How to Uninstall W7 When In A Multi-Boot

garysgold said:

Ques: Can I do this startup repair now to make sure all is working whenever that day comes. Don't want to mess things up. I have an OEM disk (dell).

Gary

I actually just removed 7 and my Vista bootloader was still intact. I'm guessing that 7 still uses BCD for the bootloader and just replaced the Vista one, but Vista can still configure it because it's the same.

And to Bare Foot Kid, first problem, I don't have 7 any more (I will buy it when it comes out though). And what are my chances of Microsoft actually listening to my advice? (not rhetorical question)

About Linux, I've always loved computers so I just try to explore and learn about as many operating systems as I can. I've been using Windows for about 9 years now and I've actually learned more about how computers work by using Linux for a year and just trying to configure stuff and install programs than I have from using Windows. I've never had any problems with installing it, Google has been a great help. Not saying that I haven't learned anything from Windows though, it's still my primary operating system.

Edit: is there a way I can send MS feedback without reinstalling it? I'll reinstall it in a virtual machine if I know they will listen to my feedback. How hard is it to add an option of where to install the bootloader? (again, not a rhetorical question)

I thinks I can remove the Windows 7 partition but the boot file is on another partition an it can't be deleted. Maybe Windows 7 had locked it somehow. Anybody know how to delete it?

Bare Foot Kid said:

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I don't have 7 anymore.

smarteyeball said:

You can always try Gpart to delete the partition. Just make sure that it doesn't contain your other OS'es boot data.

I installed 7 first on a new HD and then Vista after 7. Your setup may be different:

7 created a small (200mb) partition at the beginning of the drive (containing all the boot data) and then installed itself on the next partition.

So my system looks like:

Hd0,0 (200mb boot data)
Hd0,1 (107GB Windows 7 6801)
Hd0,2 (195GB Vista x64)
Hd0,3 (290GB Data)

Both 7 and Vistas boot data reside on the 200MB partition. In my case, deleting that 200MB partition will wipe out Vista's boot as well.

So you have a 200MB primary partition for just the boot data? Do you mean that the bootloader is installed on this partition? If so, how did you get Windows to install the bootloader onto a partition other than the installation partition? Or are you using GRUB for the bootloader?

Hi,

MS speak is confusing to say the least.

The System partition is the one containing the boot files - the boot files will install on whichever partition is marked as Active

The Boot partition is the one containing the operating system files - the o/s will install on whichever partition you select during installation.

In the picture below taken from Vista Disk Management, the 30gb partition is the System partition ( containing boot files ) it also happens to be the Boot partition (containing the Vista o/s files )



If I boot into another o/s, on another partition, then this will now be the Boot partition.

However, 30gb partition will still be the System, Active partition.

Hope that helps

SIW2