Solved Changing Win7 System/Boot Partition without Reinstall

[Drakmyth]

Hello Windows Seven Forums,
I come here hoping you can help me both understand and determine how to fix this little issue. I've recently done a complete reformat of all three of the drives in my desktop and installed Windows 7 on (what I thought) was the largest of the three. Whether it was because I wasn't paying attention, or because the disk formatter is somewhat confusing, I seem to have somehow split the boot information and the windows install onto two separate drives.

First I would like to understand what the Disk Manager is showing me. I see four entries in the Disk Management tool. The first three (labeled Disk 0, 1, and 2) seem to be physical hard drives (each corresponding to one of the hard drives I have, each with a single partition). Below that is a single entry marked CD-ROM 0. Okay, simple enough so far.

I see the following:

Disk 0: C: - 698.63 GB NTFS - Healthy (Boot, Page File, Active, Crash Dump, Primary Partition)
Disk 1: F: - 232.88 GB NTFS - Healthy (System, Active, Primary Partition)
Disk 2: D: - 232.88 GB NTFS - Healthy (Primary Partition)
CD-ROM 0: DVD (E - No Media

The three disk entries are what I am interested in. From what I have discovered online, and please correct me if I'm wrong, each of these "tags" indicates something about what that drive is used for.

Boot - This drive contains Windows 7 (NOT the boot information, which would make sense)
Page File - This drive contains the paging file
Active - ???
Crash Dump - ??? (Crash Dumps get stored on this drive when the computer crashes?)
Primary Partition - ??? (First partition on the disk?)
System - This drive contains the boot information (NOT the operating system information, which would make sense)

Why the D: drive comes after the F: drive I have no idea. What I would like to do (I think) is move the System tag from F: to C: (plainly, put both Win7 and the Boot information on C:, and ideally on the same partition). The D: drive is currently formatted but has nothing on it, so I'm fine with reformatting (or deleting the partition) on that, and the F: drive only has the boot information on it. I would very much like to avoid having to reformat my Win7 install if it can be helped. I would also prefer it if this could be done without installing anything. I'm trying to keep this system as clutter free as possible and avoiding installing and uninstalling various programs is helping with that immensely.

I read that this may be possible using the bcdboot tool which comes with Win7, but I wasn't entirely sure how to go about it and thought I would ask here before I go wreaking havoc across my system. After that, and this is more of a minor cosmetic detail, I would like to put the drives in Alphabetical order with the CD drive being D: (i.e. Disk 0 = C:, Disk 1 = E:, Disk 2 = F:, CD-ROM 0 = D.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
~ Shaun Hamman

 

[seekermeister]

I'm not certain that I have followed everything that you said, but drive 0 should contain everything that it says that it does. These functions do not need separate drives or volumes. Which OS that it contains is not clear from what you said. It may be a bit late to say so, but I always strongly recommend installing each OS on separate drives...while all other drives are disconnected. This results in each OS being able to be booted from the F8 BBS Popup Menu and being entirely independent of any other OS that you may have installed.

As far as a direct answer to your question, I will have to defer to someone else who better understands how to deal with the boot functions of the OS.

 

[SIW2]

Hi Shaun,

Good post , nice and clear with all the needed info.

You're on the right track.

D/l this .zip, rt click it Properties>Unblock> Apply>OK .

View attachment bootsect.zip

Extract the .zip and copy bootsect.exe into your C:\windows\System32 folder.

Open an elevated command ( type cmd in start search box - when the black box pops up - rt click it and run as admin.)

Type the following , and press enter after each line:

bcdboot c:\windows /s c:

bootsect /nt60 c: /mbr

diskpart

sel vol c

act

sel vol f

inact

exi

close cmd prompt. Restart. You're good.

You might want to go into Bios and set Disk 0 as first HD in Bios boot order - not essential.

You need to keep the C letter for the 7 partition ( which you want to do anyway).

The others you can change as you like. In Disk Management, Rt click the one you want to change and select "Change drive letters and paths".

 

[Drakmyth]

Hi SIW2,

Thanks for the instructions. I will be sure to follow them as soon as I get home and will post my (hopefully successful) results.

~ Shaun

 

[Saltgrass]

To answer some of your questions, you installed Win 7 with Disk 1 being your primary drive, so that is where the boot files were placed. The OS was then installed where you told it to.

The way to make sure a drive is primary is to only have one drive or set it as first in the Drive priority in the Bios, which will then list it in the Boot device priority, or at least that is the way it works on my system.

The fact it says disk 0 or disk 1, etc., depends only on the SATA connectors and is not an indication of primary drive. The fact one partition says "System", may indicate which drive is primary (different partition managers may use different terminology). I have recently discovered that a System partition can be on a secondary drive, as long as there is no active partition prior to it.

Another option for changing your system is to set the Win 7 partition active, which you already have it appears. Then run the startup repair option from the install DVD 2 or 3 times.

Note: They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Win 7 has a neat little utility called the Snipping tool. Using it to make a picture of your Disk Management window and attaching it using the paperclip can be very helpful, although your description was very clear...But if you need additional information, you might use it.

 

[Drakmyth]

Thanks for the help everyone. SIW2's instructions worked like a charm. Should I have any other questions I'm definitely coming by here first. Friendly, informative, and fast! That's something the rest of the internet could use in spades.

I'll certainly check out the Snipping Tool if it seems a picture would explain things better as well.

Thanks again,
~ Shaun

 

[SIW2]

Shaun ,

You're welcome. Glad to be of help.

 

[schwig]

Hi, I would like to keep this thread going as I have a similar problem. I have a multiboot setup, with XP on my C: drive and Win7 on G:. Problem is, C: is considered the "system" disk, so I can't remove the hard drive and just have Win7, which is what I want to do.

Drakmyth's setup seems very similar to mine; here's a screenshot of my setup:


C: = XP
E: = Partition on the C drive
D: = various data, no OS
G: = Win7

Can I use the same bootsect.exe solution that SIW2 recommended for Drakmyth? I would greatly appreciate any help before I do something stupid and accidentally nuke my computer.

Thanks very much in advance,
Andy

 

[rickjaard]

i need help with this,
Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601]
Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

C:\Users\Server>diskpart

Microsoft DiskPart version 6.1.7601
Copyright (C) 1999-2008 Microsoft Corporation.
On computer: SERVER-PC

DISKPART> list vol

Volume ### Ltr Label Fs Type Size Status Info
---------- --- ----------- ----- ---------- ------- --------- --------
Volume 0 E DVD-ROM 0 B No Media
Volume 1 Root 300 GB NTFS Partition 394 GB Healthy System
Volume 2 C *WORKSTATIO NTFS Partition 71 GB Healthy Boot
Volume 3 F Removable 0 B No Media
Volume 4 D Removable 0 B No Media
Volume 5 H Removable 0 B No Media
Volume 6 G Removable 0 B No Media

i cant see the vol1 or root when i go to the computer /hard drives/c,d,e etc
can anybody tell me how can i change this.
sorry im not to good in comps.

rickjaard

 

[boyans]

Hi,

It would be better if you can post what is seen in disk management.
Use: Start - Run - diskmgmt.msc
"Snipping Tool" can take the screenshot and than attach or paste it.

You can do most of disk management on the GUI level instead of going to command line and diskpart.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello rickjaard, welcome to Seven Forums!


If a drive letter for "Volume 1" is not showing in Windows disk management, you may need to use diskpart from an elevated command window to give it one and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

Use the commands this way.

list volume

select volume 1

assign

exit

exit
​

 

[rickjaard]

Thank very much guys.

thanks very much guys,
i fix my problem with you guys is like fat kid playing dash-ball.
well don't want to bother you guys but my aero don't work i try this

cmd

net stop uxsms

net start uxsms

2.second

whent to performance info and tools and dont see the aero

what i heard about is,i have to turn off stardocks?

 

[rickjaard]

DESKTOP WINDOW MANAGER IS DISABLED I WHEN TO CMD WITH THE STEP ABOVE BUT IT NOT WORKING.
ALSO I HAVE THE PROGRAM SWITCHER THAT IS CONNECTED WITH AERO .​

AS WELL, WHEN TO PERSONALIZE ;​

THIS IS THE TROBLESHOOTONG REPORT​

Issues found [URL="http://www.sevenforums.com/#3"]Desktop Window Manager is disabled[/URL]
Desktop Window Manager is disabled
The Desktop Window Manager must be enabled in order to display Aero desktop effects such as transparency.
Detected
[IMG]res://sdiageng.dll/warning.png[/IMG] Enable the Desktop Window Manager
Completed[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT]Potential issues that were checked [URL="http://www.sevenforums.com/#6"]The current theme doesn't support Aero[/URL]
The current theme doesn't support Aero
The current theme Unsaved Theme doesn't support Aero desktop effects such as transparency.
Issue not present[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT][URL="http://www.sevenforums.com/#9"]Video card doesn't support required display settings[/URL]
Video card doesn't support required display settings
Your video card doesn't support DirectX 9.0 or higher, Pixel Shader Model 2.0 or higher, or doesn't have sufficient memory or memory bandwidth required to display Aero effects such as transparency.
Issue not present[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT][URL="http://www.sevenforums.com/#12"]Color depth is set too low[/URL]
Color depth is set too low
To render Aero effects, the color depth must be set to 32 bits.
Issue not present[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT][URL="http://www.sevenforums.com/#15"]Mirror drivers don't support Aero effects[/URL]
Mirror drivers don't support Aero effects
A running program uses a mirror driver (a type of display driver) which is not compatible with the Aero desktop experience.
Issue not present[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT][URL="http://www.sevenforums.com/#18"]Current power settings don't support Aero desktop effects[/URL]
Current power settings don't support Aero desktop effects
The Power Saver plan helps conserve power, and starts when your computer is running on battery power. When running your computer on battery power, Windows conserves power by disabling visual effects such as the Aero desktop experience.
Issue not present[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT][URL="http://www.sevenforums.com/#21"]Aero effects not supported on this Windows edition[/URL]
Aero effects not supported on this Windows edition
Some Aero features such as transparency are not included on certain Windows editions.
Issue not present[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT][URL="http://www.sevenforums.com/#24"]Themes service isn't running[/URL]
Themes service isn't running
Starting the Themes service will enable Aero desktop effects such as transparency.
Issue not present[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT][URL="http://www.sevenforums.com/#27"]Transparency is disabled[/URL]
Transparency is disabled
Transparency must be enabled in order to display transparent window borders.
Issue not present[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT][URL="http://www.sevenforums.com/#30"]Desktop Window Manager Session Manager service isn't running[/URL]
Desktop Window Manager Session Manager service isn't running
The Desktop Window Manager Session Manager service and the Desktop Window Manager process are used to display Aero desktop effects such as transparency. The service or process is currently stopped.
Issue not present[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT][URL="http://www.sevenforums.com/#33"]Video card driver doesn't support Aero effects[/URL]
Video card driver doesn't support Aero effects
The current video card driver isn't compatible with the Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM).
Issue not present[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT][URL="http://www.sevenforums.com/#36"]The Windows Experience Index has not been computed[/URL]
The Windows Experience Index has not been computed
The Windows Experience Index base score measures the capability of your computer's hardware and software configuration and is one of many factors that determine whether the Aero desktop effects can run.
Issue not present[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT]Issues found
[URL="http://www.sevenforums.com/#Detection"]Detection details[/URL]
6
Desktop Window Manager is disabled Detected
[IMG]res://sdiageng.dll/warning.png[/IMG] The Desktop Window Manager must be enabled in order to display Aero desktop effects such as transparency.
Enable the Desktop Window Manager Completed
Enabling the Desktop Window Manager will enable Aero effects such as transparency.[/LEFT]
 
 
 
[LEFT]Potential issues that were checked
[URL="http://www.sevenforums.com/#Detection"]Detection details[/URL]
6
The current theme doesn't support Aero Issue not present[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT]The current theme Unsaved Theme doesn't support Aero desktop effects such as transparency.
[IMG]res://sdiageng.dll/info.png[/IMG]
Theme settings
Service status: running Theme: Unsaved Theme Visual style: Aero.msstyles[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT]6
Video card doesn't support required display settings Issue not present[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT]Your video card doesn't support DirectX 9.0 or higher, Pixel Shader Model 2.0 or higher, or doesn't have sufficient memory or memory bandwidth required to display Aero effects such as transparency.
[IMG]res://sdiageng.dll/info.png[/IMG]
Windows display assessment
The file contains display related information based on the latest assessment. File Name: [URL="http://www.sevenforums.com/features.xml"]features.xml[/URL][/LEFT]
 
 
[LEFT]Color depth is set too low Issue not present[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT]To render Aero effects, the color depth must be set to 32 bits.[/LEFT]
 
 
[LEFT]Mirror drivers don't support Aero effects Issue not present[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT]A running program uses a mirror driver (a type of display driver) which is not compatible with the Aero desktop experience.[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT]6
Current power settings don't support Aero desktop effects Issue not present[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT]The Power Saver plan helps conserve power, and starts when your computer is running on battery power. When running your computer on battery power, Windows conserves power by disabling visual effects such as the Aero desktop experience.
[IMG]res://sdiageng.dll/info.png[/IMG]
Power settings
Details of power source and active power scheme. Source: Outlet Active scheme: 8c5e7fda-e8bf-4a96-9a85-a6e23a8c635c (High performance)[/LEFT]
 
 
[LEFT]Aero effects not supported on this Windows edition Issue not present[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT]Some Aero features such as transparency are not included on certain Windows editions.[/LEFT]
 
 
[LEFT]Themes service isn't running Issue not present[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT]Starting the Themes service will enable Aero desktop effects such as transparency.[/LEFT]
 
 
[LEFT]Transparency is disabled Issue not present[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT]Transparency must be enabled in order to display transparent window borders.[/LEFT]
 
 
[LEFT]Desktop Window Manager Session Manager service isn't running Issue not present[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT]The Desktop Window Manager Session Manager service and the Desktop Window Manager process are used to display Aero desktop effects such as transparency. The service or process is currently stopped.[/LEFT]
 
 
[LEFT]Video card driver doesn't support Aero effects Issue not present[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT]The current video card driver isn't compatible with the Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM).[/LEFT]
 
 
[LEFT]The Windows Experience Index has not been computed Issue not present[/LEFT]
 
[LEFT]The Windows Experience Index base score measures the capability of your computer's hardware and software configuration and is one of many factors that determine whether the Aero desktop effects can run.

 

[rickjaard]

By the way i used to have two monitors and i installed the 3rd one
it might be the problem?

 

[etrnlxdarkness]

Really need help with this!!

Hi Shaun,

Good post , nice and clear with all the needed info.

You're on the right track.

D/l this .zip, rt click it Properties>Unblock> Apply>OK .

View attachment 48712

Extract the .zip and copy bootsect.exe into your C:\windows\System32 folder.

Open an elevated command ( type cmd in start search box - when the black box pops up - rt click it and run as admin.)

Type the following , and press enter after each line:

bcdboot c:\windows /s c:

bootsect /nt60 c: /mbr

diskpart

sel vol c

act

sel vol f

inact

exi

close cmd prompt. Restart. You're good.

You might want to go into Bios and set Disk 0 as first HD in Bios boot order - not essential.

You need to keep the C letter for the 7 partition ( which you want to do anyway).

The others you can change as you like. In Disk Management, Rt click the one you want to change and select "Change drive letters and paths".

Hello! I ran across this thread while searching on how to fix my own problem. It almost exactly matches my issue. I was wanting to know if this advice would also work for my issue.

I recently had a drive go bad and when i reinstalled windows on a different drive I forgot to unplug the other drives. So it installed the System partition and I think the boot files to another drive. So now when I go to run a Ghost backup it wants to backup the other drive as well. That drive is 1.5 TB and is 37% full of my Photography stuff. I don't want all that in my backup because its too big and takes too long and also it changes too often to be backed up like that.

Anyway, enough rambling, I would like to move any of the necessary System files over to the C drive where it should have been in the first place. I don't care if it creates the 100mb part or not. There is enough space there. I just don't want my other drives to be associated with the Windows drive. I am also planning to replace that drive with a new Seagate Barracuda SATA III drive in a couple weeks. So being able to Ghost the drive and restore the image to the new drive will be much easier if I don't have to worry about System files on another drive being effected.

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

James

PS I have attached my Bcdedit and Comp Man snipes.

PSS Could you also explain to me what this actually does? I'm actually not a novice user I just wish to make sure this gets done right. I am fairly new to Win 7 and never even bothered with Vista so I am still learning all the new stuff. Lol

 

[gregrocker]

Unplug the Photo Drive, swap it's cable to Win7 HD so it is in Disk0 slot where it should be, make sure it remains first HD to boot in BIOS setup.

Since Win7 partiiton is already correctly marked Active, you only need to boot the Win7 DVD Repair console or System Repair Disk to run Startup Repair 3 Separate Times until Win7 starts on its own.

Once Win7 starts, power down to plug back in Photo HD, open an Elevated Command Prompt to mark Inactive all other partiitons besides Win7 which are currently wrongly marked Active: Partition - Mark as Active (Method Two).

 

[etrnlxdarkness]

Thanks!!

Unplug the Photo Drive, swap it's cable to Win7 HD so it is in Disk0 slot where it should be, make sure it remains first HD to boot in BIOS setup.

Since Win7 partiiton is already correctly marked Active, you only need to boot the Win7 DVD Repair console or System Repair Disk to run Startup Repair 3 Separate Times until Win7 starts on its own.

Once Win7 starts, power down to plug back in Photo HD, open an Elevated Command Prompt to mark Inactive all other partiitons besides Win7 which are currently wrongly marked Active: Partition - Mark as Active (Method Two).

Thank you very much!

I am now up and running again and everything is in order. Thank you for your help and advice. It is very much appreciated. I am posting the new screenshots so you can see that it worked perfect. Also Win 7 auto ran chkdisk and repaired the Photo drive of the unnessasary files.

 

[gregrocker]

Perfect. Always nice to see someone get it right.

 

[4th]

Hello! I ran across this thread while searching on how to fix my own problem. It almost exactly matches my issue. I was wanting to know if this advice would also work for my issue.

I recently had a drive go bad and when i reinstalled windows on a different drive I forgot to unplug the other drives. So it installed the System partition and I think the boot files to another drive. So now when I go to run a Ghost backup it wants to backup the other drive as well. That drive is 1.5 TB and is 37% full of my Photography stuff. I don't want all that in my backup because its too big and takes too long and also it changes too often to be backed up like that.

Anyway, enough rambling, I would like to move any of the necessary System files over to the C drive where it should have been in the first place. I don't care if it creates the 100mb part or not. There is enough space there. I just don't want my other drives to be associated with the Windows drive. I am also planning to replace that drive with a new Seagate Barracuda SATA III drive in a couple weeks. So being able to Ghost the drive and restore the image to the new drive will be much easier if I don't have to worry about System files on another drive being effected.

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

James

PS I have attached my Bcdedit and Comp Man snipes.

PSS Could you also explain to me what this actually does? I'm actually not a novice user I just wish to make sure this gets done right. I am fairly new to Win 7 and never even bothered with Vista so I am still learning all the new stuff. Lol

Hello!

first of all sorry for my bad English!

i'm almost same condition with etrnlxdarkness. The difference is i'm using Windows server 2008, i need to move System files to C: disk. i've searched a lot and i didn't find same post like this, so does it work on windows server 2008 standard? should i use windows 7 DVD or windows server 2008 DVD? i have to be very careful on this i dont want lose my system.

I hope you can help me, tnx in advance for your assistance!

 

[gregrocker]

It works the same. Mark C Active: Partition - Mark as Active

Unplug Disk0, swap its cable to C:Server HD, make sure it remains set to boot after DVD drive.

Boot the Server DVD Repair console to run Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times until Server starts on its own.

You can then plug back in old DIsk0 to Disk3, use it as a data drive or boot it if needed using one-time BIOS Boot Menu key - until ready to delete it using Diskpart Delete Partition Override command or wipe HD with Clean command.