Re-installing windows 7 from disk, have 3 un-needed partitions?

[alyseshadow]

My computer basically crashed and I needed to re-load windows 7 from the original disk. This worked, but when I started the computer, it had 2 partitions...... C (recovery drive) and a D drive. The C drive was basically full (according to my computer) and everything that I tried to download, wanted to go onto the C drive, so basically I couldn't even download anti-virus software.
I couldn't find a way to fix this, so I re-loaded windows again, hoping to choose the option to NOT partition the hard drive. I am now at a screen that asks where do you want to install windows? My options are
Disk 0 Partition 1
Disk 0 Partition 2; RECOVERY
Disk 0 Partition 3: OS

All of these options have data on them, since they say how much free space is available on each. I am afraid if I delete the 2 partitions that I may delete something important?
If anyone has any help, I would greatly appreciate it. I have been searching, but so far have not found any help.
Thanks,

 

[whs]

Post a picture of Disk Management. That will help to unravel your story.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html

 

[alyseshadow]

I am currently in the middle of re-installing windows 7 and stuck at the screen I stated in my original post!
I have to choose where to install windows before I can do anything else?! :-(

 

[whs]

Yes, you have to select that partition you just created. Did you use 'custom install' ??

 

[alyseshadow]

Yes! I was hoping I could choose to have NO partitions! Guess that's not an option?

 

[whs]

There is no 'No partition' option.

 

[alyseshadow]

Now... I keep getting an error saying the computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error. Windows installation cannot proceed. To install windows, click OK to restart computer & restart installation. I've gotten this now 3 times in a row!

 

[whs]

hmm, that could be a problem with your installation disc. Mabe you should download and burn a new installation disc. All the details are here:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

 

[alyseshadow]

Tried another disk..... Same error??!

 

[gregrocker]

Unplug all other HD's and peripherals,

Boot into BIOS setup, reset to defaults, save changes. If an EFI BIOS you'll need to decide if you want UEFI BIOS vs. Legacy BIOS. If UEFI follow these special steps for Install, otherwise enable Legacy BIOS or Compatibility Support Module to proceed with normal install:

Set DVD drive first to boot, HD second, set SATA controller to AHCI, Save changes and Exit.

Then boot into Windows 7 installer DVD or flash stick burned or written using tool and latest ISO for your licensed OS version here. I would use a fresh ISO written with tool in Step 2 as yours is in question.

At first installer screen Press Shift + F10, or enter System Recovery Options to open a Command Box, type:

DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK 0 (after confirming Windows 7 target HD #)
CLEAN
CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY
FORMAT FS=NTFS LABEL="WINDOWS 7"
ACTIVE
EXIT
EXIT

Next click Install Now, then Custom install to Clean Install Windows 7 to the partition you created. If it fails then report back at which step and the verbatim error message.

In addition read over these steps to understand the tools and methods which work best to get and maintain a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. The steps are the same for retail.

After install you can adjust partition size or Create new partitions for data, etc. in Disk Mgmt. You are creating the partition here for the purpose of wiping the HD and marking Active which overcomes certain install failures.

 

[alyseshadow]

I tried what you said, but it is a bit too technical for me. I do not know what EFI bios means? I attempted to do normal install, but did not know when to hit shift F10 since when I tried it, it didn't work!

 

[theog]

Go to step six in this tutorial:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/52291-partition-hard-drive-windows-7-install.html

 

[gregrocker]

I tried what you said, but it is a bit too technical for me. I do not know what EFI bios means? I attempted to do normal install, but did not know when to hit shift F10 since when I tried it, it didn't work!

That's what the blue links are for. You click the one for UEFI BIOS vs. Legacy BIOS - YouTube to watch a video explaining the difference between UEFI and the old BIOS, so you can decide or ask back more questions.

If you want UEFI then you use this link for extra steps to install: UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with - Windows 7 Forums

If you don't have or want UEFI then just install normally proceeding with the steps I gave you.

Do you even have a UEFI BIOS? Check around the settings in BIOS setup, by tapping the key given for that on first boot screen.