I have two partitions on my hard drive but no longer need them. Is there a way to merge the two without the loss of any data? Also, since this will most likely be a one time operation, I do not wish to purchase software to accomplish this. Does anyone know how to do this?

re-partitioning will erase all data. You either bite the bullet or the wallet.

Even with commercial software you will only be able to merge if the partitions are formatted with teh same file system type. For instance, you can't merge a Fat32 with a NTFS. I'm not sure if it can merge partitions, but there is a Freeware program named "Partition Resizer." Even if it can't merge, perhaps you could resize to a more appropriate configuration and keep the two partitions? Or you can delete the second partition and resize the first to fill the entire disk. but you would have to manually move all data from the second partition to the first. There's also "fips" but I'm pretty sure it can't merge two partitions. Partition Magic can merge, but it's commercical software. Maybe you could get a used copy on eBay? Personally, I would keep the two partitions. I'd use the second for archiving documents, photos, music, etc. That way if the operating system crashes bad and you have to reformat the first partition, you haven't lost your files. There are also many alternative operating systems that can be installed on the second partition for a dual-boot system. Best Wishes, Bob

I know you dont want to spend the money, but its always good software to have. Just in case, maybe you need a partition or fix an error with one, etc. Buy partition magic. I'mn pretty sure it allows you to merge 2 partitions and place all the files from 1 partition to folder on the 1st partition...if that makes any sense..

Actually having two partitions is a big advantage. If you encounter a system problem and have to format and reinstall windows it can save you from disaster. Keep all your valuable data and programs on the second partition and it won't be lost.

Here's an interesting notion. When i had win98 i created a 2nd partition just for the windows swap file. it's size was limited to 2.5 times my system memory. the purpose was to separate the swap file from space i needed to defrag periodically.