O&O PartitionManager 3 Displays Drives That Have no Letter

Some system files under Windows are ‘hidden’, while entire drives are not even displayed. The latest O&O PartitionManager 3 from Berlin-based O&O Software GmbH makes them visible again. This is particularly crucial when a system file has been damaged: the user can specifically target and access these ‘hidden’ system files and replace them with intact ones.

O&O PartitionManager displays the properties of physical storage volumes, and shows whether they are defective or not. Further information on the defective disks is also supplied in the form of S.M.A.R.T values.

As in previous versions, all types of drives under Windows are supported, including basic and dynamic, both in either MBR or GPT Format.

O&O PartitionManager contains technology from the multiple award-winning programs O&O SafeErase and O&O Defrag: private and business data can be securely destroyed and storage of files on the drives optimized respectively.

O&O PartitionManager can be started direct from CD with no need for a running operating system, thanks to the Start CD, included in delivery. This enables changes to be made to the system partition, for example. The Start CD is based on Windows Preinstallation Environment (PE) and has a very similar interface to Windows itself.

O&O PartitionManager 3 will also be available for the first time for server operating systems.

Functions

• Conversion between logical and primary partitions: The ability to convert primary partitions to logical ones enables users to create extra storage space for a system partition, or to move a partition where no free primary partition or logical drive is available.
• Display hidden drives: Start or Recovery Partitions are not normally accessible by the user. With the new O&O PartitionManager 3, they can simply be opened and accessed through the O&O FileExplorer window.
• Create, delete, extend and shrink partitions: Partitions can be changed, depending on their size and occupancy. A large partition can be split into several smaller parts by reducing it to the minimum size and splitting the freed up space into smaller partitions.
• Change system partitions with the Start CD: The Windows-based Start CD can extend, shrink or move system partitions, depending on the data volume and file system. Using the Start CD is much like using Windows, so changing system partitions is relatively simple for most users.
• Storage volume properties: O&O PartitionManager 3 analyses the storage volume and displays the disk and volume status with appropriate explanations. If the status of the physical volume is ‘defective’, a detailed description of the error is made available. The program also uses S.M.A.R.T. Technology in order to evaluate information from hard disks under Windows. This can warn users of potential defects and prevent data loss by warning of possible hardware failure.
• Integrated O&O Technologies: O&O PartitionManager contains technology from the multiple award-winning products O&O Defrag and O&O SafeErase. O&O Defrag substantially increases hard disk performance, paving the way for optimal partition shrinkage, for example. The O&O SafeErase technology securely deletes data and free disk space beyond recovery, so that storage volumes can be sold or passed on with no danger of sensitive data being accessed. The Start CD also includes various system management tools, including O&O FileExplorer, O&O RegEditor and O&O CheckDisk.
• Support of all drive types, including Basic MBR and GPT volumes and dynamic MBR and GPT volumes: As well as MBR storage volumes, dynamic volumes, removable volumes, USB sticks and memory cards are all recognized and supported. This means various volume types can be created and converted amongst each other. Dynamic volumes can be generated from basic volumes, and partitions can be put together into ‘spanned’ partitions with just a few mouse clicks.

Prices and availability
Product upgrades are free when purchasing through the O&O EasyLicensing SMB.

O&O PartitionManager 3 Professional Edition is available at an introductory price of €29.90 / US$29.95 / £19.99 until April 30th, 2010, after which it will cost €49.90 / US$49.95 / £29.99. An upgrade from a previous version or from a competing commercial product at the introductory price costs €19.90 / US$19.95 / £12.99, after which it will cost €29.90 / US$29.95 / £19.99. Customers can purchase O&O PartitionManager from all main retail stores, Amazon and various online-retailers.

Resellers can obtain O&O PartitionManager 3 from the O&O Authorized Distributors in their respective territory.

Interested users can download a free trial version of O&O PartitionManager 3 Professional Edition from the O&O Software website. This trial version allows users to manage their partitions and test the various functions for a period of 30 days.