Install Scenario and "strange" partition

Boras · 24 Oct 2009

Hello, everyone!
I'm new to this great Forum and my ignorance and inexperience already drops thanks to you guys, specially Tutorial writers. My insecurity is related to the clean install of Windows 7 Professional 32 bit(OEM version). When I get it I want the new one on C partition instead the present Dual-boot of XP Pro (installed first) and 7100 RC (logical drive) on the same and only physical drive.
Now, should I just delete RC partition from XP and than clean install 7 over XP or delete/format RC partition during installation.
I'm concerned about the boot files (bootmgr) on RC partition and the "strange" partition at the end. About the probable reason for the mystery(for me) partition:
My wife told me she tried to install Ubuntu(on a blank new drive) but than withdraw after 20 seconds and just ejected the DVD??

Can I delete it?
Here are the screenshots from Disk Manager and Paragon PM(for "strange" partition properties)

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Install Scenario and "strange" partition-paragon-pm-strange-h.jpg

Any suggestions and help are greatly appreciated but the most important thing is that I found a great place to learn.
Grettings!

Uber Philf · 24 Oct 2009

Hello Boras, welcome to the forums.

Now, if i read correctly, you would like to get rid of W7 RC and install W7 over your current XP install?

Boras · 24 Oct 2009

Thanks for quick replay. Yes, I'd like the new 7 Pro over XP and without RC. 7 Pro should "go" to C partition

wallyinnc · 24 Oct 2009

Boras, welcome to the forums and thanks for filling in your system specs completely
What version of Win7 do you have (Upgrade or Full)?

Boras · 24 Oct 2009

OEM version of Windows 7 Professional 32 bit(full)
Thanks for relpay

Uber Philf · 24 Oct 2009

Hmm, well before you go ahead with this, you should back all your important files up, to an external harddrive, or a flash drive, DVD etc. Also make sure your computer has the first boot device as the DVD drive.

This process should be as simple as sticking the DVD into your computer, and once you get to the install drive selection, click advanced, and delete the W7 RC Partition, and also delete the Xp partition.

You should now be left with one long rectangle in black with 'unallocated space' inside, select that for your install partition, and let it work its magic.

If you need any help, don't hesitate to ask.

Good luck!

Boras · 24 Oct 2009

Than, no fear about boot files and "strange" partition. I did a backup already.
If so, I love windows 7 and thanks again +rep

Uber Philf · 24 Oct 2009

Once its finished you will get a 100mb system partition, then your windows partition. you should be sweet to go :)

Boras · 24 Oct 2009

There will be NO windows.old folder and if I dont want 100MB system partition I could use this trick, right?
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/0...ing-windows-7/

Teerex · 24 Oct 2009

Boras said:

There will be NO windows.old folder, right?

No, it will be a clean install, and your System Reserved (100 MB) partition will allow you to perform startup repair (if needed), system restore point restores, and full backup restores right from your disk, with no need to go & get the Windows 7 installation DVD.