Dual boot: remove original OS and keep W7?

[binni]

I wasn't quite sure which subforum to post this in, but this seemed the most appropriate one.

My laptop is dual booted with Vista as the original OS and Windows 7 as the other on a different partition. I've decided to use only W7 and get rid of Vista. Is there any way I can accomplish this, seeing as Vista is the original OS?

I was thinking about just formatting the partition that Vista is on and if it were to mess with the bootloaders, I'd just use the recover function on the Windows 7 installation disc, but I'm not able to format the Vista partition.

What are my options?

 

[reghakr]

It will not let you delete or reformat as it;s a system partition.

If you;d like to wipe out the old Vista drive, try GParted
GParted -- Download

Now you can choose the partition to delete Make sure you get the right one!.

Now go back to Windows and open Disk Management and you can great a partition in the unallocated space.

 

[binni]

Thanks for your reply

Just to make sure, if I do this and thus most likely remove the bootloader files (which I'm told should be on the same partition as the original OS) would the repair function on the Windows 7 installation disc fix the problems I would encounter due to the lack of bootloader files?

 

[reghakr]

Could you post a screen shot of Disk Management?

 

[binni]

Here you go

Windows 7 is on DATA and Vista is on OTHER

 

[reghakr]

You need to delete the D partition.

Not the size of the partition as GParted idebtifies the drive as sbv1

 

[binni]

After downloading GParted, I am at a loss. I have no idea how to run the program - Do you know where I could find instructions for it or if there is a more simple program I could use for this purpose?

And if I do manage to delete the Vista partition and thus most likely remove the bootloader files (which I'm told should be on the same partition as the original OS) would the repair function on the Windows 7 installation disc fix the problems I would encounter due to the lack of bootloader files?

 

[gregrocker]

Let's try the automated route:

Download and burn to CD Partition Wizard. http://www.partitionwizard.com/download.html

Boot into it. Right click on the first two partitions and delete each.

Now right click on your Windows 7 partition and mark it active.

Now right click again Windows 7 partition and choose Resize/Move and move the left border over to include all of the deleted Recovery and D: partition unallocated space before it. Further resize the partition as you wish. Execute all tasks.

Now boot into the Windows 7 installer Repair console and run Startup Repair at least 3 times, as it will try multiple repairs before finally rewriting the MBR to the moved C: drive.

When finished, use Win7 backup imaging to make an image of your HDD stored externally (and in a primary formatted partiton if you want) so that you never have to install again, just reimage the HDD or a replacement using the booted repair disk.

 

[reghakr]

I've never had a problem like yours, so I have never used the repair utility.

FAQ is located here:
GParted -- Frequently Asked Questions

help manual is located here:
GParted Manual

Yes, I;d try the repair utility if you are unsure about GParted.

 

[binni]

Thank you both for your help. I'll try the method gregrocker posted and report back afterwards . It won't be till a couple of weeks from now, though, since I don't want to do anything risky until after my exams .

One question: I have no need for the recovery partition any more?

 

[gregrocker]

Almost all recov partitions except some Dell become disabled when you take out Vista.

Now is the time, however, to make your Vista recovery disks if you haven't already.

However the only reason you'll need to reinstall Vista in the future is if you want to recover to factory condition for resale or because your maker requires that to service hardware warranty. And you could order the recov disks then if needed.

You can always clean install a Win7 upgrade without Vista, and by making a Win7 Backup image stored externally you never have to reinstall again, anyway - just reimage in 15 minutes.

 

[binni]

Thank you, that's all I needed to know for now

 

[binni]

I just wanted to drop by and let you know that everything went smoothly. I am now running Windows 7 on one big partition, just like I wanted. Thanks for your help

 

[gregrocker]

Great to hear back from you, binni.

You're most welcome.

Remember to make your Win7 backup image stored externally (and in a primary formatted partition if you want) so that you never need to reinstall Win7 again, just reimage the HD or a replacement in 15-20 minutes.

 

[binni]

I'll do that as soon as I get my hands on a bunch of DVDs (or even just a new external drive). Thanks again