I don't want to have two boot drives of Win 7 on the same computer.

[jhmac77]

Need to do Win 7 install on 50 gb partition and keep my 200+ win 7 install intact but don't want to use it as a boot and dont want to delete it just to get rid of Windows and boot. I want to use it just as a data drive. Dont want to have to activate the new small drive.

 

[karlsnooks]

jhmac,
submit following:
HOW TO POST A SNAPSHOT OF DISK MANAGEMENT DISPLAY
Run disk management:
WIN | type DISKMGMT.MSC | ENTER
This method gives you a display without the unneeded navigation pane.
WIN=key with Microsoft logo on top.

Maximize the output of Disk Management:
ALT-Spacebar key combo | X key (selects Maximize) |
Drag the field separators (such as between Status and Capacity) to show entire field.


Make a snapshot:
WIN | type SNIPPING | ENTER | New
Drag the cursor around the area you want to snip.
File | Save as | select save location and name | Save


Post the snapshot:
Post a File or Screenshot in Seven Forums

 

[gregrocker]

The correct way to uninstall Win7 is to delete it's partition in Disk Management. So if you can move your data off to external HD, another internal HD, DVD, or upload to 7gb free storage for each Windows Live ID on Skydrive.

Then boot the installer to delete all partitions and create new as you wish, follow these steps to get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 - they're roughly the same steps for retail as for OEM.

If you can't move your files off then try shifting them to another data partition you create by gradually shrinking C until you can format it and reinstall. Use Partition Wizard resize function to do this: Partition Wizard Move/Resize Partition Video Help.

Or as a last resort if you still want to keep the old OS, when you shrink the new install partition and install on it then the installer will configure a Dual Boot with the old Win7 no matter what - although you can hide it in Startup and Recovery settings.

An easy way to link your files from the old partition is to rightclick on each User folder in new Win7 to add it to the relevant Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums. The old User folders will then appear whenever you open your Documents, Pictures, Music, Favorites, etc. - you'll have to add Downloads, though.

 

[jhmac77]

My big drive is too big and takes forever to transfer to another hd if I had an empty one. Don't understand Karlsnooks response.

 

[gregrocker]

So do any of the other options I outlined interest you?

And can you post back the requested screenshot of your Disk Mgmt drive map and listings, using Snipping Tool in Start Menu?

 

[karlsnooks]

which part of this do you not understand:
HOW TO POST A SNAPSHOT OF DISK MANAGEMENT DISPLAY
Run disk management:
WIN | type DISKMGMT.MSC | ENTER
This method gives you a display without the unneeded navigation pane.
WIN=key with Microsoft logo on top.

Maximize the output of Disk Management:
ALT-Spacebar key combo | X key (selects Maximize) |
Drag the field separators (such as between Status and Capacity) to show entire field.


Make a snapshot:
WIN | type SNIPPING | ENTER | New
Drag the cursor around the area you want to snip.
File | Save as | select save location and name | Save


Post the snapshot:
Post a File or Screenshot in Seven Forums

 

[jhmac77]

Where is my message??? I like small drives faster and can put most data on bigger drives!!!

 

[jhmac77]

This is really out of order!

 

[karlsnooks]

This is really out of order!

Help us here. What is out of order?

 

[jhmac77]

everything!

 

[karlsnooks]

everything!

Please be specific.

 

[gregrocker]

I gave you a number of possible options how to handle the installing another Win7 while preserving your files on the old Win7 installation. These options take into account whether or not you have adequate backup space to move the files off first, and if not how to remove the old OS while keeping the files in place.

If you have specific questions about the options I took the time to write up for you, please ask them back instead of acting so strangely.

 

[jhmac77]

I guess I can't get a reasonalble answer here. Microsoft does not believe making computer life easy!! Before I would install Ubuntu and then delete the files I wanted to from Windows file without any interference. Maybe I will try that but I am not sure it works with Win 7.

 

[jhmac77]

You deleted me and a last post which I cannot find that suggested there is a way to delete only Windows files without moving everything to another hd or partition.

What is the way to do it?

 

[jhmac77]

where are my messages?

 

[jhmac77]

gregrocker
We all shine on...

Join Date: Apr 2009

Win7 x 6 PC's
25,264 posts
California, Florida, Boston

​

I gave you a number of possible options how to handle the installing another Windows 7 while preserving your files on the old Windows 7 installation. These options take into account whether or not you have adequate backup space to move the files off first, and if not how to remove the old OS while keeping the files in place.

If you have specific questions about the options I took the time to write up for you, please ask them back instead of acting so strangely.

 

[jhmac77]

Now Greg what are these options not having to move everything out and then deleting the whole partition.

 

[jhmac77]

Please don't delete my messages and move things in a different order. I am telling you what I see and experience!

 

[whs]

Is this some kind of Mikey Mouse game or are you trying to avoid activation. I fail to see the whole purpose of the setup you are planning. Maybe you can explain why you want such a strange setup.

 

[jhmac77]

Where are my messages? And Greg where is your last message I responded to?
Sorry I was on page one and didn't know about page two. Not very easy to find page 2.
I think I am very reasonable in my request. I am 70 y/o and worked on computer quite a while.
Jim