My 80GB hard disk is currently partitioned so:

C: disk (primary) 36.2 GB FAT32
D: disk 18.1GB NFTS
* disk 20.1GB FAT32

The D disk was originally FAT32 as well, but I converted it using Paragon Disk Wiper, which halved its size (apparently).

The * partition is a mystery to me, I don't know that anything is stored there. I bought the computer new and it had a full set of startup disks. I'd like to hive off 4GB for each of the other partitions, and also reformat C: disk to NFTS. Can I do that and leave the data there intact? Naturally I would backup to D: disk, and add the 4GB to that later, I just wonder if reformatting would be easier if I just wiped the C: disk altogether.

hi Paul

have a look here

https://www.microsoft.com/technet/pr...onvertfat.mspx.

if you've nothing you want on the other partitions you could delete them in control panel >> Admin. Tools >> Computer Management >> Disc Management then create new partitions

Thanks bd, looks very helpful.
Always potential for iD10t error, though, and if it happens I'll share it with everyone here