Partition merging question in Windows 7

[Decepticon]

I just did a clean install of Windows 7 on my PC and forgot to get rid of the partition I do not need (I only want one partition, my C drive). I did a Google search for ways to do this from within Windows 7 and apparently I should be able to "Extend" my C drive over my partition (J drive) in the Disk Management application, but when I right-click on my C drive, the option to extend C is grayed out, and I do not understand why. I've attached an image of my Disk Management screen with the partitions, I know there isn't a whole lot to go on from the image, but if anyone can see why this might be happening, or post some sort of work around I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks guys.

 

[sub.mesa]

You can only Extend if there is free space available after the partition. In your case you have a J-partition at the beginning of the partition.

You can try removing that J-partition (killing all data on it) and see if the Extend option works. But i think Windows only allows Extending a partition forwards, not backwards.

Another option would be to use a partition manager like GParted (in Ubuntu) or Partition Magic, to move and then grow the filesystem. But such an operation is dangerous and can lead to total or partial dataloss on the filesystem. A backup is highly recommended!

 

[Igthorn]

Extend will only works with unallocated space, so move any data off the J drive then delete that partition. Then you'll be able to extend C drive.

If you can't do it in one move you'll have to move as much as you can, then shrink J drive, then extend C and repeat.

 

[tgrimley]

Windows will only expand forward. You're probably best off backing up the partition and mbr, wiping the drive and then restoring it to the drive, and then expanding the partition. Fairly sure acronis can do this.

 

[Decepticon]

Thanks guys, appreciate the help. Deleted J and then was able to get C to expand.