Windows 7: What partition should I use - SYX Venture...

I had a fatal crash on my new Systemax Venture and used the factory reset-reinstall disc to have it running again with windows 7 professional.



My hard-disk has 3 parts:
Image backup (C) 40 GB
Local disk (D) 276 GB
Local disk (E) 614 GB

I have no experience with this setup. What belongs to each disk? Where should programs be installed?

Thank you for your help - realesa

That is not what I would expect to see. Something may be wrong.

Programs would typically be installed to C, but your C is very very small.

I assume those 3 parts you refer to are AFTER you did the reset?

Best thing you can do is post a picture of Windows Disk Management so we can see more info about your partitions.

Windows 7 always is installed upon C when it is installed correctly by booting the installer. If you ran it from the OS then I'd do it over again correctly.

No factory recovery disks should reinstall the OS anywhere except C either.

If you have a Factory Image on the HD then I'd run it as the preferred first method of running Recovery since in such case disks should serve as backup.

You can also get the superior Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

Thank you friends for your speedy help!
Here is an update with a few more information:


After reinstalling windows 7 and utilities, my hard-disk has 4 parts:

System 500 MB on drive (C)
Image backup on drive (C) 40 GB (the ONLY drive with the letter C)
Local disk (D) 276 GB (this is on the same drive (C) but has a different name)
Local disk (E) 614 GB (this is on the same drive (C) but has a different name)

At the moment, I can start-up and work with my PC.
But I try to get programs and data back to my hard drive, I just don't know where to install them.
Of coarse, I can expand the size of the image backup (C) and add the programs there.
Then I could install DOCUMENTS in drive D or E.

My question again: where should the programs be installed?
Should I simple expand drive D (890 GB) and erase E?

I just hope you don't get my headache...
Thank you for your help - realesa.

Please post back a screenshot of your maximized Disk Management drive map and listings:

1. Type Disk Management in Start Search box.
2. Open Disk Mgmt. window and maximize it.
3. Type Snipping Tool in Start Search box.
4. Open Snipping Tool, choose Rectangular Snip, draw a box around full map and all listings.
5, Save Snip, attach using paper clip in Reply Box.

Tell us what is on each partition again as your description earlier makes no sense with every partition described as on the C drive. C should be its own partition, and only contain the OS.

Thank you Greg,
I am very happy to have you on the forum!
YES - I've learned to use the snipping tool...
You must have realized my weakness, but it's just another NEW thing for me...
After loosing all on my hard drive, I've installed the factory restore disk to the original setup when i first time used my PC.
The setup is original, provided by SYSTEMAX VENTURE.
YES - after the crash and re-installing, I've installed two more SATA drives, a 750GB and a 1.5TB.
They have nothing to do with the setup (partition) of the C-drive.

I have NOT installed any more programs on my PC, ready to begin with with a new installation.
With other words, whatever I've left from my crash is on my lap-top, ready to re-install on my new setup.
With the two additional SATA drives I should be able to back-up - restore - save whatever is needed.

NOW - I let you go, knowing that you have more important things to do and spend a few hours with your family!

Thank you very much, walter and dianne - owners Appliance and Air.

try to attach the picture...

I see that your Windows 7 partition is indeed on C but mislabeled "Image Backup" which you can keep or change by rightclicking C at Start>Computer to select Properties, type the new name in box.

I don't think 40gb is large enough for the OS partition so I would move the small amount of data off of D, then in Disk Mgmt rightclick to delete it, then Extend C into the full space.
Partition or Volume - Delete
Partition or Volume - Extend

Or you can Extend C to a size you want and then create a new D partition if you want a separate data partition there.

The benefit of having your User data folders on another partition is you can save a smaller Windows 7 backup image of C to another Hard Drive, then if Windows 7 ever becomes irreparable reimage to C while the data is intact, current and waiting on D. Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup
System Image Recovery

The easiest way to link your User folders from D is to copy them there from C, then rightclick each to add to the related Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums. Once they show up from D in each Library (Documents, Pictures, Music, etc) you can delete the content of those User folders on C.

Take your time to make sure you understand fully the choices to decide, asking back all the questions you need.

Thanks a lot GREG!
I use to be a computer freak, from the very first early day's (some 50 years ago)...
Ever since I've been working with pc's - NO problem. BUT, as my business and private live takes more and more time away, I' have probably lost the contact!
WINDOWS 7 - what a big step (forward and BACKWARD) and all the goodies they discarded... (st**** as in control panel)

With 68 years on my shoulder, a business, a BIG family in GA and SC and Switzerland, 165 acres of the most beautiful land (yes, about 18 acres need to be cut every... hmmmm days)

I have a pretty good chance to keep my pretty little wife - IF I can solve my computer problems SOON...

OK - I'll change the partitions, the image backup will be about 100GB and create a new partition with the rest D. I would like to keep the name IMAGE BACKUP, because I believe that there is a factory installed program to keep this updated (I'll find out)

Where would you install all the programs? I guess on C (image backup).
Thank you soooo much - walter and dianne (YES still with me...)

I'd install the programs on C.

Why is your backup image 100gb? That will waste a lot of storage area that you could save by having a secondary data partition as I described earlier. Then only the OS and programs will be in the image.