Why can't I partition my hard drive more?

[R0NBON]

I'm trying to partition my hard drive, when I click shrink, it takes me to the shrinking window and it says:

Total size before shrink: 704749 MB
Size available to shrink: 7185 MB
Enter the amount of space to shrink: 7185 MB
Total size after shrink: 697564 MB

I don't understand how I have so much space, but I can only shrink it 7185. It is an NTFS.
Here's some screenshots

 

[cliffordcooley]

Some files that are read only are preventing you from shrinking beyond a certain point while those files are open.

My suggestion would be to use partitioning software that is bootable. Boot to the disk and shrink your partition without windows running.

There are several freeware apps available to select from. The one I use is Partition Wizard Boot CD.

 

[SNGX1275]

So you want to shrink that 688 gig one right? What is your end goal?

I did like CC's post, but now I'm kind of concerned on what your goal is and how good of advice it is to proceed with a bootable. You may end up bypassing some valid concern that is preventing the shrink...

While you are waiting for a response after your next post, initiate a manual defrag of C.