Partitioning requires DOS (in Windows XP)
 

I have been trying to partition a 200gb hard disk on a new machine with Partition Magic 8.

Because the drive has a hidden partition by the manufacturer (backup by Packard Bell) that does not have a letter, Partition Magic produces error 117. The Symantec site says:

"The solution is to run PartitionMagic from DOS or from MS-DOS mode (in Windows 95 or Windows 98). When PartitionMagic runs from DOS or from MS-DOS mode, it does not need to be able to find the drive letter for each partition. Thus, if the problem indicated by this error message is the only problem, PartitionMagic can run successfully."

I understand that running the DOS command line under Windows XP is not true DOS. What is the easiest way to run DOS, or as near as to achieve what I want? (The machine has no floppy drive, but I could make a bootable CD-R if needed)

TIA for any advice,

Dan.

Re: Partitioning requires DOS (in Windows XP)
 

Details on how to create a bootable CD

CD - http://www.nu2.nu/bootcd/

Re: Partitioning requires DOS (in Windows XP)
 

On startup, just before the windows xp logo comes on, press F8 and access Safe mode with command prompt, then try it again.

Re: Partitioning requires DOS (in Windows XP)
 

That's not true DOS mode. It's Windows but running CMD.exe instead of Explorer.exe

Re: Partitioning requires DOS (in Windows XP)
 

We covered this 2 days ago:

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...ad.php?t=22236

Re: Partitioning requires DOS (in Windows XP)
 

Are the drives locked at this point though - i didnt think they were? Worth a try maybe.

Re: Partitioning requires DOS (in Windows XP)
 

dont forget all your drivers etc will be on the hidden partition and you will loose it all and wont beable to do a full system restore back to when you first got the computer