Windows 7: Dual boot question windows 7

Hi there, I have a dual boot config xp pro and Windows 7. I want to stick only with 7 now. I want to get rid of xp which is on partition left from 7.

I do not want to delete the partition on which is xp. I want to use it for storage.

Question:
1. Can I delete just anything on it (program files / windows / documents) and just leave mbr relevant stuff on it?
2. Will deleting all of mentioned above will affect booting in any way or would it be ok as long I do not touch boot.ini etc?



Thank you

Hello michaelB2, welcome to Seven Forums!



Before we make any specific recommendations will you please post a snip/screen-shot of the entire disk management drive map with a full description as to which drive/partition is which, so we can see what you have going on as there may be a fairly simple way to resolve the situation.

In the Windows start menu right click computer and click manage, in the left pane of the "Computer Management" window that opens click disk management and post a snip of that.

How to Upload and Post a Screenshot and File in Seven Forums

Ok, uploaded. To explain (did not rename the partitions since installing 7 yet) "xp pro 64 (d" is the partition in question.

You have not said yet where is Windows 7.

Assuming it's C boot the Windows 7 DVD, at first screen press Shift F10 to open a Command Line then use Diskpart to mark Windows 7 partition active: Partition - Mark as Active

Close Command box, boot into DVD Repair Console to run Startup Repair up to 3 separate times until it writes the System MBR to Windows 7 partition and it starts up: Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times

Now you can delete XP partition in Disk Management, reformat for data.

Yeah, little confused I am. It is on C.

Understood.
But, can I not just delete everything on partition D (Folders Program Files / Windows etc.), keeping mbr and just keep it like it is without deleting it and formatting?

I would recommend writing the MBR to the Windows 7 partition as greg stated. I can see what you want to do going wrong very easily. I'm not even sure you would be able to do it.

Hello michaelB2, welcome to Seven Forums!



After you have done what Greg has suggested and made C: "System Active", it makes no sense to leave the boot files on D: if it's even possible it would cause issues later.


After you have made backups of the data form D: and you want to wipe but leave the partition intact, have a look at Option Three in this tutorial at the link below to completely over-write all data for a clean partition to continue to use.

Partition Wizard : Use the Bootable CD

Ok, I will try that later, I will give feedback, too! IF you do not hear from me again, does NOT mean, I don't know to say thank you, it will just mean I f***** up my PC......

Don't be concerned, just follow this tutorial starting at Option One and you will be ok.


Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times