Solved NOOB: Move system partition to a different partition on the SAME disk

[robber89]

Hi there!

First of all, I am a noob, so don't be too evil

I have installed a new windows 7 on my laptop (in D: ), but there is still the old win 7 (in C: ). I want to delete C: (there are only programs and virus in it ) but it is the system partition. Can I do it? If not, what can I do to delete or at least format C:? I want that 100GB of space in D: and not in C:

(I have no CD reader in this laptop)

 

[Anshad Edavana]

I have installed a new windows 7 on my laptop (in D: ), but there is still the old win 7 (in C: ). I want to delete C:

If your intention was to delete/format "C", why did you installed OS on the second partition ?. You could simply format the first partition and use it during the install.

Since there is no data to be saved, i would recommend a clean install as per this guide - http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

Basically you boot from the install disk, delete all existing partitions, create two partitions ( one for OS and other for data ) and choose first partition for install. If your OS is retail version, use the key for net based auto activation.

If your Windows is OEM, please follow this guide - http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html


It is possible to format the "C" and run "Startp Repair" from install disc to fix the boot but it is always better to install and keep OS on the first partition. A clean install will also help you reclaim the space occupied by the 15 GB partition ( probably OEM recovery ).

 

[whs]

D is your active partition so C is really not needed. If D works OK, you can get rid of C.

 

[robber89]

Oh my god guys, I don't know what I have done, I have only made active my D: partition, but now nothing works. When i switch the computer on it says:

BOOTMGR is missing
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart

I have read some forums on this error, but I can't even press f8 or f12! It does not work!! What can I do? Oh my god

 

[Anshad Edavana]

Don't be panic. The error you encountered is expected when "Active" partition is changed. Simply boot from the "Install DVD" or "System Repair Disk" and run "Startup Repair" up to three times. This will create necessary boot files including BOOTMGR, BCD store etc on the new "Active" partition and make it bootable.


http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105541-startup-repair-run-3-separate-times.html

 

[whs]

You did not tell us that you yourself activated the D partition. If the C partition was active before, you can deactivate D and reactivate C. Then it should boot and you can copy the bootmgr to D. Then the system should boot from D.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/209885-bootmgr-move-c-easybcd.html

Alternatively you can try what Anshad suggested. That should work too.

 

[robber89]

Ok, thanks to you windows was recovered. thank you!

But for the first issue I didn't find a solution. You say to delete all existing partitions, that is what I want to do. And to do so, basically, I have to reinstall win7 and during the installation delete the partitions. But at that point of the installation I am not able to delete anything: look at the picture, there is no Advanced options. Am I missing something?
I am trying to install win 7 home premium from a usb drive.

 

[AddRAM]

Try starting with that bottom partition and work your way up, deleting each partition.

That is really strange how those 2 partitions are labeled C and D already, don`t think I`ve ever seen that before :shock:

If all else fails you can make and use a partition wizard boot CD to delete the partitions and create a new partition, and mark active. That`s what I do, it`s just so simple and fast

http://www.partitionwizard.com/partition-wizard-bootable-cd.html

Someone may show you how to do it with your install dvd using command prompt, it`s easy enough but I`m no Command Prompt expert, I`ll try and find the proper tutorial.

Option 2 of this tutorial.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2668-partition-volume-delete.html

 

[Anshad Edavana]

That is really strange how those 2 partitions are labeled C and D already, don`t think I`ve ever seen that before

OP is running Windows setup from within Windows without booting from the USB.

@Robber89

For a clean install, you should boot from the DVD/USB. Then the delete partitions option will appear.

1. Prepare a USB install disk as per http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html

2. While the USB plugged in, reboot the machine. Keep pressing Esc key on the logo screen to open boot selection menu. "Esc" is the default boot selection menu key for Asus laptops.

3. Select your USB disk from the menu and the install process will begin.

 

[robber89]

Ok Anshad Edavana, thanks a lot for your help. One last step. I am able to boot the system from my USB (it was not ESC, but F2 and TAB), and now I can delete the partition. But before doing something wrong again, I would like to be sure of the partition I can delete. You can see the image: now the active partition is D: . Can I delete D: and install everything on C:? If yes, C: will be formatted and installed with the new windows7 or what? And also can I delete the 15 GB partition?

Thanks a lot
Roberto

 

[Anshad Edavana]

Hi

As long there is no data to save, i would recommend deleting all partitions including the two main partitions, 15 GB ecovery and 20 MB partition. You will see a single unalloacted space like in the below picture.

Click the "New" button and create first partition sized 100 GB ( 102500 MB).

Windows will also create a 100 MB partition to be used as a boot drive. Then select the rest of unallocated space and create another partition to store data. When partitioning complete, select the first 100 GB partition and press "Next". Installation will begin.


I would recommend watching this video tutorial - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsveMWRdNxo

 

[gregrocker]

Have you made the proper preparations and are you following the steps to get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7?

All of this is covered in the tutorial, including if you have no partition scheme in mind to delete all partitions during the booted install.