ensure it goes smoothly?

 

I've partitioned before installing Linux (with GParted - haven't yet tried Parted Magic), after, and by simply using the the Linux install disk during installation. For me personally, it's usually easier to set up the partitions first and then install Linux.

Can't speak to the reliability of Parted Magic, but GParted works very well. ivar's been around the forums a long time; I would trust his opinion about Parted Magic.

If you're planning on dual-booting Ubuntu, read the install instructions thoroughly before trying to install Linux. It really isn't hard. Just to get the OS into your machine the first time, I think the easiest, smoothest way is to simply use the install CD and the empty space on your drive. You can re-size the partitions later. Good luck.

 

Your question #1: Pretty reliable when manipulating or creating partitions that don't contain data. But any time you're hacking away at partitions that do contain data you run a risk.
Question #2: No
Question #3: What steps would you take for any sort of major brain surgery on your computer? At least back up your personal data, locate your software CD's, make sure you have everything you need to reinstall Windows, etc. Or if you had the resources you could create a clone on a second drive so you could just swap drives if the project went sideways.
If I had a spare PC laying around, I'd simulate the entire project on it first because there are always questions the first time you do something as involved as this.
Take notes. Hand-written comments on each step of the process can be a life-saver.