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#11
Even if the Dell CDs do not work, you can protect yourself with images. This way you can avoid reinstallations - it is a lot easier. ( see my post #5 point C above).
Even if the Dell CDs do not work, you can protect yourself with images. This way you can avoid reinstallations - it is a lot easier. ( see my post #5 point C above).
OK, here's the link to the bootable Partition Wizard CD that can be used to finish what you want to do, just be sure to have back-ups of anything you don't want to lose just in case.
Partition Wizard Bootable CD
This doesn't really cover all of what you want to do but it'll give you some ideas.
Partition Wizard : Use the Bootable CD
Just one more little thing, it is completely ok for me to format the D drive right now?
As long as you're sure you have no further need of that data.
You can wipe the Recov Partition since you have the disks to restore Vista in case you want to sell the computer since you must keep your MSDN Win7.
Do any of the Dell utilities work now? If not, you can delete the OEM partition at the same time since you will most likely need to repair the MBR anyway when you recover the Recovery Partition space into Win7.
Keep in mind that the best way to do all of this is when reinstalling Win7, by zeroing the HD first. However with our favorite tool here, free Partition Wizard bootable CD, you can zero partitions piecemeal following these steps:
Back up files and a Win7 backup image externally. Boot PW CD, select 1 for screen res, rightclick OEM>Wipe Partition, OK. Rightclick Recov Partition>Wipe Partition, OK.
Now right click Win7 partition>Resize, grab left grey border to slide it all the way to the left side of HD, over the OEM and Recov deleted space, OK. Apply all steps.
Win7 will likely not boot now. Boot the Win7 DVD Repair console or Repair CD, click through to Recovery Tools list to run Startup Repair up to 3 separate times with reboots until Win7 starts.
I always run chkdsk after doing this to check the file system, but there is almost never any problem.
Supermati,
Use Partition Wizard.
Delete any partitions you do not want.
Locate remaining partition(s) as you want them.
Before you do all of this,
1) make a system repair disk (VERY IMPORTANT)
2) Use Windows Backup & Restore to backup to an EXTERNAL USB drive. This way you will always be able to recover from a disaster.
That said I will also give some links to other backup/restore software.
START | type System Repair | Enter key | Create Disc buttonCREATE A SYSTEM REPAIR DISC
Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup - Windows 7 Forums
DISK COPY/CLONE/PARTITION/BACKUP/RESTORE SOFTWARE
PARTITION WIZARD (a favorite of many SevenForum contributors)
Free download partition magic, partition manager and partition wizard online.
Free Download Magic Partition Manager Software – Partition Wizard Online
MACRIUM REFLECT
Macrium Reflect Backup and Hard Disk Imaging for Windows 7, Vista, XP and Server 2003/2008
Macrium Reflect. A complete hard disk image and backup software solution for your PC. Protect your personal documents, photos, music and emails. Upgrade your hard disk or try new operating systems in the safe knowledge that everything is securely saved in an easily recovered backup file
PARAGON BACKUP AND RECOVERY SOFTWARE
Free Backup Software: Paragon Backup & Recovery Free Edition - Overview
Backup & Recovery Free Edition
Total PC Protection for Serious Users! Take complete control of your PC’s safety. Based on solid commercial backup and recovery software from Paragon, the new Backup & Recovery Free Edition will give you a rich set of features that you can trust. Smart people backup; Backup & Recovery is smart backup.
EASEUS
EASEUS Disk Copy is a FREE reliable disaster recovery, hard disk copy, disk clone, partition copy, backup freeware. Support for all Hard Drive and removable drive.
EASEUS Disk Copy: Free Disk Copy, Disk Clone, Partition Copy Software. Sector by Sector for hard drive backup freeware.
WINDOWS 7
Backup & Restore (WIN | type back | Enter)
Disk Management (DiskMgmt.msc)
Disk Partitioning (DiskPart)
Thanks for the big help guys.
I'm delaying my partition for today as I'm now having problems with my iPod touch (battery depleting on standby), so I have to backup a couple of files.
When I'm done with that, I'll burn the partition application and try it out.