Format Hard Drive

I'm not sure if you can do a format on part of the drive w/o loosing your data. Not a problem doing it from scratch.
You could try these chaps.They are usually v helpful.

TSG

Howard

Or try this link
www.helpwithpcs.com/maintence/pc_maintence. if If I've managed to do it correctly.
oldie

Yep!
I think I have, I must be improving in my old age, there is hope for us old sod's yet!!
oldie.

Sorry Oldie, take another look.

Dave, it can be done if you use a utility to do it like Symantic Partition Magic , which will allow you to do exactly as you ask.
Please, please make a full backup first though, because you know it is always risky.

I also have to ask why you want to do this. If it is for backup reasons, be aware that a mechanical failure of your HD will ruin it all, and I use 2 identical drives with a backup program to ensure they are both the same every hour. If one fails, I lose nothing. Oddly, this actually happened last year.

Thanks for your response, I'll have a look at these sites.

Rasher,
"I also have to ask why you want to do this."

From my experience the PC's performance seems to be affected the longer you run it after a clean build.
My last PC had 2 partitions. An install of all programs following a format of the C Drive improved its performance by a huge amount, and it was certainly more stable. My data was still intact on the other drive..I do make regular back ups to CD's, but find the process easier if with a 2nd partition..

Dave

Try this:
(I'm assuming you are using Windoze XP?).
Do a format of your hard drive/partition and put Windows back on. Don't add any documents, but install your normal programs and set up your desktop and toolbars as you like them, but DO NOT IMPORT ANY DOCUMENTS OR EMAILS.
You now have a brand new set-up, just as you like it but without the clutter of cookies, startup files etc.
Use the Windows Transfer Wizard to make out like you are transferring your current new set-up to a new computer, but save it as a single file on your hard drive so that you can save it on both partitions or elsewhere too if possible.
Now, when you next format your hard drive, you can run the setup wizard and save yourself hours by getting to this stage in one easy process.
Clever, or what!

Rasher,
In one foul move, you have just destroyed all of my computer knowledge built up over the last Welllllllllllll at least 5 minutes
but I was refering to the main menu on the web page of that link, at the bottom of the menu there is a free technical help link, that I thought, barring any other help, Dave Could have tried there You know me, I need all the help I can get.
oldie.