Why all these Partitions / What should I do??

[eduede]

Hey guys,

So, I just got a brand spankin' new computer from Dell. I went into the BIOS, changed the boot sequence to start with CD/DVD and then started the computer with my Win7 installer disc in the drive.

I selected "Install Windows" -> "Custom Install" and I've gotten to the "Where do you want to Install Windows" screen.

Here's the problem. Looks like Dell set up 4 partitions on the disc.

Disk 0 Partition 1 = 100.0MB Type Primary
Disk 0 Partition 2 = 9.8GB Type System
Disk 0 Partition 3 = 58.6GB Type Primary
Disk 0 Partition 4 = 229.6 GB Type Logical

Ok, so what the heck? I want to do an absolutely clean install with no dell stuff. So where should I put Windows?? Should I use the "Delete Option" to delete some of these partitions? Should I use the "Format" option to format some of these?

Thanks
Eamon

 

[Shinobi73]

Here's the problem. Looks like Dell set up 4 partitions on the disc.

Disk 0 Partition 1 = 100.0MB Type Primary
Disk 0 Partition 2 = 9.8GB Type System
Disk 0 Partition 3 = 58.6GB Type Primary
Disk 0 Partition 4 = 229.6 GB Type Logical

Ok, so what the heck? I want to do an absolutely clean install with no dell stuff. So where should I put Windows?? Should I use the "Delete Option" to delete some of these partitions? Should I use the "Format" option to format some of these?

Thanks
Eamon

Hello Eamon

Yes on Clean Install you can delete all these partitions BUT do you see something that might say "Factory Restore" if i'm not mistaken that might be the:

"Disk 0 Partition 1 = 100.0MB Type Primary"

Dell uses this partition to restore your computer to its factory settings in case your system gets messed up. If your computer is brand new this would void warranty. Please check with Dell first.

If your cool with that just delete everything and format the disk as a whole then go ahead and install Win7

Hope this helps. Good luck

 

[gregrocker]

If you want to be able to ever restore to Factory Condition without having to order the bloatware Recov disks from maker, then burn the Recov disks before deleting the Recov partition.

The 100mb is the Win7 Sys Reserved partition which Win7 will reinstall if you wipe the drive (preformat to avoid it). I'd browse the Recov Partition after unhiding System and Hidden files in Control Panel>Folder Options>View tab. You might find a Drivers folder or even a System ISO image you can save before deleting.

If you want to post back a screenshot of the contents, or full Disk Mgmt drive map, we can help you. Use Snipping Tool in Start Menu, attach file using paper clip in Reply box.