Changing disk partitions

[knowal]

I've got a Dell Laptop and ever since I've had it it had two partitions on the HDD.
The C drive (219GB) has the operating systems and all files were saved to it.
It was getting full and there was 931GB in drive D which was empty.
Using disk management I deleted drive D.
I then wanted to extend drive C to fill all the space and I right click on the C drive and "Extend Volume" is greyed out.
I am the only account on the PC and have administrator permissions.
I used this article as a guide
https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-u ... -windows-7

I could not see how to do steps 5 and 6.
Perhaps that is why I can't do the extend C volume?

Here's an image which might help. I definitely need some tips here, please.

[Enrique]

Hi,
What is your Dell model number and year ...............

To me that layout would indicate two internal Drives ........... some Dell laptops come with two.

If two Disks check if they are the same type.

A possible way to go..............

"Disk expansion and merging must be performed between adjacent partitions and the two disks must be of the same type. For example, if both the C and D drives are SSDs and are adjacent to each other, you can merge them to expand the capacity of the C drive"

[knowal]

Thanks for the reply, Enrique.
Dell Inspiron 15 5000 bought in 2020.
I think it has a digital SSD drive and a normal HDD but not 100% sure.
If so, does that mean I can't do it?

[Enrique]

Hi,

"I then wanted to extend drive C to fill all the space and I right click on the C drive and "Extend Volume" is greyed out."

Would indicate that it's not possible on your configuration............

What you could do is set up D: drive and use symlinks/Symbolic Links ........... to point some System file to the D: drive and or non system files to D: drive.

https://www.howtogeek.com/16226/complet ... -or-linux/

If you use GPTChat ................... pop this question .....'windows 10 setup system folders to D: using symlinks'......... gives a good rundown on how to do it.

[knowal]

Ah, OK, thanks for your help.
In that case I will try to reinstate the "D" drive and put it back how it was. I have 20GB still free in "C" drive and all of it is backed up on external drives.

EDIT - D drive reinstated.

[markwilding]

I always used to keep my files on the D drive, The advantage was there was no need to do a back up of files if a reset of the OS was needed.

These days Windows has various option for a reset and one allows one which only Windows goes back to its original state, However, files are not deleted.

[knowal]

That's what I have done now, Mark. Copied all docs, images, video and music onto the newly recreated HDD (D) and I now have more backups than enough!