I think you misunderstood Dell... They more than likely meant they
will not CUSTOM partition your drive the way you want.
(Actually the Special Services Division would, but forget it -- cost...)

So you are stuck with a third party program.

One last thought... Your warranty is toast the minute you do this unless
you put the system back to "factory" condition before you call Dell for
help...
I assume you had a good reason for three partitions.
Think out of the box (so to speak) -- add a drive and keep the
"new stuff" there and partition it with the free OS tools that come with XP.
If Ghosting for backups is involved (in a home setting) be sure to have at least
one FAT32 partition of the proper size.
                                                  .
----- Original Message -----
From: "J. W. Smith" <[log in to unmask]>


Currently I have a Dell computer with 40GB hard drive, XP Home Edition
o/s,  XP Office small business, etc on order.  As Dell says they do not
partition the hard drive, I am seeking advice on the mechanics of
partitioning the drive (probably three partitions)  when received.  Is
FDISK available with the XP o/s or would there be a better solution such
as Partition Magic, etc?  To purchase Partition Magic for a one time use
seems financially extravagant unless for a computer user with only one
time previous experience installing a partition on an empty 2GB drive,
Partition Magic would be the only recommended way to go.  Comments,
advice, suggestions  would be appreciated.   Jim Smith

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