Disk Image & System Reserved Partition

It is always the best strategy to do away with the System reserved partition when clean installing Windows 7.

I do not know whether this has been mentioned before or exists in some form here. Even if, I consider it is worth repeating and give it repeated visibility.

I always resort to method 3 enunciated in this article for a clean install of Windows 7. Another nice tutorial on this here.

Bye bye System Reserved Partition. Don't bother me ever.

Ponmayilal said:

It is always the best strategy to do away with the System reserved partition when clean installing Windows 7.

I do not know whether this has been mentioned before or exists in some form here. Even if, I consider it is worth repeating and give it repeated visibility.

I always resort to method 3 enunciated in this article for a clean install of Windows 7. Another nice tutorial on this here.

Bye bye System Reserved Partition. Don't bother me ever.

Click to expand...

It depends what your criteria for "best" is. It has roles and if you don't need or want them then it's easy to move it's basic booting function and get rid of it.

While doing the install as mentioned one is not curtailing anything.

It is as good as creating a partition and formatting it beforehand using any other tool/utility and then installing Windows 7 on it - which is the normal method suggested when one is averse to seeing an ugly 100 MB System Reserved Partition.

Here without taking recourse to any other tool/utility, we are using the in-built functionality of the set-up disk to do the same and create a single partition , format it and then install Windows 7, all at one go.

That said, I stand to be corrected, if anyone can categorically establish that the install as mentioned does away with any role that is played by the System Reserved Partition. So far, I have not come across any mention of it.

Ponmayilal said:

While doing the install as mentioned one is not deleting or curtailing anything.

It is as good as creating a partition and formatting it beforehand using any other tool/utility and then installing Windows 7 on it - which is the normal method suggested when one is averse to seeing an ugly 100 MB System Reserved Partition.

Here without taking recourse to any other tool/utility, we are using the in-built functionality of the set-up disk to do the same and create a single partition , format it and then install Windows 7, all at one go.

That said, I stand to be corrected, if anyone can categorically establish that the install as mentioned does away with any role that is played by the System Reserved Partition. So far, I have not come across any mention of it.

Click to expand...

You can argue it is better to have this system reserved partition separate from any specific OS in a multiboot environment. The only negative is that 200MB is a better size for it.

Here's a specific example where it is quite useful.
Boot Logical Partitions

Agreed, that in a multiboot environment, it may be preferable to keep it in tact.

But then think of it, that almost 90% of the users are one-OS oriented and then questions like in this thread emanate. For all of them, it is better to get away with it.

I have done away with it in all my systems. No problemo.

Looking at the 100MB reserved boot partition, it really reminds me how MS took many cues from *nix world. Maybe in the next version of Windows, MS will finally let go of Win32 compatibility altogether, and lets go of the drive letters...

Btw, for those who are curious - the 100MB boot partition is used when you need to boot Windows 7 contained in VHD.

zzz2496

The 100mb System Reserved partition also makes the Repair My Computer console on DVD and Repair CD conveniently available on Advanced Boot Tools accessed by tapping F8 at bootup. This may be reason enough to accept it during install - you can repair your laptop in a coffee shop, etc.

If an imaging app won't let you include that partition in your C image, then choose to include MBR which should cover it. If not and reimaged Win7 won't start, mark it's partition active and run Startup Repair up to 3 separate times with reboots to write the System MBR to Win7.

To avoid the Sys Reserved partition during install: either pre-partition, or delete the install partition and enlarge the 100mb partiition the installer creates to install Win7 upon it.

gregrocker said:

The 100mb System Reserved partition also makes the Repair My Computer console on DVD and Repair CD conveniently available on Advanced Boot Tools accessed by tapping F8 at bootup. This may be reason enough to accept it during install - you can repair your laptop in a coffee shop, etc.

Click to expand...

Its all OK for a tech-savvy and computer-savvy user. (even they fumble and tumble using these). Route a doctor-user to this and other tutorials referenced therein, hmmmm.......... he is gonna throw me out of the window. It is as good as asking him to make a journey to the moon.

gregrocker said:

If an imaging app won't let you include that partition in your C image, then choose to include MBR which should cover it. ...

Click to expand...

My two cents on it. Even an ordinary non-technical user is very receptive to imaging. Install the free Paragon recovery software, give him a demo on how to take the image (MBR included), use that image to restore and show that it really works, he catches on to it. It is much more easier for him. He is also happy that he has got something free in addition (who is not). Psychology plus ease of use works magic. In addition to keeping the latest image in one partition, I also advise them to copy it to an external drive and keep the latest three on it.

gregrocker said:

To avoid the Sys Reserved partition during install: either pre-partition, or delete the install partition and enlarge the 100mb partiition the installer creates to install Win7 upon it.

Click to expand...

This is what exactly I had made out. Doing away with that SRP eliminates one confusion when imaging is one's primary method of restore.

Here is the boot sequence of a BIOS booted PC (virtually every PC out there)

BIOS --> MBR (inc partition table) at start of disk --> [ PBR (at start of active partition) --> Boot Manager (Using BCD) ] --> C:\windows\system32\winload.exe

[....] Key elements of 100MB system reserved for booting

The Master Boot Record (MBR) is on the first physical sector of your boot HDD. Windows imaging copies it automatically when you make an image and replaces it automatically when you reimage. It does the same thing for the system reserved partition. You have no choice and most non technical users don't even know they exist.
Macrium also makes a copy of the MBR when it creates a partition image set. It lets the user decide whether to replace it or not when you reimage. Macrium does not automatically select the 100MB system reserved partition you must select it. When you backup your Windows Operating system (eg. C: (Boot,...)) with Macrium I firmly believe you should also select the System reserved active partition if you have one. When you reimage you can either select it or not.


Ponmayilad,
You made a sweeping statement about the 100MB system reserved partition which was clearly incorrect as I politely demonstrated to you. It has a purpose and unless it is causing a problem just leave it alone.
For most users the inbuilt Windows imaging program works and couldn't be easier for the non technical user. They don't need to know the existence of anything called an MBR or a system reserved partition. They just need to press a couple of buttons. With this ease of use comes some lack of flexibility which doesn't suite some more technically aware.
Next comes Macrium Reflect (Free edition) in terms of ease of use but more flexibility.
After that comes Paragon (Free edition). This has more complexity and flexibility again in my opinion. I wouldn't recommend it over the others to the non technical in a pink fit.
All 3 imaging programs are good in their own right.

^Your viewpoint is well taken. By the same token, my appreciation goes to gregrocker who put everything in a nice little package.

I have also gone through a related thread here which reinforces my perception that except in a mutiboot environment and in Windows Ultimate in which it plays some role in bitlocker encryption, it is safe to do away with the SRP if one is averse to it and that it makes life that much easier and less confusing when imaging.

On the question of using the Windows in-built backup, I am now perplexed. If it were that sufficient and capable even for a novice, why at all one should look at Macriumreflect or for any other imaging software and discuss the how-to in multiple posts just for the simple task of imaging and restoring?? I also refer to post #10 in this thread.

Sorry, I stick to my perception. Individual mileage varies.

Ponmayilal said:

^Your viewpoint is well taken. By the same token, my appreciation goes to gregrocker who put everything in a nice little package.

I have also gone through a related thread here which reinforces my perception that except in a mutiboot environment and in Windows Ultimate in which it plays some role in bitlocker encryption, it is safe to do away with the SRP if one is averse to it and that it makes life that much easier and less confusing when imaging.

On the question of using the Windows in-built backup, I am now perplexed. If it were that sufficient and capable even for a novice, why at all one should look at Macriumreflect or for any other imaging software and discuss the how-to in multiple posts just for the simple task of imaging and restoring??

Sorry, I stick to my perception. Individual mileage varies.

Click to expand...

The reason my response was longer was that I was trying to communicate the technical realities. Clearly for you this has been a failure.

On this matter I disagree with gregrocker. I don't know of any imaging package that doesn't allow you to select the 100MB System Reserved partition (MS imaging forces you to). But more importantly the MBR is a totally different entity to the System reserved partition. Selecting MBR to save or recover has nothing to do with the System reserved.

Your last paragraph indicates you didn't read what I said. Some people appear to have problems with MS imaging, other people prefer the flexibility and features of other imaging software. I primarily use MS imaging but also Macrium as a safeguard and for flexibility when I need it.

^ Sorry, if you had missed the one line I added to my last post. It is this:"I also refer to post #10 in this thread." I go with it. (though not Macrium, since I use others)

Now my straight question.

I do not use or envisage using any other OS. So no multiboot. It is the case with most users.

I do not use bitlocker encryption. Neither do I intend to. Again, it is the case with most users.

Now please tell me categorically, count and specify;

What do I lose if I eliminate the System Reserved Partition and install Windows 7?

You lose having the Repair My Computer console placed on the F8 Advanced Boot Tools menu. You'll need the DVD or Repair CD to access it.

Yep, that I have already said that imaging and restoring is my primary and recommended method of restoration and even geeks fumble and tumble using those hit F8 and try it 3 times stuff.( I think I had tried it once and gave up )

IMO, no non-technical user will be comfortable using it much the same way as he will not be, imaging with the built-in-backup utility. (see post no. 10). It is much easier to image with a third party imaging software and restore and I have practically found that non-technical users are more receptive to this method.

And so finally I have to conclude, that for non-technical users, given that set of conditions, I would rather call it user preferences, doing away with the SRP during the installation, takes nothing else away that he will regret and removes any confusion during the imaging and restore process.

There are instances it is required and if not there it will be created; have a look at this information from his tutorial at the link below.


BitLocker Drive Encryption - Windows 7 Drive - Turn On or Off with no TPM

Have at least two partitions. One partition must include the drive Windows 7 is installed on and must be at least 400 MB. This is the drive that BitLocker will encrypt. The other partition is the active partition, which must remain unencrypted so that the computer can be started. If you have the 100 MB System Reserved partition that Windows 7 creates during installation on a blank drive or partition, then BitLocker will store the key on it instead. If your computer does not have two partitions, BitLocker will create them for you.

Click to expand...

For the vast majority of users that use Home Premium, the SRS is really not required. I wonder why they did not reserve it for Umtimate which is the system with the bitlocker facility. It confuses the hell out of everybody and occupies an additional primary which leads to 4 primaries out of the box in many OEM systems. The operational characteristics thereafter are difficult for non-geeks whether it is for creating a data partition, making images, restoring images, etc. That's too bad.

whs said:

For the vast majority of users that use Home Premium, the SRS is really not required. I wonder why they did not reserve it for Umtimate which is the system with the bitlocker facility. It confuses the hell out of everybody and occupies an additional primary which leads to 4 primaries out of the box in many OEM systems. The operational characteristics thereafter are difficult for non-geeks whether it is for creating a data partition, making images, restoring images, etc. That's too bad.

Click to expand...

Maybe it's time for MS to move to Extended/Logicals with a single System Reserved for booting.

System Reserved : Multi Boot from Logical Partitions

That would be the way to go - especially the OEMs should be more sensible and adopt that approach.

whs said:

That would be the way to go - especially the OEMs should be more sensible and adopt that approach.

Click to expand...

That's an even better idea mate!

Ponmayilal said:

^ Sorry, if you had missed the one line I added to my last post. It is this:"I also refer to post #10 in this thread." I go with it. (though not Macrium, since I use others)

Now my straight question.

I do not use or envisage using any other OS. So no multiboot. It is the case with most users.

I do not use bitlocker encryption. Neither do I intend to. Again, it is the case with most users.

Now please tell me categorically, count and specify;

What do I lose if I eliminate the System Reserved Partition and install Windows 7?

Click to expand...

Your question here is now a new question.
Under the constraints:
* Using one operating system only.
* Don't need/want any additional functionality that might be provided by the System reserved partition

Can you dispense with the 100MB partition: YES
Some people don't have it.

BUT the critical boot elements (as shown in my little flow diagram) of this system Reserved partition simply have a new home in the now active OS partition.

So what have you gained in the exercise: An extra primary partition letter. Use of extended/logical offsets this apparent gain.

The limitation of 4 primary partitions per disk is imposed by the partition table constraints in the 512 byte MBR. With UEFI this constraint is lifted and Microsoft have a MSR (Microsoft System Reserved) partition which you'll have to live with.
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To save an extra Post - responding to misc others.
Any suggest to the novice that this 100MB partition is useless is going to cause them grief when they simply delete it.

Macrium users should always save the 100MB system reserved in their partition set. They don't have to select it in recovery but they will need it if they are recovering to a new disk. Macrium always makes a copy of the MBR with every partition set just in case you need it in recovery.

Any statement that Windows imaging is for Geeks is just baffling.