Solved Reduce OEM system reserve partition on SSD Drive

[surferman]

Hi Folks,

I have looked around on the site for some answers, but cant find an answer (only if I want to reinstall Win7)

I have a 64GB SSD split into two partitions: Win 7 is on the C:/(49.86GB) and the OEM system reserved is on the other hidden partition (9.76GB). The OEM partition holds OEM receovery software for PowerDVD and other older softare I no longer need.

The system reserved space is over 9GB and I could do with this for running Win7, and want to reduce the OEM partition down to 200MB to hold the Boot mgr and windows recovery files.

Can anybody help me to reduce the system reserve partition and increase the windows partition?

I have attached pics of the drive information and status as per diskmgmt.msc

Much appreciated!

Leo

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Pretty sure it cannot be done with Windows own tools.

Look into Paragon Partition Manager boot disc.

You might also want to put your boot files on C.

 

[theog]

It is also best to have your OS Hd Drive as Disk 0.

 

[surferman]

Thanks for the replies!

ignatzatsonic,

WIll Partition Magic allow me to view the OEM system reserved files and delete the crap? reduce the hidden partition and enlarge the C:/ drive

Theog,

I presume I just rearrange the SATA connectors from the motherboard to get the SSD as disk 0

...I have to admit I'm not an expert, but know enough to be dangerous...lol!

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I have never used Paragon for your stated purpose. Paragon makes several different software packages that are generally the most comprehensive available.

Member SIW 2 is the authority on Paragon software.

He may comment in this thread.

 

[theog]

Physically disconnect the two DATA HD.
Make the Windows 7 HD, disk0 & first HD boot in BIOS.Also connected to the first Sata port on the MOBO.

Take a look at tutorial:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/109752-partition-recover-space-used-older-os.html
The tutorial base is on deleting a Win XP partition on Disk0.

When Windows is booting OK, Reconnect the other two HD, as Disk1 & Disk2.

 

[TJG]

That partition is a recovery partition and probably contains a factory image that takes up that space, doubt you can reduce it that much. That said, you can look at it by assigning a drive letter to that partition and turn on show hidden folders and system files. I would make an image of it and put away some where if needed later and get rid of partition and make the SSD one partition.

TJG

Edit: Unless you are using bit-locker.

 

[gregrocker]

What I would do is move the System Active boot files into C by marking it Active and running Startup Repair 3 Separate Times from Win7 DVD or Repair CD. Once Win7 starts on its own, delete Recov partition and resize C into its space.

You can use free Partition Wizard bootable CD to rightclick C to Modify>Set to Active, then rightclick J to Modify>Set to Inactive so it doesn't interfere, then click on HD to highlight it, from DIsk tab select Rebuild MBR which may preclude the need to run the Repairs if it starts at reboot.

If not run the Repairs then when Win7 starts on its own boot back into PW CD to confirm C is now System Active. If so rightclick on Recovery to Delete, OK. Then rightclick on C to Resize, slide left grey border all the way to right, OK, Apply both steps. Win7 should start after resizing without the need for another Repair.

 

[surferman]

Thanks for all the feedback...used partition Magic from Paragon and it was a breeze.

br

Leo