Want to delete Win 8 partition on my primary HDD and install Win 8 Pro

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  1. Posts : 16
    win7 / win8 pro
       #1

    Want to delete Win 8 partition on my primary HDD and install Win 8 Pro


    Hi I don't want to be redundant here but here is my situation and what I would like to do: Just dont want to mess things up
    1) I currently have my my system set up for dual-boot with win7 and win 8 pro in separate partitions.
    Here's how my Disk Management looks:
    Want to delete Win 8 partition on my primary HDD and install Win 8 Pro-disk-mng.jpg
    What i would like to do is delete the win 8 partition and restore all that space back to my win 7 partition

    2) After i do that I have a second HDD that has Win 7 pro(upgrade) on it from an HP system that I had that the MB was damaged in a lightning storm. I would like to install win 8 pro(retail) on this drive(clean install) and set my system to dual-boot from the separate HDD's.

    My concern is what is the best way to do this and I do not want to mess up my MBR or anything when i do this.
    Thx if you could help me
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,660
    Windows 8 Pro (32-bit)
       #2

    Here's what I'd do:
    Delete K and extend C:

    use a utility such as EasyBCD (scroll down for the free version) to remove the reference to K from your MBR, and to set the timeout to 0 (to bypass the OS selection menu on the hard drive)

    completely remove the first drive, then connect the second drive and install (delete all partitions first)

    connect the first drive again.

    Now you can select your boot disk through your computer's BIOS. If you want to do it through MBR, then use EasyBCD.
      My Computer


  3. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #3

    +1, I can only emphasise to make 2 independent installations by disconnecting disk1 with Win7 when you install Win8 on disk2. Switching the boot sequence with the BIOS is a lot faster than via the double boot - for the Windows 7 system that is. It is also less messy regarding the bootmgr.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 16
    win7 / win8 pro
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Just to fully understand my first HD will be back to its original form without losing any data with the steps you have given me. Then I will unplug this HDD from my motherboard sata port. Plug in the second HDD to that same sata port and reboot. Then insert my win 8 pro upgrade disk and REBOOT to do a clean install on this HD.
    Then plug in the first HD to sata 0 and the second HD to sata 1 then reboot and from bios choose what drive i want to boot up to.
      My Computer


  5. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #5

    Correct. Except you need not change the Sata port for the second HD. Just unplug the first (win7) HD when you install on the second HD. This way you avoid that the BCD of Win8 is written to the first HD - it will get it's own bootmgr with it's BCD on the second HD.

    Then replug the first HD and enter the BIOS boot sequence (after power-on) to select from where you want to boot.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 16
    win7 / win8 pro
    Thread Starter
       #6

    FuturDreamz said:
    Here's what I'd do:
    Delete K and extend C:

    use a utility such as EasyBCD (scroll down for the free version) to remove the reference to K from your MBR, and to set the timeout to 0 (to bypass the OS selection menu on the hard drive)

    completely remove the first drive, then connect the second drive and install (delete all partitions first)

    connect the first drive again.

    Now you can select your boot disk through your computer's BIOS. If you want to do it through MBR, then use EasyBCD.
    Ok so after I connect the 2nd HDD with win 7 pro on it I want to delete all the partitions on it has thrown me off a little... ???? And also how do I then upgrade this drive to win 8 pro...sorry confused
      My Computer

  7.    #7

    To get the cleanest slate on the new Win8 install I would wipe it first from Win8 installer Command Line using Diskpart Clean Command. To access it enter the Repair Options after booting the installer. Make sure all other HD's are unplugged first.

    Then follow Clean Install with Windows 8 Upgrade.

    In addition to the excellent advice you've already gotten I'd set the preferred OS to boot first in BIOS setup, so you only need to access BIOS Boot Menu key to boot the other.

    If you prefer having a Windows Dual Boot menu, install EasyBCD (click Download - no Name or Email required) to add it from Win8.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 1,660
    Windows 8 Pro (32-bit)
       #8

    Since this drive was originally on another computer, the current install won't exactly work with the new system. Deleting all partitions ensures that you are starting fresh with now weird partitions.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 16
    win7 / win8 pro
    Thread Starter
       #9

    whs said:
    Correct. Except you need not change the Sata port for the second HD. Just unplug the first (win7) HD when you install on the second HD. This way you avoid that the BCD of Win8 is written to the first HD - it will get it's own bootmgr with it's BCD on the second HD.

    Then replug the first HD and enter the BIOS boot sequence (after power-on) to select from where you want to boot.
    ok i deleted and extend my c : drive with disk mng and it worked. then i opened EasyBCD and their was no reference to drive K anywhere... just showed my c: drive with windows 7?? an I ok to reboot now?
    Last edited by lonewolf66; 18 Dec 2012 at 00:19. Reason: spelling
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 16
    win7 / win8 pro
    Thread Starter
       #10

    I just cant mess this up...Will my MBR be ok>?
      My Computer


 
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