Clean install W7 without extra partitions

septimus · 13 Sep 2017

There are three partitions currently on my disk.

I know that 100Mb section is for boot files and a reserved section (14Gb, really???) is for recovery. But I would prefer to have just one solid partition with all boot files on it and with no extra partitions. I understand I can do it only during the installation process using the command line or formatting/deleting partitions. Could someone give me a step-by-step procedure? Or direct me to the tutorial?

I do not plan to use the bit-locker or the dual boot, so I assume having one full 300Gb partition would be better than having 14Gb on a separate reserve. 100MB OEM partition does not look usefull to me either.

mrjimphelps · 13 Sep 2017

The 100 MB OEM partition contains the factory rebuild data, in case you ever need to do a factory rebuild.

I suggest that you keep that partition, because you can't get Windows 7 anymore, and that may be the only way you can rebuild the computer to a fresh Windows 7 setup if you ever need to. Also, it takes up almost no space on your hard drive.

I'm not experienced enough on combining/deleting partitions to advise you how to combine the various partitions into one new partition.

AddRAM · 13 Sep 2017

Backup all your data 1st.

If you are going to reinstall W7 then I`ll assume you have the install media, if not you`ll have to download the Iso file and create an installer.

Here is the tutorial, use Diskpart to setup the drive, and you`ll have 1 nice clean partition, I always setup my Windows drive like this.

To run Diskpart at 1st boot, use Method 1

DISKPART : At PC Startup - Windows 7 Help Forums

Once you are there use the commands given here, it should not take you more then 5 minutes to setup the drive. Go slowly, type them exactly as they are written.

SSD Alignment - Windows 7 Help Forums

A Partition Wizard Boot CD is capable of doing the same thing.

This is just an example, as I`m using W10 right now, but my W7 ssd looks exactly the same.

Ask any questions BEFORE you proceed :)

AddRAM · 13 Sep 2017

This process can also be used if you don`t want to wipe out windows and reinstall.

In a nutshell, you have to write the system files to (C) your windows partition, but it has to be marked Active in order to do that, this will do it for you.

Bootmgr - Move to C:\ with EasyBCD - Windows 7 Help Forums

Notice how your Recovery partition is marked Active and how it contains the system files, then notice how mine are all on C :) that is the difference.

Once C is marked Active and it shows the system files, then you can delete the 2 partitions to the left of C and then extend C to the left with Partition Wizard to add the unallocated space.

Best Free Partition Manager for Windows | MiniTool Partition Free

In my opinion, I would just leave your drive alone, you`ll only gain 15 GB and you will wipe out your recovery partition, as already suggested.

But if you really want the extra space, then carry on :)

Solarstarshines · 13 Sep 2017

AddRAM said:

This process can also be used if you don`t want to wipe out windows and reinstall.

In a nutshell, you have to write the system files to (C) your windows partition, but it has to be marked Active in order to do that, this will do it for you.

Bootmgr - Move to C:\ with EasyBCD - Windows 7 Help Forums

Notice how your Recovery partition is marked Active and how it contains the system files, then notice how mine are all on C :) that is the difference.

Once C is marked Active and it shows the system files, then you can delete the 2 partitions to the left of C and then extend C to the left with Partition Wizard to add the unallocated space.

Best Free Partition Manager for Windows | MiniTool Partition Free

In my opinion, I would just leave your drive alone, you`ll only gain 15 GB and you will wipe out your recovery partition, as already suggested.

But if you really want the extra space, then carry on :)

Good Job Brian that was a good explanation

septimus · 14 Sep 2017

AddRAM said:

Backup all your data 1st.

If you are going to reinstall W7 then I`ll assume you have the install media, if not you`ll have to download the Iso file and create an installer.

Here is the tutorial, use Diskpart to setup the drive, and you`ll have 1 nice clean partition, I always setup my Windows drive like this.

To run Diskpart at 1st boot, use Method 1

DISKPART : At PC Startup - Windows 7 Help Forums

Once you are there use the commands given here, it should not take you more then 5 minutes to setup the drive. Go slowly, type them exactly as they are written.

SSD Alignment - Windows 7 Help Forums

A Partition Wizard Boot CD is capable of doing the same thing.

This is just an example, as I`m using W10 right now, but my W7 ssd looks exactly the same.

Ask any questions BEFORE you proceed :)

Success! Thank you very much!

AddRAM · 14 Sep 2017

Excellent :)