ThinkPad R61 custom partitions question

This is for a Lenovo ThinkPad R61:
Currently Total HD size is 160 GB. (entire C:/ as came from factory).
OS is Win XP ProSP2.

How can I create partitions:

C:/ (30 GB)
(System/Active Partition) for System & Program Files

E:/ (130 GB/Entire balance amt of free space on the HD)
For keeping data files

Am thinking of these options:
1) Should I do this from CP --> Admin Tools --> Computer Management
2) Or use a separate utility, such as FDISK / Partition Magic
(for both of which I have a DOS boot disk, that has been tested on my desktop PC)
3) Does ThinkVantage have an option to create above partitions?

Would appreciate advice on the best option.

(Am a bit hesitant about the other suggestions or using Part. Magic or similar programs, because it may mess up the HD and OS configuration).

Thanks

 

I have not played with any of the above methods, but gparted has worked great for me in the past. You should be able to run the CD and set up the partitions however you'd like.

 

Someone mentioned using the 'VESA' option in booting from 'gparted' Live CD.
What is that & how can I use it? (Have never used Linux before).

 

If you are going to repartition and install Windows, then you can even use the Windows installer to delete and create partitions.
BTW you cant use XP's disk manager (under comp. mgmt.)to resize the system partition.