Partitioning: likely to damage files?

[hamish]

Hey

I have been asked to partition a few windows XP computer at work.

I'm using Partiition Commadner 9.

Is there a risk that it could corrupt/delete/damage the files on the computer? I'm pretty sure that these programmes will all defragment and move the files to a locical order before partitions, but I just wanted to check.

What is the case?

Hamish

[markw]

I've used partition magic several times, and I haven't gotten any damaged file yet . Anything's possible though

[Zxian]

It's always recommended to backup your data before you partition your drives.

However, as markw above, I've never run into troubles with PartitionMagic. If the operation completes successfully, your files will be intact without any errors.

[rjz]

I had a problem with system commander once. But thta might have also been a hardware error has well.

[Taggs]

I've used several versions of PartitionMagic and had no problems with it , but if you read the instructions it does say data may become corrupt or lost. I suspect this is the case also for Partiition Commander 9.

Live partitioning can be a risky business and I recommend backing up any important data you have first.

[magic_p]

There is a reason why Partition Magic has the nickname "Partition Tragic".

ALWAYS backup before attemping anything of this sort. While everyone here seems to have had good luck with it, better safe than sorry.

[Aegis]

Partitioning is usually safe provided that you use a current release.

[hamish]

thanks guys! all of that is very good too hear