Partition problem, please help

monitor · #1 12th Jan 03, 06:59 PM

Just got a new computer(Dell) a couple of weeks ago. Had a 80 gig hard drive, so I decided to partition it.
Made an additional primary D(already had Dell's setup primary and C) and 4 logical E.F,G, and H. Now this was done with Partition Magic. However, I now have a problem with the C and D primary drives. When I run Norton Utiltities it tells me that there are Security Descriptor problems on the C and D drives. Rebooted to have Windows fix this problem, but the problem remains.
Also, paritition magic will no longer work, as it too can't locate the drive to initiate. I then installed Acronis Paritition Manager on Drive E. It works, however, it too tells me that there are these same problems on Drive C and D. It said it would fix them with a reboot. On reboot, it says that it can't do the repair as it can't locate the drive.
How can I make the necessary changes to drive C and D to solve these Security Descriptor errors that are creating these problems?
My Windows Xp Home works perfect, though. However, I tried to do a Reformat of Drive D first through Windows--which said another device or software has exculsive rights to the drive, and to do a reboot to format the dirve. Rebooted, and got the error that it can't locate the drive to do the repair. This tells me that if in the future I have to reinstall my Windows operating system on Drive C, I will have problems.
I need help with a solution now. Any partiition experts out there?

monitor@sasktel.net

Sephiroth · #2 12th Jan 03, 07:01 PM

in windows, run cmd.exe and type chkdsk d: /f

it will ask you to dismount the volume first, do that, and that should fix the problems on drive D

then do the same thing, substituting D: for C: , answer yes, reboot, and it should chkdsk c: and fix the problems there too

monitor · #3 12th Jan 03, 08:20 PM

thanks, but neither solution worked . they both did their check, but neither was successful at solving the problem. Any other ideas?

unicorn · #4 12th Jan 03, 08:31 PM

I don't know about security descriptors and such. But - at least it used to be so - you can't have two primary partitions at the same time and see them both when booting.
So my first guess (if this machine had been here in front of me) is that one of them has to go. I would backup everything on D: and then delete it, extend the extended secondary partition to cover the space D: used to have and then finally make a new logical partition in there. When all this is finished you can give your partitions drive letters as you wish.

monitor · #5 12th Jan 03, 08:36 PM

I only see one partition, C when booting.

unicorn · #6 12th Jan 03, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by monitor@Jan 12 2003, 08:36 PM
I only see one partition, C when booting.

Yup, I guess that is what I'm thinkin of. Only one primary partition on each drive.
Then if Windows is installed to drive C: everything is fine, windows doesn't know about D: and there should be no problem until you run a disk partitioning app or a disk checker - they will note that there is a D: and give you some kind of error.
Is this serious? Well, no. Then it might be kinda stupid to have a D: that you don't see nor use, unless you install either another instance of windows (nt/2k/xp) which you can put on D:, or install some kind of more advanced boot-loader which will give you opportunities to use D: as prim partition for another OS.

Hope this helps somewhat.

richardc2000 · #7 12th Jan 03, 09:19 PM

Quote:

this was done with Partition Magic. However, I now have a problem with the C and D primary drives.

Any reason to have two primary drives?
Which version of Partition Magic did you use to add these partitions? 8?

monitor · #8 12th Jan 03, 10:18 PM

I did use Partition Magic v8.0

The reason why I wanted another primary, was to run another operating system. Currently, I have nothing on Drive D.

monitor · #9 12th Jan 03, 10:28 PM

I tried to delete drive D.
the computer rebooted, then before it tried to delete anything, an error came up saying that it couldn't find the drive. So, I am back to square one.!

richardc2000 · #10 12th Jan 03, 10:36 PM

Which partition managers are still installed if any?
Have you tried booting with a Win 98 floppy to see which drives are recognized.
Have you tried a cold boot - not warm?