Partitioning Puzzle--Wish to move logical root data to sda1

[SweetAction22]

Originally, windows was in the first partition, got rid of that, and now i wish just to make one large partition of LL... is this possible?

Here is a pic of my layout::



I see that there is a a copy partition action I can utilize somehow, so i was thinking of copying sda5 and move it into the newly created slot at the beginning and getting rid of the extended all together, ---just having one partition, and yes, the swap.

However, to do this, i needed to increase the size of the unallocated space in the beginning, but i was unable to change the size of the extended partition.  So really, the way I was thinking is hopeless.

Can anyone help? ... You can label me as a newb ... I've searched the forums and Internet, and didn't really find what I was looking for.... but if it's already been mentioned .. just point me in the right direction..

*Actually, now looking at it, i see the data I want to move is only 18G which would fit into the unallocated 25G... don't know why i didn't see this before
-so I wouldn't have to move, just copy and paste the partition...right?...Idk

Thanks
(and thanks for the help on the image)

[bitsnpcs]

Hello,
to post an image you upload it to TinyPic ,or your other chosen image host, you then copy/paste the resultant url with img tags into your post, and the image will appear in it.

[valtam]

Posting Guidelines here - https://dfgkh547-jsdfv8.iyhkj.tk/forums/index.php?topic=29.0

[N4RPS]

Hello!

You can probably do what you want to do, but doing so may cause you unexpected problems and make your installation. It's like playing with fire.

To pull it off would take so much manipulation that reinstalling LL, using your desired partitioning structure, would be easier and faster...

73 DE N4RPS
Rob

[SweetAction22]

Thanks N4RPS,
this was my plan B, its actually alot easier than i thought; I was just hoping there was an easier way to partition my current drive as you just stated there is but that i shouldn't try it.  Luckily, i have a spare hd which I am currently on to test that the backup works well (however, this hd is half the size as my original one, so i'll have to switch back)
Thanks again

[gold_finger]

SweetAction22,

Looking at your screenshot, your original problem with not being able to change things is because you can't manipulate partitions that are currently mounted.  The picture shows those lock icons next to your Linux partitions, so I'm guessing you were doing this while logged into the system.

You need to boot computer with a live DVD and run GParted from there.  Right-click the Swap partition, choose "Swapoff", then you'll be able to do whatever you want with the partitions.  You should be able to extend the boundary of the extended partition (/dev/sda2) all the way to the left first; then do same for the root partition within it (/dev/sda5).

Make sure you've got important stuff backed up off the disk first, just in case something goes wrong.

[SweetAction22]

gold finger,
i should have mentioned this in my beginning post. The pic was taken later. i was using the liveCD, i was able to decrease the sda5 from the right side; however, it didn't let me slide/increase the extended partition to the left into the unallocated spot.
I would rather do this than to reinstall LL.  If you know what im doing wrong, let me know.

[gold_finger]

When you boot from a live DVD/USB, if there is a swap partition detected on the hard drive, it will automatically use it.  The swap partition is within the extended partition and as long as it's in use you won't be able to make changes to the extended partition.  Just right-click swap, choose "Swapoff", then you should be able to expand extended partition, etc.

[ChrisL]

When you boot from a live DVD/USB, if there is a swap partition detected on the hard drive, it will automatically use it.  The swap partition is within the extended partition and as long as it's in use you won't be able to make changes to the extended partition.  Just right-click swap, choose "Swapoff", then you should be able to expand extended partition, etc.

How do you know all this stuff anyway?? Amazing.

[SweetAction22]

thanks gold finger,
it worked ... i've read about turning swap off before, i guess i forgot ..silly me.
thanks for the reminder