WHY can't i PARTITION base drive ?

I am having issues w/ getting assorted OS9-OSX 2.8-10.4 etc.
i like to 'stay' w/ what works and not always upgrade until i really need to........well i should be able to set up a partition so i can have multiple OS like 'classic' and X.
So i get save all my files from the base HD that has the main OS but when i go to partition it...it doesn't work, stays muted..../the bigger HD which ironically won't let me get any higher then 10.2.3 will allow the partition......the main HD did allow me to upgrade to 10.2.8 which i use the most and want to SAVE but add TIGER on a seperate partition but it won't allow....it is under 10g w/ 6g left.
right now w/ NO partition i have multiple OS's on STARTUP discs......is there another way to add 10.4 but keep seperate w/o partition......as it is i have
[9.0-----9.2----9.2.2------10.2.3-------10.2.8] on startup D to choose from.
can i add [10.4] w/o partitioning ????
im afraid of 'erasing the whole disc' like it warns....is that true ?
and why won't the main HD allow that partition......does it need to be eraced first ?
this is WHY i don't upgrade.......if it works why alter it ??????/cuz i can't run certain stuff like the latest QT.......but i always hear that older versions which is EVERYTHING after 6 months doesn't always jive w/ latest OS version.
sounds complicated.....but i just want to have options.
thanx

First off......every idea you suggests makes an impression...sure back up everything, but if i remember ext tape BU systems are expensive and on my current budget that would be a luxery item, Having 2 HDs should be able to BU the most vital stuff....that being what will get lost in a clean install.
so what do i do ?
i assume that i would need to (copy-dup-drag ?) USER-SYS folder- Library.......anything else ?
last time i had to input serial numbers for EVERYTHING, updates, plugins like Flash-shockwave etc. where is that all stored ?
other issue is FIRST AID in OSX could not repair or verify the main HD saying "HD failed to unmount cuz its in use"
this while im in diff OS on 2nd HD ?
The issue w/ TRASHING a ton of stuff......i called it choked, but i feel it would have worked if i emptied a little at a time. I did have 2.25g left in HD and twice that in TRASH, so when i tried to take out files, then it took even more space away.......can you empty a specified file in the trash ?
Running Tech Tool in OS9 seem to repair something and 'pass' but any idea how or why this main HD is now listed as OSX on the startup disc when it was 10.2.8 ?
[Get info ].....what files should have [system] and what should have [USER - self]
Is there a site or good DVD that explains the features of OSX ? HELP Center is usually worthless....i see so much that i have no idea 'how or why'...the 'concept'....drop box-public-sites- 'service' ie grab/summerize etc.......
!@##$$%>>>THE BAD NEWS (for me)
i just did a startup disc to my main HD and get this grey screen w/ a panal in various langueages stating "you need to restart your computer. Hold down the Power button bla bla bla......
well i went thru this before......it begins then freezes grey w/ a thick static bar left to right.....yuk.
any ideas what i should do ????????
the only thing that works is hold-option then i can get to HD 1-2......but 1 my main always fails. Whats the diff between Install & restore ???
again sorry so long.......but im trying to find awa y to repair or restore and avoid clean install thats even if i can get to that.....

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