Changing system partition

[xDinichx]

Hello!
I have two disks
C: - Windows XP
D: - Windows 7

I want to format XP so I can use only partition with 7 on it. I can't do it 'cause C: is system partition. Can I do something about it?

Note that this is all on a netbook so i run installation from another partition (E

 

[DeaconFrost]

I "believe" you could delete C, use a partitioning tool like PartedMagic to resize D to the entire disk, and then run a startup repair on Windows 7 to make it bootable.

 

[theog]

Do this first, before you delete any of the partitions.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html?ltr=U

Post back when you have.

 

[theog]

I "believe" you could delete C, use a partitioning tool like PartedMagic to resize D to the entire disk, and then run a startup repair on Windows 7 to make it bootable.

That would delete the boot files.

 

[DeaconFrost]

That would delete the boot files.

Yes, but then the Startup Repair should put them back onto the Windows 7 partition, making that bootable.

 

[theog]

That would delete the boot files.

Yes, but then the Startup Repair should put them back onto the Windows 7 partition, making that bootable.

No files to repair, there deleted.

 

[xDinichx]

I'll try to make iso from installation files, make bootable usb and post something here

 

[DeaconFrost]

No files to repair, there deleted.

Do you understand the process I'm suggesting, or have you ever done a startup repair before?

Yes, the startup files will be deleted once C is deleted...but the startup repair makes the former D drive bootable by adding/replacing the necessary boot files. That's why it is called the startup repair....because it takes a non-booting partition, and makes it bootable. This is very common for people wanting to undo a dual-boot and make the system run one and only one OS.

 

[DeaconFrost]

I'll try to make iso from installation files, make bootable usb and post something here

Try out this tool. it simplifies the job.

Microsoft Store: Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool Help

 

[xDinichx]

Yea but to make USB i need iso and all I have are files from DVD...

 

[DeaconFrost]

I thought that was the tool MS offered for those who downloaded just the install files, and needed to turn them into the .iso file. I thought it pulled in those files and gave you a choice to output to .iso or to a USB drive.

 

[theog]

Yea but to make USB i need iso and all I have are files from DVD...

Follow the tutorial, copy & paste all data to USB.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello xDinichx.



If you want to delete XP and just run Windows 7?

You will need to mark the D: as "Active" in disk management as I have E:, right click and select "Mark as Active" then you will need to run at least 3 separate startup repairs with re-starts between the repairs; have a look at the tutorial at the link below. Then you can delete XP if you want.

How to Run a Startup Repair in Windows 7

click image to enlarge

​

 

[theog]

Those files would need to be Copyed & pasted over first.

 

[xDinichx]

Sorry on DP. I made and .iso file which I put on the USB with that tool you gave me and now the installation is working fine so far. If I find some errors or questions I'll post it here

Thank you again. Dino

 

[theog]

Are you now doing a clean install? If Yes. That a look at this tuyorial first, this will clean your HD.


http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-optimize-windows-re-installation.html

 

[gregrocker]

MS made good on not providing ISO downloads here: Microsoft Fixes Windows 7 Student Edition Upgrade Problems

You can unlock all versions in the ISO using this tool: http://lifehacker.com/5438005/eicfg...-use-any-product-key-with-your-windows-7-disc

However to recover the MBR into Win7 so you can start it without XP, you only need a Repair CD: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2083-system-repair-disc-create.html

The procedure is to mark Win7 Active from XP disk management, or using DISKPART from the DVD Repair console or Repair CD: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/71432-partition-mark-active.html

Next power down to unplug XP HD, change its cable to or set Win7 HD as first HD to boot in BIOS setup (after DVD drive), Boot the 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.

 

[xDinichx]

I ran clean installation with no problems thanks...

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello again xDinichx.



Glad you found a solution that worked for you; thanks for the update.