Solved Recovery Drive Full and asked to choose from two Windows 7s at startup

[manatee]

I have backed up my data and I want to set my computer back to factory default setting.

I tried to do that by installing from the system CD of Windows 7 that came with the computer when I purchased it onto OS (C: ).

My recovery drive is inaccessible because it is full. It has the capacity of 18.57 GB and has only 179 MB of free space.

When I start my computer, I get a black and white screen saying "Windows Boot Manager" and asked to choose between two Windows 7.

Previously, I installed Windows 8 by accident on Recovery Drive (D: ). I was supposed to install it on C:, but I didn't know the difference. It is since then my Recovery Drive has been always full. I want to fix this. What are my options and how do I do it? Can I create a brand new Recovery Drive again?

 

[manatee]

Sorry, I'm new here and not used to how to use this forum.

I edited my question and reposted it to "General Discussion." It's here now: http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/290969-recovery-drive-d-full-what-can-i-delete.html

Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate it.

 

[gregrocker]

Follow these steps to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. If you have the Dell Reinstallation DVD you can use it if it has SP1, or use the latest official Win7 installer provided in Step 1.

Since the Recovery Partition won't run, delete it as well as all other partitions during install when you get to step 7 in Clean Install Windows 7.

But first run Dell Diagnostics Utility - How to Run the to check over your hardware condition. If it runs from its key at boot then you can keep it as it should run after reinstall. So delete all but the small OEM Tools partition which houses Diagnostics.

 

[manatee]

Thanks gregrocker! It was the Step 7 I needed to find - I searched and searched the internet and I couldn't find out how to do it. Now FINALLY the pesky recovery drive is removed!!!!! I have a full Windows 7 machine now.

Now I have one more question - I want to create a new recovery partition. How do I do it? I'm googling but can't seem to find one that's right for my scenario ....

 

[manatee]

Found it here, http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/58455-recovery-partition-create.html

Thanks so much!!! I am SOOO HAPPY now!!!!!

 

[gregrocker]

It says in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to delete the partitions not needed (all except OEM Tools for Diagnostics) during install, using the Drive Options shown in Step 7 of Clean Install Windows 7

If you have an external HD, it's safer to store the Win7 backup image there in case the OS HD dies. Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup