On 2007/09/09 12:44 (GMT+0200) Carlos E. R. apparently typed:
So, you have 3 primaries, one extended, and then free space, outside of the extended partition? Then that free space is lost.
An "extended partition" is a logical construct made up from the sum of existing logical partitions plus any freespace existing between them. Any partitioning tool that claims otherwise is broken. No immediately adjacent freespace can ever be "lost". "Lost" freespace can only exist which lies between primary partitions while the MBR table has all 4 of its entries used.
The extended partition most contain all the remaining space, later to be assigned to logical partitions, which may or not use all that space.
It should be possible to change the extended partition size without loosing data. Some tools are able to do it, like the commercial partition magic, I think it is. Maybe there is another method in linux.
The size of an extended partition is the sum of the two logical partitions farthest apart, plus all space in between. A partitioning program can choose to say it is larger, to the extent of adjacent freespace, and to some people, understanding use of the tool may be easier if it does. As long as the "extended partition" chain is not in an out of order state, which some partitioning tools are capable of creating, the extended technically ends at the end of whatever logical is located farthest from the MBR. It is thus because its EPBR has only one table entry, and it exists, AIUI, only to define itself, and not the "end" of an extended partition. See also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extended_Boot_Record -- "It yet remains a problem to be solved in human affairs, whether any free government can be permanent, where the public worship of God, and the support of religion, constitute no part of the policy or duty of the state in any assignable shape." Chief Justice Joseph Story Team OS/2 ** Reg. Linux User #211409 Felix Miata *** http://mrmazda.no-ip.com/ -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org