Partition Problem

[phodot]

I'm trying to shrink my hard drive so I can dual boot xp and vista (I have vista installed already). Every time I click "shrink" I get a message that says:

The volume you have selected to shrink does not have a recognizable file system. Shrinking this volume will erase any data that you may have stored on it. Are you sure you want to shrink this volume?

Is there anyway I can fix without erasing all my data?

I'm using a Gateway laptop.

[guns1inger]

What are you trying to shrink it with ?

Try g-parted (bootable mini linux CD with built-in partition manager) or similar to move your partitions around.

[phodot]

Just using what Vista came with. I just right click on Computer>Manage>Disk Management - then right click on C:>Shrink Volume.

[redwudz]

This might help you: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/working-around-windows-vistas-shrink-volu...uacy-problems/

But this guide for dual booting Vista and XP may be better: http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_vista_and_xp_with_vista_installed_first__the_stepbystep_guide.htm

I've used that method and it works, though I just learned to use Vista and gave up on XP. Another major concern is if you can find XP drivers for your system. It seems quite a few newer laptops don't have XP drivers available. I would make sure you have them all lined up in advance or you may have a major problem.

And welcome to our forums.