Windows 7: Remove XP from a dual boot system

I know this topic has been discussed but I went through the procedure once only to have Windows 7 become unbootable after completing it. Only the backup saved me from ruin (hooray for backups!).



This was originally an XP system, then I installed Win7RC in a secondary partition, and eventually the full OS over the RC. I haven't booted XP in months now and would really like to get back the space. There's nothing in the XP partition that needs to be saved.

Below is a screenshot of the system disc config.

This thread may cover my situation but I want to make absolutely sure before I try again. Reading it over, I wonder if the problem was not running Startup Repair three times.

If someone could take a look and let me know if I'm on the right path, I'd much appreciate it.

EdB

Hello EdB.


Follow this tutorial at the link below exactly to recover all the space to the left of the Windows 7 C: partition and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

Partition : Recover Space Used by an Older OS


Be sure to use the Partition Wizard Bootable Disk (PWBD) and not the installed version; download the PWBD ISO file from this link and burn the ISO to CD then boot the CD to make the changes.

Partition Wizard Free Bootable CD

ImgBurn Free ISO Burning Software

Thanks for the reply. I'm downloading the PWBD and backing up my system now.

Question: will programs remain intact after this process or will they require re-install. I went through all sorts of misery getting some programs (Adobe CS mostly) to work when I went from XP to Windows 7 and I'd prefer not to repeat that.

EdB

You should have no issues at all; just make the Windows 7 C: the "System" partition and make sure it's booting good all on its own before you go to Step Two.

No luck.

I made it through steps one and two and all worked fine. The XP OS was gone, Windows 7 was assigned Drive C: and the system rebooted into the usual configuration.

Then I ran step 3, Recover the space. After putting in the PWBD and re-allocating the space as instructed, I rebooted the system. The BIOS screen popped up (this is a Dell Dimension 8400). I closed it and the system started Windows as usual.

After the Welcome screen, the message changed to "Preparing your desktop". Uh oh. That message displayed for a couple of minutes, then Windows 7 opened to a blank blue screen, no menu/task bar/icons, just the mouse cursor and a message in the lower right corner:

Windows 7
Build 7601
This copy of windows is not genuine

And it sat there doing nothing, allowing nothing to be done. I rebooted several times, ran recovery several times, no change.

Right now I'm restoring the system (hopefully) back to where it was before I started this.

I let this go the last time I tried because I didn't want to waste time trying again (work to do!). Is there any reason I should try again?

Thanks,
EdB

PS: My copy of Windows 7 is genuine; I bought it as soon as it was released!

Hello mate.


I have no idea what could have gone wrong, hundreds have followed this tutorial and had excellent results and in fact another just used it to success at the same time you were at it.

Restore 2 partition system to one drive


I have never had an issue with this method, even complete non-experienced people have used it without issue.

If you receive the non-geniune error with lockout, it means the correct drive letter has somehow slipped during repairs or reimaging.

The solution is to use FREE Rescue Kit Express | PARAGON Software Group

Boot the Paragon cd - select Normal Mode , then Boot Corrector.

Correct drive letters in the system registry.



If this doesn't help, boot the DVD or REpair CD to run Startup Repair, making sure Windows 7 or it's 100mb boot partition is still marked Active.

I'm fairly sure that gregrocker's comment - drive letter slipped - is the right diagnosis. When the BIOS popped up it said something about disks being out of order but I thought it took care of it. I'll download the rescue kit and give it a try. If it doesn't work, I'll have to write it off as something this older computer can't do. I'm just happy it can run Windows 7 at all!

Question: when in the sequence should I do this? After step 2 or step 3?

Thanks,
Ed

Hello Ed.


I feel bad you're having issues and I'm sure Greg is right; I'll let him assist you as he's better versed with that than I; he should be back after-while.

And be sure to keep checking back and post back here with updates.

I'm not sure what Steps you're talking about. You are locked out of the OS, correct? What you need to do now is correct the drive letter to assure it is the exact same letter it functioned as before.

If so, boot Windows 7 DVD to run Startup Repair repeatedly after using PWBD to make sure Windows 7 is marked Active.

Try also entering Safe Mode by tapping F8 key at bootup to reactivate with Product Key..

Can you post back a camera snap of PWBD drive map with listings? Attach using Paper Clip in Reply Box.