merge 3 NTFS partitions into 2 (Win XP) without reinstalling

I have a computer harddisc with 3 NTFS partitions:

C /dev/sda1/
D /dev/sda2/ extended /dev/sda5/
E /dev/sda3/

C and E are both 10 GB and D is 55 GB.

I want to merge C and E (or rather expand C to 20 GB).

(E comes from shrinking D using gPARTED...).

I have tried to change the size of C in gPARTED in serveral ways...

Please help me!

Acronis Partition Manager should be able to do it. It is listed as one of its features.

Do I have to use PARTITION MAGIC and ACRONIS from WINDOWS or are the LIVE-CD? Can I use the programs without reinstalling WINDOWS XP?

Can I remove the hard disc and use those programs on another computer, inserting the HD via USB? Is this better or will it create problems?

I read somewhere about changing to DYMANIC DISC (in WINDOWS) because D is extended...

COL: sounds like a lot of work...