Couldn't create a new partition or locate an existing one

The infamous "couldn't create a new partition or locate an existing one" error!

This error typically occurs when trying to install an operating system, resize a partition, or create a new partition on a hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD). Here are some common causes and potential solutions:

Causes:

  1. Invalid or corrupted partition table: The partition table is a critical structure that contains information about the partitions on a disk. If it's invalid or corrupted, the operating system may not be able to read or write to the disk.
  2. Insufficient disk space: The disk may not have enough free space to create a new partition or resize an existing one.
  3. Disk errors or bad sectors: Physical errors or bad sectors on the disk can prevent the operating system from accessing the disk correctly.
  4. Partition table is locked: Some operating systems, like Windows, may lock the partition table to prevent accidental changes. This can prevent you from creating a new partition or resizing an existing one.
  5. BIOS or UEFI settings: Incorrect BIOS or UEFI settings can prevent the operating system from recognizing the disk or creating a new partition.

Solutions:

  1. Check disk errors: Run a disk check using the built-in tool in your operating system (e.g., chkdsk in Windows or fsck in Linux) to identify and fix any disk errors.
  2. Use a partition recovery tool: Tools like EaseUS Partition Master, Acronis PartitionExpert, or GParted can help recover or resize partitions.
  3. Use a disk cloning tool: Tools like EaseUS Todo Backup or Acronis True Image can help clone your disk to a new one, which can help resolve issues with the partition table.
  4. Reinstall the operating system: If all else fails, you may need to reinstall the operating system to start with a clean slate.
  5. Check BIOS or UEFI settings: Ensure that the BIOS or UEFI settings are correct and that the disk is recognized by the operating system.
  6. Use a bootable USB drive: Create a bootable USB drive with a Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu) and try to create a new partition or resize an existing one from the Linux environment.
  7. Contact a professional: If none of the above solutions work, you may need to seek the help of a professional data recovery service or a computer technician.

Remember to always back up your important data before attempting to create a new partition or resize an existing one, as there is a risk of data loss if something goes wrong.