Windows 7: Changing the System Partition

I would like to delete the partition that is currently the system partition. As I understand it, this will make it impossible to start windows. As such, I would first like to change the System partition to the same partition that contains the operating system. I have read about the fixboot command which should theoretically accomplish this. However, I do not have a Windows recovery disk with my computer. Is there some way that I can run this command without a Windows recovery/installation disk?

Alternatively, could I erase the contents of the partition and then shrink to a small amount (say, 1MB) without impairing my ability to boot in Windows?

Hi there
The EASIEST way to do this is to get hold of some decent backup software like acronis where you can IMAGE the existing OS partition to say an external HDD.

You can also create bootable recovery media so you can boot from say the CD and it will restore your image on to a (re-sized if required) partition.

However you have to be careful here since the OS partition will have to be set to ACTIVE (not PRIMARY) and on first boot it WILL BSOD so without a Windows recovery disk you are totally hosed up.

That's why I say Computers should ALWAYS BE SOLD WITH A SEPARATE OS INSTALL DISK even if Windows (and a lot of other bloatware is pre-installed on it --you've PAID for the Windows Licence.)

Otherwise you will have to re-format your disk and do a comlete fresh install of a Brand new windows system.

Without the Windows install disk you really are up against it if you need to do a system repair on boot -- messing about with partitions often requires this tool.

Cheers
jimbo

Thanks for the advice. Actually, the OS partition is (oddly enough) different from the System partition:

There are three partitions (see pic):
1st partition: unnamed - OEM Partition
2nd partition: OS ( C: ) - Boot, Page File, Crash Dump, Primary Partition
3rd partition: RECOVERY - System, Active, Primary Partition

It is this third partition that I would like to either delete or erase and shrink to a small size.

Note: There isn't actually a space between the brackets and the "C:". I put them there so that it doesn't show up as a smiley face.

If the System partition is also the Recovery partition, then before deleting it and recovering the System MBR and HD space into Windows 7, make your Recovery Disks so you have a path back to Factory Condition.

Download and burn a Windows 7 Repair CD from this link: System Repair Disc - Create

Follow the steps in Option Two in this excellent tutorial to recover the System MBR and deleted partition space into Windows 7: Partition Wizard : Use the Bootable CD

If you post back a screenshot of your full Disk Management drive map, using Snipping Tool in Start Menu, we can advise you with fuller certainty.

Thanks!

How do I do that?

Type Disk Management in Start Search box,
click result at top,
expand it to full size,
type Snipping TOol in Start box,
choose a New Rectangular Snip,
draw a box around the active DIsks drive map and full listings box,
Save to desktop.
Attach using Paper clip in reply box.

Here is the picture.

Why do you want to get rid of Recovery Partition?

Have you made the Recovery Disks?

If you don't have the Recovery Disks then I would make them or keep the Recovery Partition to be run from boot if you ever need to recover to Factory Condition.

Have you installed Windows 7 on a Vista computer? If so, you have probably lost the links to the Factory Utilities stored in the first partition. You can in that case also consider recovering that space.

But if this is factory Windows 7 computer then until you want to clean reinstall with a Windows 7 installer, you should keep the OEM partition utilities intact and only delete the Recovery partition if you have made the disks, or dont' plan to use them to recover because you plan to clean reinstall with a Windows 7 DVD you otherwise obtain.

It's late, I hope I explained it ok. It's an important disclaimer. Ask any questions back and don't jump until you think it through.

Option Two in the tutorial posted will work fine to delete Recovery (instead of 100mb) and recover the System MBR and disk space into Windows 7. Be sure to run Startup Repair three times from the Repair CD.

Hello EricDallal, welcome to Seven Forums!






If you want to do a very thorough job of it, do a wipe of the partition(s) first, then delete them, have a look at Option Three of that same tutorial that Greg linked.

Looks like the morning shift has arrived. Good night, all.