Windows 7 - Recover Second Partition

Dave76 · 10-31-2009

Quote: Originally Posted by gregrocker

Quote: Originally Posted by BigOnTech

Im at the point where Im about to just shrink the size of that partition. All it contains is some boot file, so might as well shrink it to say 2GB and then I get 147GB back which I can then merge with the windows7 partition. Im getting frustrated but I do appreciate all the help.

This is not that hard. We have helped many recently bail out of XP and move their Windows 7 over into that space. This one isn't more complicated, just the decision whether to copy Windows 7 over onto deleted unallocated space where the first partition was, or move it so it takes up all of the disk space at the same time. I agree with Dave that moving it is best, but it is also risky and can fail so it would be best if you make a backup image of your disk to save on one of your other drives so you can quickly reimage if it fails.

Then if the other guys think the above steps are sound, it should work.

100% agree with Greg, backup the current HD first.
Then follow Greg's steps.

Move the slider on the Windows 7 partition to take up the space of the old XP partition.

Greg, do you think he needs the NTLDR now? That's only for XP isn't it?

I think SIW2's suggestion to apply each step might be better. One action then apply, see what it looks like.

gregrocker · 10-31-2009

Shrinking it down to leave some old XP boot sector remnants is not a good idea. Better to delete the first partition and move the Windows 7 to take up the entire disk - sliders both directions <> Right?

You have the plan. It will work.

Dave76 · 10-31-2009

Quote: Originally Posted by gregrocker

Quote: Originally Posted by BigOnTech

Im at the point where Im about to just shrink the size of that partition. All it contains is some boot file, so might as well shrink it to say 2GB and then I get 147GB back which I can then merge with the windows7 partition. Im getting frustrated but I do appreciate all the help.

This is not that hard. We have helped many recently bail out of XP and move their Windows 7 over into that space. This one isn't more complicated, just the decision whether to copy Windows 7 over onto deleted unallocated space where the first partition was, or move it so it takes up all of the disk space at the same time. I agree with Dave that moving it is best, but it is also risky and can fail so it would be best if you make a backup image of your disk to save on one of your other drives so you can quickly reimage if it fails.

Then if the other guys think these steps are sound, it should work:

Make an image backup to another drive using Windows 7 Backup imaging.

Use PW to delete the first partition.

Right click on Windows 7 partition>Modify>Convert to Primary, Mark Active, rightclick Move/resize>use slider to take up all space on disk. Apply all steps.

Boot into Windows 7 installer Repair MY Computer and run Startup Repair 3 times.

Looks good.

I edited my last post. I think it will be better to Apply each step, one by one.

Yes, the XP boot files will not be needed. Everything should be run from Windows 7 now that it's the only OS.

If you make some space the slider will move in both directions.

Minotar · 10-31-2009

Quote: Originally Posted by Dave76

Looks good.

I edited my last post. I think it will be better to Apply each step, one by one.

Yes, the XP boot files will not be needed. Everything should be run from Windows 7 now that it's the only OS.

Yes,apply each step one by one,i ran into problems becasue i didnt.

Looks good to me

gregrocker · 10-31-2009

Quote: Originally Posted by Dave76

Looks good.

I edited my last post. I think it will be better to Apply each step, one by one.

Yes, the XP boot files will not be needed. Everything should be run from Windows 7 now that it's the only OS.

I think we scared him off

Dave76 · 10-31-2009

He's probably starting with PW.

The PW disk is the best way to go.

He could run repair from the Windows 7 installation if need be.

I think PW will move the active flag to the next OS partition when the previous active partition is deleted, So it might make the Windows 7 partition primary at the same time.

BigOnTech · 10-31-2009

Quote: Originally Posted by gregrocker

Quote: Originally Posted by Dave76

Looks good.

I edited my last post. I think it will be better to Apply each step, one by one.

Yes, the XP boot files will not be needed. Everything should be run from Windows 7 now that it's the only OS.

I think we scared him off

Nope, didnt scare me off. I just went and did what I said I would. And if I delete the small space now 602MB the machine wont boot. I tried it but was able to recover even after I had done it the way I said I would but just to try what you were saying I went ahead and got it done. No good. Didnt work. So Ill leave it the way it is. At least I got 147GB recovered which now I can actually use. And then I didnt post back because it was late here so I needed some sleep after being up for 18hours. Like I said, Thanks to all of you for your input.

Minotar · 10-31-2009

I know your reluctant,but try the way i posted (originally posted by sw12) if you ever try again.

Dan

Dave76 · 10-31-2009

Glad that you got the HD space back.

Take a break, when you want to get rid of that little partition just come back and we'll get it.

Windows 7 - Recover Second Partition

Recover Second Partition problems?