Install windows to a separate partition

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  1. Posts : 10
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #1

    Install users to a separate partition


    Hiya guys,

    I've been searching around for a way to install a copy of windows ultimate and keep the Users and programs on a separate drive.

    To expand a little better; I have a Toshiba satellite which keeps breaking and I've had to re-install 3 times in the last month. Unfortunately I'm a student and I can't really afford a decent replacement or a new drive.

    What I'd like to do is install windows on one partition, and have the Users and (if need be) the Program Files folder's located on another disc. This way the next time I have to re-install - in about a week - I won't have to boot a linux disc and back everything up before wiping the thing clean.

    Thank you.
    Last edited by joncy92; 26 Apr 2012 at 15:55. Reason: Title edit
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  2.    #2

    You have separate HD's, or just want a separate data partition on the same HD?

    Post back a screenshot showing your maximized Disk Mgmt drive map and listings using the Snipping Tool in Start menu so we can advise you better: Screen Shots

    Why do you need to reimage so often? How about getting a superior Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 using only the tools and methods to install and maintain your install given in the blue link. Then save your backup image to use in place of reinstall.

    Easiest method to link your files from another partition is to copy your User folders there and then rightclick on each to link to related Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums. Then you can delete the content of those folders on the OS drive so it becomes only OS and Programs.
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  3. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #3

    Well, depending whether you have a problem with Windows or a problem with the hardware, different strategies would apply.

    I have a Toshiba satellite which keeps breaking
    What does 'keeps breaking' mean. Do you get messages and which, does the system freeze, etc.

    Have you done a chkdsk /f on your disk. And also, do you have an external disk.
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  4. Posts : 10
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #4

    gregrocker said:
    You have separate HD's, or just want a separate data partition on the same HD?

    Post back a screenshot showing your maximized Disk Mgmt drive map and listings using the Snipping Tool in Start menu so we can advise you better: Screen Shots

    Why do you need to reimage so often? How about getting a superior Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 using only the tools and methods to install and maintain your install given in the blue link. Then save your backup image to use in place of reinstall.

    Easiest method to link your files from another partition is to copy your User folders there and then rightclick on each to link to related Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums. Then you can delete the content of those folders on the OS drive so it becomes only OS and Programs.
    Same HDD with separate partitions [drive screenshot attached].

    The problem I'm having is with the hard drive. It's pretty messed up but chkdisk doesn't find anything. When it decides to go tits up, the system will freeze completely forcing a forced shut down, on reboot the system gets a BSOD (in safe mode also). When booting the disc the system hangs and the only possible way to boot is using a linux distro. The only fix (and please believe this is the last thing I did) was boot GParted and delete the windows boot and windows partition and completely start again.

    The include options won't suffice as various applications need to recognise the link (like "documents and settings" and "Users").

    Thanks for your reply



    whs said:
    Well, depending whether you have a problem with Windows or a problem with the hardware, different strategies would apply.

    I have a Toshiba satellite which keeps breaking
    What does 'keeps breaking' mean. Do you get messages and which, does the system freeze, etc.

    Have you done a chkdsk /f on your disk. And also, do you have an external disk.
    As I said above, the system freezes, force shut down, restart, BSOD, must delete partitions. I've run a chkdisk even from boot and other ways nothing get's found.

    Thanks for your reply
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Install windows to a separate partition-disk.jpg  
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  5. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #5

    It looks like you have a Windows problem and not a disk problem. Your plan will not make that go away.

    I suggest you post a seperate BSOD thread with the BSOD dump attached. There are some excellent experts on this forum who will be able to decypher that and can tell you how to fix it.
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  6. Posts : 10
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #6

    whs said:
    It looks like you have a Windows problem and not a disk problem. Your plan will not make that go away.

    I suggest you post a seperate BSOD thread with the BSOD dump attached. There are some excellent experts on this forum who will be able to decypher that and can tell you how to fix it.
    How can this be if I've re-installed several times with different discs?
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  7. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #7

    Only the dump will tell. It is very possible that there are conflicts from programs that you installed.
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  8. Posts : 10
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #8

    whs said:
    Only the dump will tell. It is very possible that there are conflicts from programs that you installed.
    Okay, guess the dump will have to wait till next system failure D:

    Edit: Just realised that the BSOD wouldn't come up from safe mode if it was a program/software conflict because the program causing the issue wouldn't be loaded.
    Last edited by joncy92; 26 Apr 2012 at 20:58.
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  9. Posts : 10
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #9

    bump
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  10.    #10

    GRUB on the HD can corrupt Win7 beyond repair.

    I would wipe the HD with Diskpart Clean Command from the latest Win7 official DVD available in tutorial below, using DISKPART At PC Startup.

    Then follow these steps to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 which are the same for retail. Use only the tools and methods in the tutorial to get and maintain a perfect install.

    If problems persist work through these Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7 - Windows 7 Forums.

    If you cannot boot use these steps for Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Boot - Windows 7 Forums
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