Adding a 5th partition

I am going to be helping a friend who has an HP computer that has 4 primary partitions already. We need to add a 5th partition.

Seems like the two options are:
1. convert a partition to Extended and add logical partitions in it

2. Eliminate the System Reserved partition, mark the C: partition as active, and then run startup repair 3 times to recreate the boot files into the C: drive.

Is this an accurate assessment, and if so, what are the tradeoffs of each method?

I know that with #2 you would lose use of the system tools that are there, but a Win 7 Repair Disc would work for those purposes when needed.

I don't have access to the computer now, so I can't post any screenshots.

Thanks

Personally, I prefer the extended partiton option.
To me, it has no down side.
The logical partitions can be bootable if an operaing system is installed on them.
Just my opinion.

If I am understanding correctly, are you both suggesting the same solution - to convert the C partition into a logical drive? Then to shrink it, and create a new logical partition in the unallocated space?

Are there any steps to be done to ensure that it stays bootable?

Thanks

I would not make the C: partiton logical. I would make one of the non operating system partitions extended and logical.
But then that's just me.

Not to go off topic, but is there a reason your friend wants to over-partition the crap out of his drive? Maybe there's a better way to accomplish the end result.

pbcopter said:

I would not make the C: partiton logical. I would make one of the non operating system partitions extended and logical.
But then that's just me.

Seems like the only other candidate for this would be the "HP tools" partition. (Probably better not to mess with the Recovery partition that is presently there). But I am wondering if HP Tools would still work if converted to logical. But in reality, I also am considering just deleting the contents of HP Tools and using it for my friend's needs, saving all this trouble. I am wondering how useful the HP Tools are anyway.

Mark Phelps said:

My own recommendation, having run into a similar problem, would be more along the lines of what you already proposed:
1) Move the Win7 boot loader files into the "C" partition. You can install EasyBCD from NeoSmart Technologies and it has a menu item to do this for you.
2) Reboot to confirm that the migration of boot loader files worked
3) Using the Disk Management utility, remove the small System Reserved partition. Reboot to confirm this was OK
4) Using the Disk Management utility, shrink the Win7 "C" partition to make some room; reboot afterward to confirm this was OK.
5) Add a new Extended partition into the unallocated space, and create Logical partitions inside that.

Would I be able to eliminate the System Reserved Partition using the Windows Startup Repair like I detailed in the first post? If I can avoid 3rd party software I'd rather do that.

DeaconFrost said:

Not to go off topic, but is there a reason your friend wants to over-partition the crap out of his drive? Maybe there's a better way to accomplish the end result.

I'll check with him and get back to you.

Thanks