Which configuration to Choose when clean installing Windows 7

[b89]

My desired setup is:

Main OS: Windows 7 Pro x64

Plan to run VMWare Workstation 9

Possibly Windows XP Mode

Is it advantageous for me to partition here? my HD is 450gb and I'm about to do a wipe everything and clean install

I want to create a system image to make reinstalling or re-imaging simpler and faster after this initial setup. I can use Windows 7 Backup and Restore for this.

I was looking through the tutorials, but there are so many, I'm not sure which to use.


My system specs are:
AMD Turion II P540 dual core 2.4ghz
4GB Ram
64-bit config
450gb HD
current OS is Windows 7 Home Premium, but am clean installing 7 Pro.


Please let me know

Thanks!

 

[b89]

Anyone? Please let me know, school is starting and I am trying to get this done today.


Much appreciated!!!

 

[Joseph K]

My desired setup is:

Main OS: Windows 7 Pro x64

Plan to run VMWare Workstation 9

Possibly Windows XP Mode

Is it advantageous for me to partition here? my HD is 450gb and I'm about to do a wipe everything and clean install

I want to create a system image to make reinstalling or re-imaging simpler and faster after this initial setup. I can use Windows 7 Backup and Restore for this.

I was looking through the tutorials, but there are so many, I'm not sure which to use.


My system specs are:
AMD Turion II P540 dual core 2.4ghz
4GB Ram
64-bit config
450gb HD
current OS is Windows 7 Home Premium, but am clean installing 7 Pro.


Please let me know

Thanks!

Well, I can get you started. Create a 50-60gb partition and install Windows in that partition.

The reasoning is, if the OS goes down in flames, data in the other partition is unaffected assuming the drive is OK.

 

[b89]

So, which tutorial(s) should I use for this?
Do i need to create one for VMWare and one for user files?
Another for dual boot if needed?


Do I need to use audit mode to set paths for the user portions and for where windows updates are stored?

 

[gregrocker]

You can use ANytime Upgrade to insert the Pro Product Key to unlock the few extra expensive features in Pro if the OS is not corrupted or needs refreshing with a reinstall.

Otherwise follow these same steps to get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 but use the Pro installer instead of Home Premium.

During Step 7 of Clean Install Windows 7
delete all partitions and create new as you wish.

After install, copy your backed up User folders into the Data partition and link them to the related Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums selecting the data partition folder to be the default save-to location for that library.

This allows you to make a System image of only C without being forced by Win7 backup imaging to include the data partition because you've moved the User Folders - Change Default Location. But if you prefer that method instead, then use another imaging app like Macrium - Image your system, Acronis (free with any WD or Seagate HD), or Paragon free.

 

[b89]

Chkdsk before reinstall - and BIOS

Thanks! I ran chkdsk then chkdsk /f as described in the tutorials. There were errors and it said Windows fixed them. I restarted, worked for a while. I decided to run it again, but got the exact same results (same errors and saying that Windows fixed them). I can email/PM the log to anyone who can help. I also am considering flashing the BIOS first (Tohsiba issued an update) since factory OS (while W7 Home Premium is still on there.). Toshiba issued a new update here: Satellite L645D-S4056 Support | Toshiba

 

[gregrocker]

Test the HD with the maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan to know for sure its condition. If it's clear run a few more Disk Checks to see if file system will repair. If either tests fail repeatedly after reinstall then replace the HD.

 

[b89]

Thanks for the diagnostic advice. I ran Seagate tools for SATA drive b/c Toshiba doesn't provide utilities for a 64-bit system. Extended generic test passed as well as SMART info.


So my plan was:
1) Use PartedMagic from UBCD 5.2.4 to do a secure erase. On my HP it was able to use the drive's built in feature (a WD Drive)

2) Create Partitions:
Create them in Windows 7 Setup. (You can't create them before the setup correct?)
80gb for W7
80gb for Virtual Machines
the rest for User Data

3)Do I need the 100MB System Reserved Partition? or do i Just click on the Partition I made for W7 for installation?



4) I am guessing I should create an Image of the C (W7 Drive immediately after setup) to save it in the future for fast re-imaging. (and you recommended Macrium free for this)

5) Programs that are installed go into the C: (w7) drive when you install them, correct?

6) For VMWare Workstation - VMWare would be installed on C, but VM's would be placed on the Virtual Machine Drive.

7) Lastly, I would need to set the library location to UserData in Audit mode before User Account setup right?


Greg,
Thanks for all of your patience! I am new to all of this.

 

[AddRAM]

With a 450 GB drive I would have made the OS partition at least 100 GBs.

If you make a partition for windows, then no, you will not get the 100 MB partition. A waste of a primary partition in my opinion.

Windows built in imaging works just fine.

Yes, install your programs on C.

 

[gregrocker]

In addition look over the tips in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 which also apply to retail and will assure you get and keep a perfect install.

 

[b89]

System

With a 450 GB drive I would have made the OS partition at least 100 GBs.

If you make a partition for windows, then no, you will not get the 100 MB partition. A waste of a primary partition in my opinion.

Windows built in imaging works just fine.

Yes, install your programs on C.

What do you mean by this? A waste of a primary partition? (the 100GB or 100MB)?

 

[AddRAM]

The 100 MB partition.

You`re going to use the 100 GB Primary partition to install windows on.

Make 2 primary partitions, 150 GBs for Windows and a 300 GB for your data and disk images.

You could even break the 300 GB partition in half if you really wanted to.

So you`d end up with 3 150 GB primary partitions.

 

[gregrocker]

What is it you'd like to accomplish with your partitioning? Do you want to keep your files on C, or on another data partition - which allows C to be more compact for backup imaging?

In any case the partitions can be created easily during install after deleting all using the drive options in Step 7 of Clean Install Windows 7.