Boot drive?

Shrink C as desired using Disk Mgmt which is most reliable. Then create your data partition in Disk Mgmt.

then post back a shot of Disk Mgmt.

gregrocker said:

Shrink C as desired using Disk Mgmt which is most reliable. Then create your data partition in Disk Mgmt.

then post back a shot of Disk Mgmt.

Greg, I would be more than happy to do that, but after using PW to (unsuccessfully) shrink the C: drive (partition), I cannot get the new SSD to work and start up my computer. I have done everything I did before, and then some, and when Windows starts up, and the four color dots kinda' wobble together, a Blue Screen appears for 1/10th of a second (so I cannot read it), and startup fails.

I have tried everything for at least 3-4 hours now, and nothing works. I am about to reinstall Windows from my disk, but will you believe this, as I tried at an early stage (about two days ago), the Product Key did not work. The error message said it was the wrong code. I called MS today, and they said: "Do the install again, and call us when it gives you the error message." Such a relief ... NOT!

I could cry, but instead, I drink wine. And try to keep calm, but I am thinking: "Did PW give me a $200.00 piece of shit ... I mean sheet ... metal." Well, the SSD is recognized, but I cannot get it to start up Windows, in spite of copying two different images to it.

I am exhausted, but not beat. I will continue!!!

Hans L

These are only minor setbacks that probably could have been avoided if the steps had been followed more closely. Partition Wizard never fails when using the boot disk. Disk Management never fails period, and for operations it can do (like shrinking from the right) then it should be used. Had you asked we would have told you this.

Since something probably interrupted PW when it was rebooting to resize if using the Windows version, then the install is probably scrambled and not reparable if you've already tried Startup Repair and System Restore from System Recovery Options

So boot the disk and follow all steps in Clean Reinstall Windows 7, deleting all partitions to create the new OS partition and the data partition as it suggests in the steps to do once you know what partition scheme you want. Just be sure to highlight the first large partition before you click Next to install.

Rejecting due to an invalid Product Key is always a bad character being inputted. Examine the COA sticker under a magnifier to be sure that the characters are correct.

AddRAM said:

Have you tried to install windows from the dvd yet or just from images ?

Yes, and it did not accept my product code. Called MS yesterday, but they did not want to give me a code then. They said: INstall Windows, and when you come to the problem point, call us again :-(

In a short while, I plan to try again.

Regards,

Hans L

gregrocker said:

These are only minor setbacks that probably could have been avoided if the steps had been followed more closely. Partition Wizard never fails when using the boot disk. Disk Management never fails period, and for operations it can do (like shrinking from the right) then it should be used. Had you asked we would have told you this.

Since something probably interrupted PW when it was rebooting to resize if using the Windows version, then the install is probably scrambled and not reparable if you've already tried Startup Repair and System Restore from System Recovery Options

So boot the disk and follow all steps in Clean Reinstall Windows 7, deleting all partitions to create the new OS partition and the data partition as it suggests in the steps to do once you know what partition scheme you want. Just be sure to highlight the first large partition before you click Next to install.

Rejecting due to an invalid Product Key is always a bad character being inputted. Examine the COA sticker under a magnifier to be sure that the characters are correct.

Thank you, Greg. I will reinstall. As I said to AddRAM a minute ago: "Yes [I tried to do a reinstall from my Windows dvd], and in the end, it did not accept my product code. Called MS yesterday, but they did not want to give me a code then. They said: Install Windows, and when you come to the problem point, call us again

I can add that I checked, several times, the product code I put in, and then, I gave it to the MS rep on the phone, and he confirmed that it was a valid product code! So, I will now try again, following the procedure you hyperlinked, and we will see what happens.

Incidentally, your analysis of what happened sounds very plausible. Something went really wrong at some point. I tried Startup Repair several times, but it could not do anything about the problem.

So, here we go

Hans L

Hans L said:

I can add that I checked, several times, the product code I put in, and then, I gave it to the MS rep on the phone, and he confirmed that it was a valid product code! So, I will now try again, following the procedure you hyperlinked, and we will see what happens.
Hans L

Product code worked this time. Will go to friends for dinner. Will, when I get back, chat with Norton to stop telling me that my subscription has expired (it has not; they did it once before, and it had not expired then either).

And then, the delightful installation of all my apps

Regards,

Hans L

PS. can't see any Logout button here. Is there one?

I would not run Norton and expect endless problems if I did. The AV's which work the best are also in Clean Reinstall Windows 7

I have gotten it to work. Following advice here and in referenced webpages, I now have all my drives on the SSD. Long process when you count the reinstall of all apps. Tiring, indeed. By the way, used only Windows Disk Manager.

One final question: in one refrenced page you say, Greg, "Never defrag an SSD". May I ask why?

Regards,

Hans L