So this supposed to be impossible?

[Rockit]

:shock:

Usng my same old Windows 7 Home Premium upgrade DVD to do a clean install on a new laptop.

I've been told this was not possible.

I did delete all partitions on the main hard drive, then format during the installation process but other than name the hard drives, This is what I got after the install was complete.

Do you think I will have any problems down the road?

Thank You

 

[Britton30]

I've used an Ultimate upgrade DVD to do a few clean reinstalls on the same machine. I would think you'd need a new key to activate the same installer to a different machine. If you used the same key both times then one will show up as non genuine, eventually, I think at least.

 

[gregrocker]

It's not impossible and is explained fully in Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version.

When you boot the installer it sees an OS to allow use of Upgrade version key, even if you go on to delete and repartition. Only if there's no OS seen will it reject the Upgrade version key during install. So you just leave it blank and then afterward do the Option 3 workaround in the tutorial.

If this was actually a Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 of the OS which came with the PC then you can activate it with the key on COA sticker, otherwise you'll need to provide a key to activate it now. There are no retail trial versions and you should not install the software unless you've purchased it to avoid piracy charges.

 

[Rockit]

The Key is valid. So is the DVD.

But look at the partition C:\

There is only one?

 

[Britton30]

It sounded like you have installed the same upgrade to two different machines? there is only one C:\ needed.

 

[gregrocker]

That's because you didn't create any others during install. The listings look correct. What is the problem?

You'll need to delete the old Win7 licensed with this Product Key before activating this one.

 

[Rockit]

I have used this pre-ordered upgrade dvd on many machines. I do not pirate.

This is the first time I have ever seen a clean install without that 100 mb. 2nd partition on any computer with Windows 7 on it and was told it was needed for backup or restore features.

I installed this on 2 computers just a few weeks ago. One computer has the extra partition and one does not.

 

[gregrocker]

It should always create the 100mb partition if the drive is not prepartitioned. But it's a negligible issue. Unless you need BitLocker having the System Reserved partition is irrelevant.

 

[Rockit]

It should always create the 100mb partition if the drive is not prepartitioned. But it's a negligible issue. Unless you need BitLocker having the System Reserved partition is irrelevant.

So I can delete and merge on the machine with the 2 partitions? I was reading threw some postings here that that was not advised.

No plans on using bit-locker as this is Home Premium not Ultimate. I was under the impression bit-locker was only available for Ultimate.

 

[Rockit]

It sounded like you have installed the same upgrade to two different machines? there is only one C:\ needed.

I have. I just do not enter the serial number for this Dvd to more than my desktop computer. The other computers have their own serial number on their own sticker.

 

[Britton30]

Ahh Haa, gotcha now. No, don't try to merge the 100MB reserved after it is created, that will make a mess.

 

[Rockit]

Ahh Haa, gotcha now. No, don't try to merge the 100MB reserved after it is created, that will make a mess.

Thank You

I have been told that you cannot install Windows 7 without it creating that extra partition. I just kept deleting and re-creating the partitions during the install process until it formated and installed without 2 partitions. When I posted this I was told that it was not possible.

I guess I will just wait and see if it causes any issues.

 

[Britton30]

Actually it is possible to install w7 without the 100Mb reserved if you like. As you said it's for Bit Locker which isn't in w7 HP.
Here's how, whe you are installing, after all the loading files and updating stuff is done you are present with a window to select a language. At this point press Shift+F10, a cmd prompt will open.type in the following and press Enter after each line.

diskpart
list disk
select disk n Where n is the disk you are installing to. There aren't names or drive letters so go by the size listed to select the right one.

clean or clean all (clean all writes 0's to all sectors and takes about an hour per 320 GB)
create partition primary
list partition This should show your partition you just created, if not..
list partition
select partition and select the new partition.
format fs=ntfs quick
active
exit
exit
Now you can complete the install and there will be one partition, C:\ for the OS.
Here's mine:

 

[Rockit]

Thanks I'll save that for next time.

Here is my desktop which I tried to do the same thing with and only have the one partition on my C:\ SSD Drive. I usually disconnect all other drives during a new install.

 

[Britton30]

That looks fine mate. Don't do clean all on a SSD. Also I would recommend putting the SSD where it will be Drive 0. I forget why, but is supposed to be more efficient.
Taking all other drive off when installing to a SSD is the best practice, otherwise the installer may plop a 100MB partition on another drive.

 

[Rockit]

That looks fine mate. Don't do clean all on a SSD. Also I would recommend putting the SSD where it will be Drive 0. I forget why, but is supposed to be more efficient.
Taking all other drive off when installing to a SSD is the best practice, otherwise the installer may plop a 100MB partition on another drive.

I was looking at that and I can move the SSD no problem but drive 0 is a ide. I have yet to find away around it being assigned to 0. The 500 blue is in a swap cage, and brand new rma. So it's temporary but the cables can be swapped after shutdown.

I'm workin' with a 20 year old DFI Utra-d MB .. I figured a new laptop was a pretty good backup and I ended up with a free Windows 8 pro upgrade. I'll use that on another build.

Thanks Again

 

[gregrocker]

It should always create the 100mb partition if the drive is not prepartitioned. But it's a negligible issue. Unless you need BitLocker having the System Reserved partition is irrelevant.

So I can delete and merge on the machine with the 2 partitions? I was reading threw some postings here that that was not advised.

That's really asking for trouble and there's no good reason to do so. You wouldn't merge it anyway. The process to delete 100mb, mark Active and then write the System boot files to C is more involved.

Do you have an issue that requires you not to have the System Reserved partition? If so use the commands Gary gave you to create your partition(s) or use Partition Wizard CD.

 

[Rockit]

It should always create the 100mb partition if the drive is not prepartitioned. But it's a negligible issue. Unless you need BitLocker having the System Reserved partition is irrelevant.

So I can delete and merge on the machine with the 2 partitions? I was reading threw some postings here that that was not advised.

That's really asking for trouble and there's no good reason to do so. You wouldn't merge it anyway. The process to delete 100mb, mark Active and then write the System boot files to C is more involved.

Do you have an issue that requires you not to have the System Reserved partition? If so use the commands Gary gave you to create your partition(s) or use Partition Wizard CD.

I just prefer not having my hard drives partitioned. Never cared for it and never needed it till Win 7. I can live with it on this old desktop. I was just surprised I didn't have it on this new laptop after cleaning it up. I plan to try and install Win 7 to a SSD with UEFI enabled soon on the laptop. Take out the slow drive and put it in a backup enclosure. But not for awhile. I'm still trying to get use to which drivers and settings it needs to playback 3d movies and all this other new fancy technology.

I'm sure I'll need some help when I get to that time. Toshiba's driver downloads and support really suck.

 

[gregrocker]

You'll really need very few drivers after a Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

Just follow the steps closely, do all the rounds of Updates required and then import any drivers still missing from Toshiba webpage for your model.

Most all are in the installer or via Updates.

 

[Rockit]

Thanks for the link. I hope your right. Getting the Laptop, blue ray, 3d, USB 3, blue tooth, wireless signal to a TV, and all the rest of these features working right has been more difficult than I was expecting. Add in the UEFI and I'm sure it will be a adventure.

Thanks Again