Removing Old Windows Install while keeping partitions

[Microbell]

Gents,

I recently upgraded my PC and installed Windows 7 to an SSD. The old HD that Windows was on has 3 partitions and I want to recover the space that Windows 7 was on (was C:\ now G:\) but leave the other 2 partitions alone as the data can not be moved easily.

If I mark G:\ as Inactive in Disk Management can I simply format G:\ to wipe that partition without effecting the other 2 partitions on that drive?

 

[AddRAM]

Yes, but DM may not let you mark it inactive, if it doesn`t just use Partition Wizard.

You didn`t have the hard drive plugged in when you installed Windows on the ssd did you ?

If you did, do not proceed without posting a snip of Disk Management

Does the ssd boot on its own ? Without the hard drive plugged in ?

 

[Microbell]

You didn`t have the hard drive plugged in when you installed Windows on the ssd did you ?

No I did not. Windows 7 was installed with just the SSD connected..... nothing else. I just wanted to make sure that if I formatted the Old partition that Windows was on it would not mess with the other 2 partitions as it will be removing the old MBR and I still need access to those other 2 partitions.

Below is my setup in Disk Management "Click to enlarge"

 

[AddRAM]

As long as windows boots on its own on the ssd, then go ahead and format G.

As long as the others are not extended partitions you should be fine.

If you`re still concerned post a snip, if not carry on

 

[Microbell]

As long as windows boots on its own on the ssd, then go ahead and format G.

As long as the others are not extended partitions you should be fine.

If you`re still concerned post a snip, if not carry on

Ok thanks. I'll give it a go later today

 

[AddRAM]

Why are Disk 2 and Disk 4 marked Active ????

If they are just data drives they should not be marked Active.

 

[Microbell]

Why are Disk 2 and Disk 4 marked Active ????

Disk 2 and 4 are separate hard drives used for storage. If I remember correctly I did not format those drives prior to moving Data to them.

 

[AddRAM]

So then you should mark them inactive.

Example of mine.

 

[Microbell]

So then you should mark them inactive.

Can do..... but I be curious how the active flag got set in the first place as I did not do it and those drives never held an OS on them. Haven't had any issues with them with either the new build and old though and the bios only see's my bootable drives.

 

[AddRAM]

That`s odd, the bios should see all your drives.

 

[Eric3742]

Do note that some HDD come with Active Primary Partition.

I have this Samsung 3TB (bought in June) and just check, it confirm it is stated "Active" Primary partition.
I did not do any setting or any other setting.
As i am busy with my newly bought 3 SSD which is no giving a headache to troubleshoot the real cause.

So Microbell really did nothing like set it to Active, but HDD come with "Active" being set.

 

[Microbell]

Do note that some HDD come with Active Primary Partition.

I have this Samsung 3TB (bought in June) and just check, it confirm it is stated "Active" Primary partition.
I did not do any setting or any other setting.
As i am busy with my newly bought 3 SSD which is no giving a headache to troubleshoot the real cause.

So Microbell really did nothing like set it to Active, but HDD come with "Active" being set.

Correct on both comments. After checking the Manufactures site they ship their OEM drives set up as Active Primary's.

@AddRAM

I should have made that clear in my last statement. Sorry. The bios does see all hard drives attached but only has 2 that are bootable. Since the SSD is now the main OS I may just leave them Active/Primary as I have not run into any problems accessing them and they contain some encrypted data on them that I don't want to mess with. If it works....don't muck with it...lol

 

[Eric3742]

Do note that some HDD come with Active Primary Partition.

I have this Samsung 3TB (bought in June) and just check, it confirm it is stated "Active" Primary partition.
I did not do any setting or any other setting.
As i am busy with my newly bought 3 SSD which is no giving a headache to troubleshoot the real cause.

So Microbell really did nothing like set it to Active, but HDD come with "Active" being set.

Correct on both comments. After checking the Manufactures site they ship their OEM drives set up as Active Primary's.

@AddRAM

I should have made that clear in my last statement. Sorry. The bios does see all hard drives attached but only has 2 that are bootable. Since the SSD is now the main OS I may just leave them Active/Primary as I have not run into any problems accessing them and they contain some encrypted data on them that I don't want to mess with. If it works....don't muck with it...lol

@Microbell

You better not mess around.
I already messy my 3 SSD somewhat like failed to clone.
Now 1 SSD failed to recognize when switch to external, but no problem using it internal as OS.

 

[Microbell]

@Eric3742

Agreed.

I only asked here as I was unsure if I removed the old drive's OS folders (format or just delete the Windows folders) that it would screw up the 2 other partitions on that drive and leave them unreadable. That would be a slight problem :shock:

I might try to use the "Take Ownership" tool first to see if I can simply delete the folders then wipe the drive's partition and see what happens.