Windows 7: Which partitions do I actually need?

As nice as that would be to do, I can't access 'system' partition or 'HP_tools' partition. I can delete or resize them in the partition manager but that's it. Unless you know how to access those files, that's not possible.

You should be able to move your boot files from System to C using this tutorial.

Bootmgr - Move to C:\ with EasyBCD

What "partition manager" are you using? The recommended tool is Partition Wizard bootable disc.

The one that comes with windows 7

I assume you are referring to Disk Management?

It works for most operations but has it's limitations.

Yeah that's the one! Would the system still boot ok if I move the system partition?

You wouldn't move the system partition. You would move files from it to C.

Just like the tutorial says.

Yeah that's what I meant, but would it just be safer to delete the HP tools partition and make a new partition in its place?

I would leave the system reserved partition alone. Gregrocker was the first to point out to me that without the system reserve partition, you cannot use the Repair console with advanced boot options (F8 menu accessed at startup). It is actual recommended to extend the system reserve partition when dual booting.

Ok I'll bear that in mind when I install the other OS. Would it still be ok to remove the HP tools partition? Could I still restore windows 7 without it? And does it contain the quick dock install files? So they wont be installed during reinstalling win 7

If I had no interest in the HP tools or recovery partitions, I'd get rid of them.

As far as I know, there is nothing in either of them that is needed for Windows to boot or run properly, but you might get a second opinion.

Your "system" partition is marked as both active and system.

You say you have already made recovery disks and that your PC is out of warranty.

I'd also download a Windows 7 ISO and burn it to a disk so I could do a clean install using the existing Product Key.