System Reserved Partition - Delete

How to Remove the 100MB "System Reserved" Partition in Windows 7​

   Information

The 100 MB System Reserved partition is included when doing a clean install of Windows 7 on an unallocated disk. The System Reserved partition serves two functions. First, it holds the Boot Manager code and the Boot Configuration Database. Second, it reserves space for the startup files required by the BitLocker Drive Encryption feature. If you ever decide to encrypt your system drive using BitLocker, you won’t have to repartition your system drive to make it possible.

This tutorial will show you how to delete the 100MB System Reserved partition created during the installation of Windows 7.

   Warning

This involves deleting the boot partition, then repairing. Failure to follow these instructions exactly may leave your computer in a non-bootable state.

   Note

• Make sure the C drive is a Primary partition before you begin. Type diskmgmt.msc into the start menu to access the above window.
• You must have a Windows 7 Installation or Repair disc to do this. If you do not have a DVD, you can create a Repair Disc.

EXAMPLE: 100 MB System Reserved Partition


Here's How:

   Note

Press enter between each of these commands.

1. Boot from your installation or repair disc.

2. When you get to the language screen, press Shift+F10.

3. Enter diskpart, then list disk after diskpart is loaded.

4. Enter select disk [Windows disk number].

5. Enter list partition, followed by select partition [100MB partition number].

6. Enter delete partition override.

7. Enter select partition [Windows partition from step 5], then enter active.

8. Close the command prompt.
We have deleted the partition, and Windows will be unable to boot at this point. Now it is time to write a new boot loader and BCD to the Windows partition.
9. Follow the instructions in Brink's tutorial for running a startup repair.
That should do it! If you have any problems, feel free to ask for help below.

Related Tutorials

---

• Create the System Reserved for Dual Boot use
• How to Create the Windows 7 System Reserved Partition after Installation

 

[Brink]

Go ahead and connect E: back, and post a screenshot of your Disk Management to see what the issue may be.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/274797-disk-management-post-screen-capture-image.html

 

[jaybird216]

Attached

 

[Brink]

Ok. Mark C: as active, remove disk 0, and try the startup repair again to see if it's able to repair the boot manager after a few runs.

In addition, double check your BIOS settings to make sure that C: is listed first in the boot priority, or second after the CD/DVD drive.

 

[jaybird216]

That did it. Rock and rolla. Thanks!

 

[Brink]

You're most welcome.

 

[Layback Bear]

I have a question or 2.
1. If one encrypts their C drive and then removes the the System Reserve will they be able to get back to the encrypted C drive?

2. If a computer has a finger print recognition program or a program that works in that fashion will removing the System Reserve have a effect?

 

[Brink]

Hey Jack,

Q1) The system reserved partition is required to encrypt an OS drive with BitLocker. You would need to decrypt the OS drive before removing the system reserved partition.

Q2) I don't have a fingerprint reader to test with, but if it saves on or uses the system reserved partition, then it could be an issue if you didn't remove the fingerprint first.

 

[Layback Bear]

Thank you Shawn.
What made me think of such questions was some people are so concerned about removing that little 100mb partition they might not think far enough ahead before they remove it. That 100mb being removed could cause one huge head ache.

 

[Brink]

You got that right.

 

[RKungs]

Hi. I have the same problem with unnecessary partition. I tried step by step how its written in first post. But when i do step 6. Enter delete partition override. Its don't let me do that. Then i looked in Disk Management and was wondering if partition (F 100 MB is the same as System Reserved Partition 100 MB. Attached screenshot. And if its different, how can i delete it? Installed fresh Windows 7 Ultimate x32 and this partition is really annoying me hope for someone to respond.
Thank You!

 

[Layback Bear]

System reserve shouldn't have a drive letter.

 

[mjf]

I tried step by step how its written in first post. But when i do step 6. Enter delete partition override. Its don't let me do that.

Did you do Step 1. That is, are you booting from a System Repair or Installation CD/DVD.

 

[RKungs]

System reserve shouldn't have a drive letter.

View attachment 311168

Ya! that's why i wondering how to delete this partition.Is it System reserved or not.How to delete it? Is there way without re-install windows delete this partition.!? No offence Layback Bear but how exactly your post answer to my questions? ;o

 

[RKungs]

I tried step by step how its written in first post. But when i do step 6. Enter delete partition override. Its don't let me do that.

Did you do Step 1. That is, are you booting from a System Repair or Installation CD/DVD.

Yes! I did everything like in manual and from installation CD. : )

 

[mjf]

Yes it is the system reserved partition. If you followed the tutorial exactly then I don't know why you are experiencing problems. As you probably know, using Diskpart you have to be very precise.

Here is another approach
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/209885-bootmgr-move-c-easybcd.html

A final point. I have system reserved on 2 builds and decided not to bother on a 3rd build. Unless it's causing you grief with say Windows inbuilt system imaging or taking up a needed partition slot then I'd just leave it alone.

 

[RKungs]

Yes it is the system reserved partition. If you followed the tutorial exactly then I don't know why you are experiencing problems. As you probably know, using Diskpart you have to be very precise.

Here is another approach
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/209885-bootmgr-move-c-easybcd.html

A final point. I have system reserved on 2 builds and decided not to bother on a 3rd build. Unless it's causing you grief with say Windows inbuilt system imaging or taking up a needed partition slot then I'd just leave it alone.

I am not pro in those things, but i know how to follow tutorials. Normally i find out by myself how to deal with problems witch i get during the time i use my PC/Laptop. But this time i just don't understand why it shows Partition F instead of System reserved. I will try one more time tomorrow do this steps to delete reserved partition.
Thanks for this other tutorial i guess i will find it useful sooner or later.
This third partition isn't bothering me too much, just was wondering why everyone can easily delete but i have problems with that. I like at least to try fix this small things..witch sometimes annoying me ;D

 

[Layback Bear]

Maybe this will be helpful for you.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/82994-drive-letter-add-change-remove-windows.html

 

[nikilai]

It is necessary to delete the primary partition "System" comes from the my new laptop manufacturer in order to create logical parts for backup files. I have followed what King told with either the 'system repair disk' or 'installation disk' thumb drive, but there is nothing come out with shift-F10 pressed after the language options screen appeared. It means cannot get into the diskpart mode. How can I keep on things go as said?