Win 7 Format - removing partitions

[vcator]

I'm about to upgrade to Win7 from Vista on my laptop. On install of Vista I created a d: as a recovery disk, but now I just want the additional hard disk space. . . so I want to end up with 1 single drive.

In formating the disk via Win7 install, will I be able to format the entire hard disk, thus removing the d: partition ?

Appreciate any thoughts

thanks

 

[Ztruker]

You will need to delete both partitions and create a new partition encompassing the entire drive, then install to that.

Select the Custom (Advanced) choice when presented then click on Drive Options (Advanced).

A good tutorial here (with pics): Windows 7 Installation Guide / Tutorial

 

[win7clutz]

Delete the D partition and then resize C using Partition Wizard. (Free)

 

[Saltgrass]

How do you want the final configuration to look?

 

[gregrocker]

To have one big partition on the HD as you desire:

boot into the Win7 DVD,

select Custom install,

then Drive Tools (advanced) to delete all, then create New with all space shown, format and install.

 

[vcator]

thanks for the replies, much appreciated

 

[vcator]

Unfortunately going through a CUSTOM and ADVANCED install doesn't give an option to remove the D: drive partition such that I end up with 1 large c: drive.

I tried the (free) partition wizzard . . looks a nice app, but froze, so a hard re-boot :-( So it then needed booting from the Win7 (upgrade) disk . . . which on re-installing Win7 again, then said the key was invalid. But I've sorted that now.

[btw, the need to remove the D: partition only came about because EasyTransfer got to disk 3 of 3 before telling me there wasn't sufficient disk space. And I only used DVD's because Win7 said it wouldn't recognise an NTFS external disk]

So I now have Win7 working and EasyTransfer, despite not having a copy option from DVD's, did load up.

BUT
I've now tried downloading MS Office Small Business 2007 (I had a media-less key) and although it worked the first time I installed Win7, on the re-install it now says the key is invalid. It is a legitimate key bought from a legitimate source.
I don't have a disk because I'd assumed I could download the software any time.

Anyone any thoughts why the MS SmallBusiness 2007 download might be not recognising a legitimate key would be very much appreciated ?

 

[CrazeeAFGuy]

Unfortunately going through a CUSTOM and ADVANCED install doesn't give an option to remove the D: drive partition such that I end up with 1 large c: drive.

I tried the (free) partition wizzard . . looks a nice app, but froze, so a hard re-boot :-( So it then needed booting from the Win7 (upgrade) disk . . . which on re-installing Win7 again, then said the key was invalid. But I've sorted that now.

[btw, the need to remove the D: partition only came about because EasyTransfer got to disk 3 of 3 before telling me there wasn't sufficient disk space. And I only used DVD's because Win7 said it wouldn't recognise an NTFS external disk]

So I now have Win7 working and EasyTransfer, despite not having a copy option from DVD's, did load up.

BUT
I've now tried downloading MS Office Small Business 2007 (I had a media-less key) and although it worked the first time I installed Win7, on the re-install it now says the key is invalid. It is a legitimate key bought from a legitimate source.
I don't have a disk because I'd assumed I could download the software any time.

Anyone any thoughts why the MS SmallBusiness 2007 download might be not recognising a legitimate key would be very much appreciated ?

You will most likely have to call microsft since the program was most likely activated and the key is assigned to it. I will see if I can find a number for you.

 

[gregrocker]

The only reason the installer would not offer your the Drive Options (advanced) on the Select WHere You Want To Install Windows screen is if you ran the DVD from Windows. It needs to be booted.

Please post back here a screenshot of your full Disk Management drive map so we can advise you the exact steps for removing the unwanted partition and recovering the space to the partition where you specify.

Use the Snipping Tool in Start Menu, attaching file using paper clip in reply box.