Solved How to properly remove Vista from dual boot with Windows 7?

[howardrg]

I have a Vista x64/Win7 x64 dual boot setup with Vista as the original OS. I'd now like to get rid of Vista and expand Win7's partition into Vista's old space. I have read up on this and have found lots of advice, some simple and some complicated. For example:

Simple: http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/15546-remove-windows-vista-dual-boot-system.html

Complicated: complicated: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/210983-dual-boot-delete-os.html

Could anyone point me to the best tutorial on this (bearing in mind that I have 64-bit OSs). Many thanks!

Howard

 

[gregrocker]

Please post back a screenshot of Disk Management - Post a Screen Capture Image
so we can give you the steps with certainty.

 

[howardrg]

Thank you. Here is the screenshot.

 

[gregrocker]

Unplug all other drives, boot into Windows 7 partition, move the Bootmgr - Move to C:\ with EasyBCD - Windows 7 Forums.

Reboot, confirm the System and Active labels are now on Win7 signifying it is booting itself. Then you can either delete Vista partition in Disk Mgmt Partition or Volume - Delete, or use Partition Wizard bootable CD to Delete Vista and then if desired Partition Wizard to Resize C Partition - Video Help

Since the left hand side of drive is slightly faster I would resize C all the way to the left, then if you don't want it to be full disk partition adjust the right border at the same time to make room for a storage partition. If you don't care about resizing C you can create the storage partition in the space where Vista is and not need to use PW. Partition or Volume - Create New

 

[howardrg]

Thank you gregrocker. Is it really necessary for me to open the computer case and unplug Disk 1? I can easily unplug Disk 2 because it's an external USB drive, but Disk 1 is mounted in the case.

 

[gregrocker]

The main risk of interference by other drives is if there is a drive preceding C which could derail the System files during repairs or reinstall. Since that doesn't apply here go ahead and move the Bootmgr, but be sure to confirm that only C is labeled System and Active after reboot.

 

[howardrg]

I am about to give this a try but am wondering about the last three steps posted here: http://www.sevenforums.com/installa...perly-remove-vista-dual-boot-windows-7-a.html. They are

1. clean boot manager
2. clean MBR
3. reset MBR with entry of current OS

Do I need to do this as well?

Thanks!

 

[gregrocker]

I gave you the steps to do this above. Those steps are not included. Where did they come from?

 

[howardrg]

Sorry -- those steps come from a tutorial published on sevenforums by "whs." It is here:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/210983-dual-boot-delete-os.html

 

[howardrg]

I used Easy BCD and my disk now looks like the attached screen shot. Before I delete the Vista partition and resize the Win7 partition I want to be sure that the multiboot selection screenwill not come up anymore (I'd like to boot directly into Win7 without being asked to select an OS). Should I first go into System Configuration/Boot tab and delete the Vista OS?

 

[gregrocker]

That's fine. Be sure to save a backup image of 7 first. Use the PW boot disk to resize into deleted Vista Video above.

 

[howardrg]

It went well. This is how it turned out. Thanks for your help!

 

[gregrocker]

Good job!