Extending C: Partition in Windows XP

I have some unallocated space on my hard drive and I'd like to extend the C: partition into it. I've already tried using Diskpart.exe to extend the C: partition but that didn't work. Does anyone know of any safe and secure ways to extend the C: partition into unallocated space from within Windows XP?


Detailed Information:

Machine: Acer Aspire One Netbook (No CD/DVD drive)
Operating System: Windows XP Home, Service Pack 3
Current Partition Layout: Acer eRecovery Partition, Windows XP [C:] Partition, and Unallocated Space


History of events:

I setup the machine to dual-boot Windows XP and Ubuntu Linux. Later, I decided to remove Linux so I started by attempting to use the Acer eRecovery partition to see if it would reset the entire hard drive in one go. All the eRecovery partition was capable of doing was resetting the Windows partition, and it left the Linux partition and GRUB alone. Therefore, I manually deleted GRUB using MBRFix.exe, and then deleted the Linux partition using a GParted LiveUSB. I then went back into Windows, loaded up Diskpart.exe in the Command Prompt, and attempted to extend the C: partition with the "extend" command but the command was denied due to an error which said, "Diskpart failed to extend the volume. Please make sure the volume is valid for extending". The reason that error message was displayed was most likely because I was attempting to extend a System or Boot volume.


Alternate Questions:

1. What is the best partitioning program to work with NTFS file systems?
2. Could the unallocated space be reallocated to C: by resetting the machine (again) using the eRecovery partition?

 

There is no way the system partition can be resized from within Windoews. You have to use a boot disk. Plenty around, but I would d/load and install EASEUS Partition Master and create the boot disk with that. It's then straightforward.

http://majorgeeks.com/EASEUS_Partition_Master_Home_Edition_d5967.html