Gparted can't resize a partition to fill a tiny unallocated space

pogeymanz · 2012-09-19 12:27:50

I did a bunch of resizing and moving of partitions in order to convert from GPT to MBR.

Right now, everything is running nice, but I have an annoying naggle that my brain can't get over.

First I shrank all of my partitions when my disk was GPT so that there would be empty space between all of them (MBR needs a few sectors before each partition while GPT doesn't). I did this by randomly drag-resizing with my mouse in the Gparted window.

Then I converted the partition table to MBR. Worked fine. Now I want to inflate my partitions to fill up the blank space.

I can fill up all but this tiny 2MB unallocated slice. Every time I try to resize one of the partitions that's next to it, another unallocated space ends up on the other side. Often, the unallocated 2MB stays unallocated too! So GParted somehow makes more unallocated space than there was before!

Has anyone had this before? Is something misaligned somehow? I can post screenshots if it isn't clear what is happening.

nomorewindows · 2012-09-19 12:42:22

You have to get the partitions to line up on the cylinder boundary, which when you start moving and resizing your partitions in place, becomes difficult to do. The easier way to do it if you can is to backup everything to a temporary place other than your hard drive you are resizing, and just scrap everything that's inconsistent, and then do one after another and you have better luck at it. Then copy all your stuff back on. Some partitions do require a little space in front for gparted to be able to resize but these are usually bigger than 2MB (based on cluster sizes).

Last edited by nomorewindows (2012-09-19 12:44:02)

pogeymanz · 2012-09-19 12:45:50

I was afraid that was the answer.

My poor hard drive is getting such a workout this week...

nomorewindows · 2012-09-19 17:28:59

There is a round to cylinder option on some gparted.

Arch Linux

#1 2012-09-19 12:27:50

Gparted can't resize a partition to fill a tiny unallocated space

#2 2012-09-19 12:42:22

Re: Gparted can't resize a partition to fill a tiny unallocated space

#3 2012-09-19 12:45:50

Re: Gparted can't resize a partition to fill a tiny unallocated space

#4 2012-09-19 17:28:59

Re: Gparted can't resize a partition to fill a tiny unallocated space

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