Windows 7: Does it matter about the 100 MB partition

Hi i have done a search and not found the answer to my question so i hope someone can help me.

I have installed windows 7 to my main desktop computer and i got the 100 Mb partition, now i have installed win 7 to my laptop the drive was already partitioned on when i look at the drives i have not got the 100 Mb partition, after the search i did on this forum i see the reason i did not get the small partition is because the drive was already partitioned, and this is normal.

But my question is will the instalation work or like this or do i need to remove all the partitions and start again.

Hope someone can advise me.

Hi sam49, Im assuming the laptop is booting? If so then you have nothing to worry about

For peace of mind though, please upload a screenshot of Disk Management (search for it in the Start Menu) and we will be able to tell you exactly what is going on.

Hi severedsolo

I have sent a screenshot tats if it works

Just to give you a little more information the screenshot will show three patritions. this is a toshiba laptop that was running windows Vista upto yesterday.

So win 7 is installed on the C: drive. the D: is the old data drive that was setup by toshiba with the restore data on it. and the F: the 1.46 Gb is the old hidden partition used by toshiba as the recovery data i just deleted the partition and reformated it.

I would like to remove this 1.46 Gb partition if i can.

Do you think it might be better to remove all the partition and start again

PS and yes the laptop is booting normal.

Your Windows 7 is correct and all contained within C.

I'm not sure why you didn't wipe the HD or use the installer to delete all partitions before install since you apparently don't want to preserve the Vista Recovery Partition. The installer would then have issued the 100mb System Reserved partition which places the Repair Console on F8 Advanced Boot Tools.

To do it now requires using a bootable Partition Manager. Download and burn Free Partition Wizard bootable CD using Windows Image Burner: Partition Wizard

Boot PW CD, rightclick delete F, click OK.

Then rightclick to Resize C, drag left grey border to the left to take up deleted F space, OK, Apply all steps.

If Windows 7 fails to boot, boot DVD Repair console to Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times

You can delete everything in D to use it as a Data partition if you haven't already. I'm assuming you made your Recovery Disks before wiping the Vista recovery partition so you have a path back if you decide to sell or gift the machine but keep your Windows 7 copy.
If not you'll have to order them when needed, or find a Vista retail installer for your version to clean reinstall.

Hello sam49, welcome to Seven Forums!


To resize Windows 7 into the space to the left of the C: partition, have a look at this tutorial at the link below, it's a complete step-by-step guide 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


Here's a couple others showing different non-destructive methods to create the new Windows 7 System Reserved partition after Windows 7 has been installed.

System Reserved : Create Using Disk Management

System Reserved : Create for Dual Boot

Hi guys thanks for the info, but i decided to delete all the partitions on my hard drive and reinstall windows 7 and now it has the 100mb system reserved partition.
I just need to split the hard drive swo i can have my data partition again.

Thanks for all the help

Hello again Sam.


Have a look at these 2 at the links below.


How to Shrink a Partition or Volume in Windows 7


and Method One in this one.

Partition / Extended : Logical Drives

Hi guys thanks for all the advice you have given mei have got this sorted now thanks to you guys.

Just one last question you talk about downloading the bootable version of partition wizard i have done this but it downloads as a zip file, when i open the zip files there is no ISO to burn so just how do i make a bootable cd plesase

Hello Sam.


At this link, is this what you are downloading?

Partition Wizard Free Bootable CD

click to enlarge

Yes the bottom one