making multiple partitions one

[Huwbob5]

i currently have a laptop with 2 partitions on the hard drive, i have shrunk the second partition by 20Gb (all i need) so i have it as unallcocated space. I know normally you simply click on extend volume on the drive you want, however it doesnt allow me to use the option and it is just greyed out.

 

[rgd1101]

can you post a screen shot of the partition now? sound like you have the unallocated space at the end of the second partition.

 

[thisguy365]

you shrunk the 2nd partition so your unallocated space is at the end of the drive, and the partition you want to extend(1?) is at the beginning? If this is the case you wont be able to extend the first partition as the space needs to be contigous.

If you want just one partition you should move the data off Partition 2 delete it and then extend.
If you still want 2 partitions but want the second one to be small, you will still need to delete extend the first one out but leavng enough space for the second partition to be created.

 

[Math Geek]

certain ways the partitions are set-up can cause this. it is a windows feature to prevent you from doing something you should not with the partitions.

you can go to a 3rd party utility that will ignore the protections and merge that unused space. i have done this myself a number of times. i used this program and it worked quickly and easily

http://www.partitionwizard.com/ plus it's free

it may still not like to do it depending on how where the space is. but i have used this to merge space in a few odd ways that windows would not allow.