Disk partitioning

Windows based tool needed to create, resize, delete and copy/backup partitions without data loss (except for delete). User must specify whether a new partition should be primary, extended or logical and can choose FAT16/FAT32 or NTFS file systems. The user should also be able to set each partition as active or inactive as well as an option for partitions to be hideable so they do not show in the OS as a drive letter. The program should work with multiple hard disks and allow a user to copy a partition to another partition or as an image file, e.g. as a backup. A restoration facility should also be included to restore a partition from an image. If backing up to an image, it should be able to split the image into chunks, e.g. 650MB (for storage on CD) or 4.7GB (for DVD). Compression of the image and to be able to save multiple partitions in one image file would be a bonus too. It should be able to report, in MB, the size of each partition and the total amount of unallocated space on each disk. System partitions (the partition that Windows is running on) cannot be modified while the OS is running, so a non-Windows based OS (e.g. DOS or Linux) based tool which can be executed from a boot disk should be made to handle this. The tool must accept command line parameters (e.g. the program might be launched via: A:\[login to view URL] -resize -src:C4DCF709 -size:10240. This would automatically resize the partition with volume serial C4DC-F709 to 10GB). The Windows tool must be a DLL/OCX for inclusion in a VB6 app. The non-Windows based tool should be executable. The user must be kept informed of the progress at all times. As the Windows tool is a DLL/OCX, a property should give the process status as a percentage, as well as the type of action being taken (e.g 'resizing' for the type of action and '50' to denote that it is 50% completed). The non-Windows tool should display progress via a progress bar. ## Deliverables 1) Complete and fully-functional working program(s) in executable form as well as complete source code of all work done. 2) Deliverables must be in ready-to-run condition, as follows (depending on the nature of the deliverables): a) For web sites or other server-side deliverables intended to only ever exist in one place in the Buyer's environment--Deliverables must be installed by the Seller in ready-to-run condition in the Buyer's environment. b) For all others including desktop software or software the buyer intends to distribute: A software installation package that will install the software in ready-to-run condition on the platform(s) specified in this bid request. 3) All deliverables will be considered "work made for hire" under U.S. Copyright law. Buyer will receive exclusive and complete copyrights to all work purchased. (No GPL, GNU, 3rd party components, etc. unless all copyright ramifications are explained AND AGREED TO by the buyer on the site per the coder's Seller Legal Agreement). * * *This broadcast message was sent to all bidders on Monday Dec 12, 2005 8:59:51 AM: Hi, I've slightly altered the bid request. Please read it again and leave a comment with your thoughts. Thanks ## Platform The Windows tool should operate on Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, 2000, XP and Server 2003. The non-Windows tool should execute on whichever platform is chosen, bearing in mind the requirement that the OS used (e.g. DOS or Linux) must be bootable from a boot disk (or boot CD-ROM) - i.e. the OS and the tool must run directly from the boot media and must not require installation to the hard drive.