Solved Reformatting & Reinstalling Windows 7 64bit on current HDD/SSD

[SeanHogan]

Okay, perfect. So I would need to cut off power again to my PC to plug back in the HDD? Then Diskpart from there?

 

[gregrocker]

Yes, Unplug the power cable and drain the power button for a few seconds any time you go inside. Then be sure to touch the case before touching any electronics to guard against static discharge which can ruin the mobo or other components.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Yes. Power off and reconnect the HDD.

You can use diskpart if you want, but a simple deletion of partitions and reformat within Windows Disk Management should work fine.

 

[SeanHogan]

Awesome. Will do that.

I should be back shortly to let you know how it went.

 

[whs]

Is there still a running system on Disk1 that you are using. If not, I would deactivate the 100MB partition there - with the bootable CD of partition wizard (last entry on the webpage).

I don't believe so? This is what I get through Disk management when I just checked now.

Keep in mind that my HDD (Disk 1) is still unplugged.

From this picture, it is hard to tell what is on Disk1. But if you believe there is nothing valuable on it, I would just reformat it (fast). That is probably the easiest.

And as Greg says, make frequent images of your SSD. I make them 3 times per week with free Macrium. Here is how: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html?ltr=I

I would use at least half of the HDD to store those images. But you can make the HDD just 1 single partition and divide it with folders. That gives you the most flexible use of space.

 

[SeanHogan]

Okay, So I plugged it back in, and deleted the "System Reserved" 100MB from the disk, then formatted it (took literally 5 seconds?) But now it is still highlighted in blue. Is this okay?

 

[gregrocker]

Delete the partitions and create new ones using the tutorials I provided, unless you want a 100mb and a 300gb partition for data.

Are you sure you have all of your data off of the old Win7 partition? You can keep it for awhile to be sure.

 

[SeanHogan]

I'm going to Partition it now with the "How to create a new partition" link.

And yep! I'm sure. I just recently built this computer about a month ago, and I didn't have much on it. I moved everything over to my external so I could do this. I wanted the faster OS speeds of an SSD. My HDD Is a 300GB velociraptor from WD. 10,000 RPM. It's pretty fast regardless. Just, well...wanted one.

 

[SeanHogan]

I'm having trouble. I cannot delete the 101MB "Unallocated" part from Disk 1. Nor can I extend it over to make a full drive, to THEN break up.

 

[whs]

Just fully delete the other partition. Then you will have one contiguous free space.

 

[gregrocker]

It's already deleted which is why it is Unallocated Space. Do the same for the other partition.

Then Create your partition(s).

delete the partitions on HD in Disk Management: Partition or Volume - Delete

Then create new HD partitions as you wish: Partition or Volume - Create New

 

[SeanHogan]

Just fully delete the other partition. Then you will have one contiguous free space.

I'm an idiot. Thanks. Once I stare at something for so long, I start to NOT understand it.

 

[whs]

Just fully delete the other partition. Then you will have one contiguous free space.

I'm an idiot. Thanks. Once I stare at something for so long, I start to NOT understand it.

That happens to most of us. I constantly search for my glasses - that are on my nose, LOL.

 

[SeanHogan]

Just fully delete the other partition. Then you will have one contiguous free space.

I'm an idiot. Thanks. Once I stare at something for so long, I start to NOT understand it.

That happens to most of us. I constantly search for my glasses - that are on my nose, LOL.

Oh boy does that sound like me!

Well now I'm going to restart my computer, and see how everything is checking out. (Including boot times)

 

[whs]

The best way to check boot times is in Event Viewer drilling down like this:

Applications and Service Logs
Microsoft
Windows
Diagnostics - performance
Operational
Event ID 100

 

[SeanHogan]

Everything is A.O.K.!


Thank you so much for your help everybody. You are all such huge helps.

 

[whs]

You are welcome. Stick around. This is a fun place to be.