remove XP bootable partition

[QUOTE=DocDJ;1360235]Tried to run system repair from my original Win7 DVD (but it said it did not match the version of the OS I was trying to repair)[quote]
This happens if you have installed SP1 and you original does not include SP1. Repair will work if you uninstall sp1, run "repair your computer" from the original disk to rebuild boot loader, then reinstall SP1. At least it worked for me.

If you are saying you have also restored the xp partition, use bcdedit freeware to delete it.

If you are not using it, minitool partition wizard works well for partition rearrangement.
Free Partition Magic alternative. Free Partition Manager Software for Windows 7/VISTA/XP/2000 and Windows Server 2003/2008/2000.

[QUOTE=gregglee;1360470][QUOTE=DocDJ;1360235]Tried to run system repair from my original Win7 DVD (but it said it did not match the version of the OS I was trying to repair)

This happens if you have installed SP1 and you original does not include SP1. Repair will work if you uninstall sp1, run "repair your computer" from the original disk to rebuild boot loader, then reinstall SP1. At least it worked for me.

If you are saying you have also restored the xp partition, use bcdedit freeware to delete it.

If you are not using it, minitool partition wizard works well for partition rearrangement.
Free Partition Magic alternative. Free Partition Manager Software for Windows 7/VISTA/XP/2000 and Windows Server 2003/2008/2000.

I did use Partition Wizard (bootable), but it would not slide the Win7 Primary partition past my logical partition. Had to delete it first. Still womdering about the other problem (not genuine, etc).

We see the non-genuine lockout after imaging or repartitioning about once per month here. It results from drive letter slippage and is resolved using Paragon Rescue CD as follows: Paragon Rescue -change drive letters.

Since you have your data backed up, I would use Acronis free version (if you have Seagate or WD HD's involved at all), Macrium Reflect, or Paragon 11 freeware to reimage to the first partition space after deleting XP and resizing data to make enough room.

Then after marking Win7 active, I'd try the Rebuild MBR tool on PW CD Disk Tab, as it might preclude the need to boot the Win7 DVD/Repair CD to run Startup Repair up to 3 separate times with reboots to write the System Boot Files to Win7 and start it up.

If you'll post back a screenshot of your maximized full Disk Mgmt drive map with listings, we can give you the exact steps and see if there are any wild cards.

gregrocker said:

We see the non-genuine lockout after imaging or repartitioning about once per month here. It results from drive letter slippage and is resolved using Paragon Rescue CD as follows: Paragon Rescue -change drive letters.

Since you have your data backed up, I would use Acronis free version (if you have Seagate or WD HD's involved at all), Macrium Reflect, or Paragon 11 freeware to reimage to the first partition space after deleting XP and resizing data to make enough room.

Then after marking Win7 active, I'd try the Rebuild MBR tool on PW CD Disk Tab, as it might preclude the need to boot the Win7 DVD/Repair CD to run Startup Repair up to 3 separate times with reboots to write the System Boot Files to Win7 and start it up.

If you'll post back a screenshot of your maximized full Disk Mgmt drive map with listings, we can give you the exact steps and see if there are any wild cards.

Thanks for the valuable links and tips. I've attached my drivemap so you can see if there are any special problems. Because I am back to using my original system for accessing my work-related data, I can't apply these tips until late May or early June (I teach), when I won't be needing the system for that. I've downloaded the Rescue Kit and will get the Acronis Free too. I suppose I'll have to move my E: logical partition to another drive, so it isn't sitting between XP and 7 (or will Acronis slide 7 across it?).

It isn't necessary to move your middle Documents partition, just delete XP using PW CD, create a new partition in the space to the left of E, reimage C there.

Boot PW CD, mark Win7 partition Active, from Disk tab click Rebuild MBR, see if Win7 will start. If not boot the Win7 DVD Repair console or Repair CD to run Startup Repair up to 3 separate times until Win7 starts. Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times

This might be able to be accomplished by simply copying the partition using PW CD, since there is no MBR to copy. You can leave the source partition on the HD until you make sure the copy works, as it will be inert once it's System Active flags are transferred to the copy by marking Active and Rebuilding MBR or running Repairs.

[QUOTE=DocDJ;1360549][QUOTE=gregglee;1360470]

DocDJ said:

I did use Partition Wizard (bootable), but it would not slide the Win7 Primary partition past my logical partition. Had to delete it first. Still womdering about the other problem (not genuine, etc).

I have used partition wizard, running from windows, to "slide" a system partition to the beginning of the drive. However I did it in steps rather than queue several steps at once, just be be cautious. 1. move the existing first partition contents then delete the partition. 2. Expand the system partition left (as depicted on the PW display) to the beginning of the drive. 3.(Optional) reduce the system partition from the right side to whatever size you want. I have done this both to the active system partition, and to another inactive system partition in the multiboot. (One advantage of a multiboot system is that you can (carefully) edit or manipulate partitions of another inactive system.

I concur on using acronis for cloning a system to another partition. I used the WD version. I have only used it to move from one drive to another, rather than between partitions on the same drive. Note that acronis, like many apps, installs a startup program that is not straightforward to kill. Not sure what it is for. Uninstall acronis after you are finished to get rid of it.

I do the same with Acronis, Gregg, although those services can be turned off in Services.msc or msconfig once Acronis is run.

With Acronis installed OP might be able to backup the image, delete XP, create Partition and apply the stored image, all from Win7 on C.

What do you think about OP copying C over to first partition using PW CD? I have done this before when the MBR isn't included and it worked fine - even lets you change the drive letter. Others think you must use imaging.

gregrocker said:

It isn't necessary to move your middle Documents partition, just delete XP using PW CD, create a new partition in the space to the left of E, reimage C there.

Boot PW CD, mark Win7 partition Active, from Disk tab click Rebuild MBR, see if Win7 will start. If not boot the Win7 DVD Repair console or Repair CD to run Startup Repair up to 3 separate times until Win7 starts. Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times

This might be able to be accomplished by simply copying the partition using PW CD, since there is no MBR to copy. You can leave the source partition on the HD until you make sure the copy works, as it will be inert once it's System Active flags are transferred to the copy by marking Active and Rebuilding MBR or running Repairs.

Thanks. I'll try that when I finish the semester.