Merging partitions

[Bill in Co.]

I was wondering if this was even possible, while retaining all date and time
stamps, even with a third party program. Let me be more specific:

Suppose you have two partitions, D: and E:, and want to combine them into
one partition, *AND want to preserve ALL date and time stamps of all the
previous directories and files contained within each of the two partitions*.
(I don't think this is possible even with the third party apps, but I'm not
sure).

NOTE: simply creating a new partition and copying or merging the data is
NOT acceptable, because obviously that will not preserve the existing
date-time stamps of the previous directories.

 

[Pegasus [MVP]]

"Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
newsB3trCDuKHA.4220@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> I was wondering if this was even possible, while retaining all date and
> time stamps, even with a third party program. Let me be more specific:
>
> Suppose you have two partitions, D: and E:, and want to combine them into
> one partition, *AND want to preserve ALL date and time stamps of all the
> previous directories and files contained within each of the two
> partitions*. (I don't think this is possible even with the third party
> apps, but I'm not sure).
>
> NOTE: simply creating a new partition and copying or merging the data is
> NOT acceptable, because obviously that will not preserve the existing
> date-time stamps of the previous directories.

Not necessarily. If you use robocopy
(http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...69-57FF-4AE7-96EE-B18C4790CFFD&displaylang=en)
to copy the folders then you can use the /dcopy:t switch to preserve the
folder dates.

 

[Bill in Co.]

Pegasus [MVP] wrote:
> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> newsB3trCDuKHA.4220@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> I was wondering if this was even possible, while retaining all date and
>> time stamps, even with a third party program. Let me be more specific:
>>
>> Suppose you have two partitions, D: and E:, and want to combine them into
>> one partition, *AND want to preserve ALL date and time stamps of all the
>> previous directories and files contained within each of the two
>> partitions*. (I don't think this is possible even with the third party
>> apps, but I'm not sure).
>>
>> NOTE: simply creating a new partition and copying or merging the data is
>> NOT acceptable, because obviously that will not preserve the existing
>> date-time stamps of the previous directories.
>
> Not necessarily. If you use robocopy
> (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...69-57FF-4AE7-96EE-B18C4790CFFD&displaylang=en)
> to copy the folders then you can use the /dcopy:t switch to preserve the
> folder dates.

Good point. I've used robocopy before, and perhaps that's the only way to
get around this. Well actually, I have used EasyRoboCopy before, so you
don't even need to do it at the command line. Just check the right boxes.


But AFAIK, this operation apparently can't be done with any Partition
Manager programs with a selection like "Merge Partitions", for example.

 

[Maurice]

"Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
newsB3trCDuKHA.4220@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>I was wondering if this was even possible, while retaining all date and
>time stamps, even with a third party program. Let me be more specific:
>
> Suppose you have two partitions, D: and E:, and want to combine them into
> one partition, *AND want to preserve ALL date and time stamps of all the
> previous directories and files contained within each of the two
> partitions*. (I don't think this is possible even with the third party
> apps, but I'm not sure).
>
> NOTE: simply creating a new partition and copying or merging the data is
> NOT acceptable, because obviously that will not preserve the existing
> date-time stamps of the previous directories.
>

check http://www.partition-tool.com/

Maurice

 

[dadiOH]

Bill in Co. wrote:
> I was wondering if this was even possible, while retaining all date
> and time stamps, even with a third party program. Let me be more
> specific:
> Suppose you have two partitions, D: and E:, and want to combine them
> into one partition, *AND want to preserve ALL date and time stamps of
> all the previous directories and files contained within each of the
> two partitions*. (I don't think this is possible even with the third
> party apps, but I'm not sure).

Though I've never had the need to merge partitions I have resized them. All
dates were preserved in the resizing and I would expect that to be true if
merged as there is no need or reason for the program being used to change
the dates, merely move something as needed. FWIW, I use Paragon Hard Drive
Manager.
_____________

> NOTE: simply creating a new partition and copying or merging the
> data is NOT acceptable, because obviously that will not preserve the
> existing date-time stamps of the previous directories.

As Pegasus said, that isn't necessarily true. Many programs will do that
including Karen's Replicator

--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

 

[Terry R.]

On 2/27/2010 11:23 PM On a whim, Bill in Co. pounded out on the keyboard

> Pegasus [MVP] wrote:
>> "Bill in Co."<not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
>> newsB3trCDuKHA.4220@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>> I was wondering if this was even possible, while retaining all date and
>>> time stamps, even with a third party program. Let me be more specific:
>>>
>>> Suppose you have two partitions, D: and E:, and want to combine them into
>>> one partition, *AND want to preserve ALL date and time stamps of all the
>>> previous directories and files contained within each of the two
>>> partitions*. (I don't think this is possible even with the third party
>>> apps, but I'm not sure).
>>>
>>> NOTE: simply creating a new partition and copying or merging the data is
>>> NOT acceptable, because obviously that will not preserve the existing
>>> date-time stamps of the previous directories.
>>
>> Not necessarily. If you use robocopy
>> (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...69-57FF-4AE7-96EE-B18C4790CFFD&displaylang=en)
>> to copy the folders then you can use the /dcopy:t switch to preserve the
>> folder dates.
>
> Good point. I've used robocopy before, and perhaps that's the only way to
> get around this. Well actually, I have used EasyRoboCopy before, so you
> don't even need to do it at the command line. Just check the right boxes.
>
>
> But AFAIK, this operation apparently can't be done with any Partition
> Manager programs with a selection like "Merge Partitions", for example.
>
>

Hi Bill,

I used Partition Magic for years and it had a Merge function that worked
well. If it's just data drives, it's best. You don't want to merge
drives with apps installed because the registry doesn't get properly
updated with the new drive letter. PM uses a utility to check shortcuts
for drive changes after a merge, but not the registry.

But have a good backup before doing anything...


Terry R.
--
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

 

[glee]

"Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
newsB3trCDuKHA.4220@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>I was wondering if this was even possible, while retaining all date and
>time stamps, even with a third party program. Let me be more
>specific:
>
> Suppose you have two partitions, D: and E:, and want to combine them
> into one partition, *AND want to preserve ALL date and time stamps of
> all the previous directories and files contained within each of the
> two partitions*. (I don't think this is possible even with the third
> party apps, but I'm not sure).
>
> NOTE: simply creating a new partition and copying or merging the data
> is NOT acceptable, because obviously that will not preserve the
> existing date-time stamps of the previous directories.

Are you sure the partitioning programs will change the time stamp? I've
used Partition Magic in the past, and now Acronis True Image, and I
don't remember seeing any time stamps get changed. I've not used the
"Merge" option....when PM first came out with its Merge option, it often
failed....but I have many times resized partitions and moved them, as
well as copying to a new drive, and never had any time stamps changed.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Oct. 2002 - Sept. 2009
A+
http://dts-l.net/

 

[Bill in Co.]

glee wrote:
> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> newsB3trCDuKHA.4220@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> I was wondering if this was even possible, while retaining all date and
>> time stamps, even with a third party program. Let me be more
>> specific:
>>
>> Suppose you have two partitions, D: and E:, and want to combine them
>> into one partition, *AND want to preserve ALL date and time stamps of
>> all the previous directories and files contained within each of the
>> two partitions*. (I don't think this is possible even with the third
>> party apps, but I'm not sure).
>>
>> NOTE: simply creating a new partition and copying or merging the data
>> is NOT acceptable, because obviously that will not preserve the
>> existing date-time stamps of the previous directories.
>
> Are you sure the partitioning programs will change the time stamp? I've
> used Partition Magic in the past, and now Acronis True Image, and I
> don't remember seeing any time stamps get changed. I've not used the
> "Merge" option....

But see, and that's specifically what I'm addressing. (Your other points
are valid).

> when PM first came out with its Merge option, it often
> failed....but I have many times resized partitions and moved them, as
> well as copying to a new drive, and never had any time stamps changed.
> --
> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Oct. 2002 - Sept. 2009
> A+
> http://dts-l.net/

 

[Bill in Co.]

dadiOH wrote:
> Bill in Co. wrote:
>> I was wondering if this was even possible, while retaining all date
>> and time stamps, even with a third party program. Let me be more
>> specific:
>> Suppose you have two partitions, D: and E:, and want to combine them
>> into one partition, *AND want to preserve ALL date and time stamps of
>> all the previous directories and files contained within each of the
>> two partitions*. (I don't think this is possible even with the third
>> party apps, but I'm not sure).
>
> Though I've never had the need to merge partitions I have resized them.
> All
> dates were preserved in the resizing

As is expected.

> and I would expect that to be true if merged

But I'm not so sure that is necessarily true. It's a different operation.

> as there is no need or reason for the program being used to change
> the dates, merely move something as needed. FWIW, I use Paragon Hard
> Drive Manager.
> _____________
>
>> NOTE: simply creating a new partition and copying or merging the
>> data is NOT acceptable, because obviously that will not preserve the
>> existing date-time stamps of the previous directories.
>
> As Pegasus said, that isn't necessarily true. Many programs will do that
> including Karen's Replicator

But again that's ancilliary to my point about *partitioning programs* being
able to do it.

> --
>
> dadiOH
> ____________________________
>
> dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
> ...a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
> LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
> Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

 

[Bill in Co.]

Maurice wrote:
> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> newsB3trCDuKHA.4220@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> I was wondering if this was even possible, while retaining all date and
>> time stamps, even with a third party program. Let me be more specific:
>>
>> Suppose you have two partitions, D: and E:, and want to combine them into
>> one partition, *AND want to preserve ALL date and time stamps of all the
>> previous directories and files contained within each of the two
>> partitions*. (I don't think this is possible even with the third party
>> apps, but I'm not sure).
>>
>> NOTE: simply creating a new partition and copying or merging the data is
>> NOT acceptable, because obviously that will not preserve the existing
>> date-time stamps of the previous directories.
>>
>
> check http://www.partition-tool.com/
>
> Maurice

Thanks. I'm aware of their product, but I don't think you'll find my
specific issue addressed in their FAQ's. (I currently have BING (BootitNG)
and Partition Magic here)

 

[glee]

"Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:u8xku$KuKHA.3408@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> glee wrote:
>> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
>> newsB3trCDuKHA.4220@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>> I was wondering if this was even possible, while retaining all date
>>> and
>>> time stamps, even with a third party program. Let me be more
>>> specific:
>>>
>>> Suppose you have two partitions, D: and E:, and want to combine them
>>> into one partition, *AND want to preserve ALL date and time stamps
>>> of
>>> all the previous directories and files contained within each of the
>>> two partitions*. (I don't think this is possible even with the third
>>> party apps, but I'm not sure).
>>>
>>> NOTE: simply creating a new partition and copying or merging the
>>> data
>>> is NOT acceptable, because obviously that will not preserve the
>>> existing date-time stamps of the previous directories.
>>
>> Are you sure the partitioning programs will change the time stamp?
>> I've
>> used Partition Magic in the past, and now Acronis True Image, and I
>> don't remember seeing any time stamps get changed. I've not used the
>> "Merge" option....
>
> But see, and that's specifically what I'm addressing. (Your other
> points are valid).
>
>> when PM first came out with its Merge option, it often
>> failed....but I have many times resized partitions and moved them, as
>> well as copying to a new drive, and never had any time stamps
>> changed.

So why do you think Merge will change all your time stamps when Move or
Resize don't? Have you tried it by making a couple of tiny test
partitions to play with? Have you already seen the behaviour occur
using Merge and need an alternative? Or are you concerned about it but
just don't know?

I would shrink a partition temporarily, make two small ones in the
unallocated space, start Windows and copy some files to each and make
some new files, then go back and merge them and see what changes if
anything.

OR, you could contact support for the program or check for forums for
the program, and find out from someone who knows.

That's what I'd do, anyway.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Oct. 2002 - Sept. 2009
A+
http://dts-l.net/

 

[Bill in Co.]

glee wrote:
> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:u8xku$KuKHA.3408@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> glee wrote:
>>> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
>>> newsB3trCDuKHA.4220@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>>> I was wondering if this was even possible, while retaining all date
>>>> and time stamps, even with a third party program. Let me be more
>>>> specific:
>>>>
>>>> Suppose you have two partitions, D: and E:, and want to combine them
>>>> into one partition, *AND want to preserve ALL date and time stamps
>>>> of all the previous directories and files contained within each of the
>>>> two partitions*. (I don't think this is possible even with the third
>>>> party apps, but I'm not sure).
>>>>
>>>> NOTE: simply creating a new partition and copying or merging the
>>>> data is NOT acceptable, because obviously that will not preserve the
>>>> existing date-time stamps of the previous directories.
>>>
>>> Are you sure the partitioning programs will change the time stamp?
>>> I've
>>> used Partition Magic in the past, and now Acronis True Image, and I
>>> don't remember seeing any time stamps get changed. I've not used the
>>> "Merge" option....
>>
>> But see, and that's specifically what I'm addressing. (Your other
>> points are valid).
>>
>>> when PM first came out with its Merge option, it often
>>> failed....but I have many times resized partitions and moved them, as
>>> well as copying to a new drive, and never had any time stamps
>>> changed.
>
> So why do you think Merge will change all your time stamps when Move or
> Resize don't?

It's a completely different operation.

> Have you tried it by making a couple of tiny test partitions to play with?

I could do that, but it's a bit messy (in messing up the drive assignments
and what-not) and would prefer not to, until and unless I need to. So I was
just curious.

> Have you already seen the behaviour occur
> using Merge and need an alternative? Or are you concerned about it but
> just don't know?

The latter. I was just interested in it at this point, as the need hasn't
arisen, just yet.

> I would shrink a partition temporarily, make two small ones in the
> unallocated space, start Windows and copy some files to each and make
> some new files, then go back and merge them and see what changes if
> anything.
>
> OR, you could contact support for the program or check for forums for
> the program, and find out from someone who knows.

Well, that's why I was asking here - I just figured at least someone in here
knew already from firsthand experience.

 

[dadiOH]

Bill in Co. wrote:
> dadiOH wrote:

>>
>>> NOTE: simply creating a new partition and copying or merging the
>>> data is NOT acceptable, because obviously that will not preserve the
>>> existing date-time stamps of the previous directories.
>>
>> As Pegasus said, that isn't necessarily true. Many programs will do
>> that including Karen's Replicator
>
> But again that's ancilliary to my point about *partitioning programs*
> being able to do it.

It is pertinent to your note...the one about creating a new partition and
copying data to it.

--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico