Cannot Shrink Windows 7 Drive

System restore function takes a part of your hard drive for its needs.
(sometimes up to 30 GB)
Also windows 7 take some space (it needs about 30 GB too). So does the page file
(on use)....
So you actually end up with 400 GB space left which is jst about right.
So bear in mind that these 100 GB missing are used by windows and the rest is free.

.

upps... sorry, I missed the last part where you said  these functions are disabled.

windows 7 for installation use about 20-30 GB (fresh install).Also depends if its a x32 or x64 system. And they do tend to reserve
additional space which is wise actually. 80 GB is usually a comfortable minimum. never go less
than that.
also make sure hibernation function is turned off ass that uses about !0 GB too ..
Remember,when you start using it, and especially adding additional programs,space goes fast...
also make sure you clear the TEMP files as W7 do add some and they use space...

The built-in Windows 7 "Shrink Volume" function often refuses to shrink anywhere near as much space as you'd like, even though there's no real reason not to.

There's an easy workaround ...

Download the free demo of Boot-It BM  [http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/bootit-bare-metal.htm ]

Extract the files, and create a bootable CD or USB flash drive using the included MakeDisk utility.

Boot to Boot-It ... at the first prompt select CANCEL (important);  then click OK.

Now click on Partition Work;  highlight the partition you want to shrink (it should be obvious);  then click on ReSize (on the right side).    Select the desired new size ... and when it finishes you're done.    Just reboot the system and your Windows 7 partition will now be the size you want.

Turn off system restore point creation. Turn off paging file. Perform defragmentation. Then try again.
In your case I would use script based shrinking approach with Paragon Partition Manager 11 www.partition-manager.com
With the same script you can shrink all partitions.

:bsharath--Open Disk Cleanup and Compress Old Files.
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows/make-disk-cleanup-compress-olderor-newer-files-on-xp/
The instructions apply to Win 7 as well.

Partition magic is the best tool for re sizing the HDD

I would recommend Paragon Partition Manager to resize your HDDs

Either Quest or paragon partition manager can be used.

why use other tools when W7 can do the job ?
:-)

When Windows 7 fails, we could try other tools to do the job.

one question to bsharath,
Could you tell me whats the value you given for shrinking?
Also try giving values in 1024 format (1Kb=1024 b)

As I noted earlier, Disk Management often won't allow shrinking due to the location of certain files it refuses to move.     Other tools can do this with no problem.    Boot-It (as I suggested earlier) makes this about a VERY simple process ... boot; click CANCEL, click OK, click Partition Work;  click ReSize;  select the new size;  and you're done :-)

First clone, backup etc

Turn off system restore, make a smaller swap file, reboot, shutdown after that reboot.
Boot to linux, I prefer ubuntu, run gparted.
Resize apply changes