Windows 7: So this supposed to be impossible?

Ahh Haa, gotcha now. No, don't try to merge the 100MB reserved after it is created, that will make a mess.

Thank You

I have been told that you cannot install Windows 7 without it creating that extra partition. I just kept deleting and re-creating the partitions during the install process until it formated and installed without 2 partitions. When I posted this I was told that it was not possible.

I guess I will just wait and see if it causes any issues.

Actually it is possible to install Windows 7 without the 100Mb reserved if you like. As you said it's for Bit Locker which isn't in Windows 7 HP.
Here's how, whe you are installing, after all the loading files and updating stuff is done you are present with a window to select a language. At this point press Shift+F10, a cmd prompt will open.type in the following and press Enter after each line.

diskpart
list disk
select disk n Where n is the disk you are installing to. There aren't names or drive letters so go by the size listed to select the right one.

clean or clean all (clean all writes 0's to all sectors and takes about an hour per 320 GB)
create partition primary
list partition This should show your partition you just created, if not..
list partition
select partition and select the new partition.
format fs=ntfs quick
active
exit
exit
Now you can complete the install and there will be one partition, C:\ for the OS.
Here's mine:

Thanks I'll save that for next time.

Here is my desktop which I tried to do the same thing with and only have the one partition on my C:\ SSD Drive. I usually disconnect all other drives during a new install.

That looks fine mate. Don't do clean all on a SSD. Also I would recommend putting the SSD where it will be Drive 0. I forget why, but is supposed to be more efficient.
Taking all other drive off when installing to a SSD is the best practice, otherwise the installer may plop a 100MB partition on another drive.

I was looking at that and I can move the SSD no problem but drive 0 is a ide. I have yet to find away around it being assigned to 0. The 500 blue is in a swap cage, and brand new rma. So it's temporary but the cables can be swapped after shutdown.

I'm workin' with a 20 year old DFI Utra-d MB .. I figured a new laptop was a pretty good backup and I ended up with a free Windows 8 pro upgrade. I'll use that on another build.

Thanks Again

That's really asking for trouble and there's no good reason to do so. You wouldn't merge it anyway. The process to delete 100mb, mark Active and then write the System boot files to C is more involved.

Do you have an issue that requires you not to have the System Reserved partition? If so use the commands Gary gave you to create your partition(s) or use Partition Wizard CD.

I just prefer not having my hard drives partitioned. Never cared for it and never needed it till Win 7. I can live with it on this old desktop. I was just surprised I didn't have it on this new laptop after cleaning it up. I plan to try and install Win 7 to a SSD with UEFI enabled soon on the laptop. Take out the slow drive and put it in a backup enclosure. But not for awhile. I'm still trying to get use to which drivers and settings it needs to playback 3d movies and all this other new fancy technology.

I'm sure I'll need some help when I get to that time. Toshiba's driver downloads and support really suck.

You'll really need very few drivers after a Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

Just follow the steps closely, do all the rounds of Updates required and then import any drivers still missing from Toshiba webpage for your model.

Most all are in the installer or via Updates.

Thanks for the link. I hope your right. Getting the Laptop, blue ray, 3d, USB 3, blue tooth, wireless signal to a TV, and all the rest of these features working right has been more difficult than I was expecting. Add in the UEFI and I'm sure it will be a adventure.

Thanks Again