Win7 dualboot AND Win7 update question

[TheSaw]

G:\boot>bootsect /nt60 c:
Target volumes will be updated with BOOTMGR compatible bootcode.

C: (\\?\Volume{3e85a675-31b6-11de-8b3e-806e6f6e6963})

    Updated NTFS filesystem bootcode.  The update may be unreliable since the
    volume could not be locked during the update:
        Access is denied.

Bootcode was successfully updated on all targeted volumes.

Hm... is that good enough? Should I try now?

 

[Mongo]

You could try it to see if it works.

To be on the safe side, I would execute the bootsect command while in startup repair mode.

 

[TheSaw]

Okay, I'll do that. Let's see.

So far so good, I deleted the partition, but I can't find the option to add the free space to one of the current ones... is it possible with this tool?

Also, if sometimes in the future I need XP, can I still install it on one of the partitions, and would it mess up some boot stuff?

 

[Mongo]

Okay, I'll do that. Let's see.


So far so good, I deleted the partition, but I can't find the option to add the free space to one of the current ones... is it possible with this tool?

I don't think it's possible, but then again, I've never tried it. I've always used a third-party disk partitioning program for all my partitioning needs.

Also, if sometimes in the future I need XP, can I still install it on one of the partitions, and would it mess up some boot stuff?

Yes it will.

No worries though, it should be pretty easy to fix.

 

[TheSaw]

Can you recommend me one that works with Win7? Partition Magic doesn't.

 

[Mongo]

Can you recommend me one that works with Win7? Partition Magic doesn't.

If this were Windows XP or Vista, I'd recommend Acronis Disk Director. I haven't tested any disk partitioning software with Windows 7. However, there are many free alternatives to choose from... GParted live bootcd is a good one.

 

[TheSaw]

I've created a Live USB following GParted's instructions. All went well till i rebooted, when i got an error: "No operating system". This rendered my pc useless again, being unable to boot from HDD, although I didn't touch anything, just booted that live usb thingy. The recovery console fixed the startup, and now I am back in Windows again, but still didn't manage to do what I wanted...

 

[torrentg]

Acronis is perfect in 7 for resizing, combining, formatting etc... partitions.

 

[TheSaw]

Well I can't do it with that either... It doesn't let me do anything with space. Maybe it's because it's at start? I think the best option would be to delete the last partition, merge it with the first, and reinstall everything...

Here is a screenshot of it:

 

[grouchpunk08]

Acronis is perfect in 7 for resizing, combining, formatting etc... partitions.

+1 for Acronis, I use it anf it works flawlessly on Vista and 7

 

[TheSaw]

So, please help me merging my 2 partitions

 

[grouchpunk08]

So, please help me merging my 2 partitions

Are you using acronis in MANUAL MODE or AUTOMATIC MODE? it hardly ever lets you do anything in automatic mode. Also I do know this, there was something wrong with my vista and I couldn't do anything with it in acronis until I did a diskcheck. Maybe you want to try one of those for both of your partitions.

From your screenshot, it looks like you want to select your E partition, and select resize, then put your cursor on the far left edge of your E parition, Click and drag laft over to unallocated space. HAve you tried that?

 

[Mongo]

Well I can't do it with that either... It doesn't let me do anything with space. Maybe it's because it's at start? I think the best option would be to delete the last partition, merge it with the first, and reinstall everything...

Here is a screenshot of it:

It can be done, but may prove to be a little tricky. You'll have to move the unallocated space over.

Highlight the second partition (E) and select 'Resize'. In the resize window, instead of actually resizing the partition, drag the partition block over -- see the free space before / free space after settings. If this works the way I think it should, drive E: should now be the first partition, with unallocated space sitting between it and drive D. Repeat the procedure on the third partition (D). If all goes well, the unallocated space should now be bordering drive C. Now go ahead and resize drive C to your liking...

Am I making any sense?! lol. I know, it sounds utterly confusing.

 

[torrentg]

Format the unallocated space to NTFS (quick), then try to combine the partitions. I think that should work, but not positive.

 

[TheSaw]

Well I kinda combined both of your suggestions, and ended up with this:

The partition is still at the end, and I left ~3GB for a future XP partition (I need it for some work).

It's not exactly how i wanted it, but it's good for now, and I wanna thank all of you who replied...

One last question: should I update to the 7232 build (I still have the 7100), or wait a bit more for a 7260 X64 release, or maybe the RTM?

 

[Mongo]

Well I kinda combined both of your suggestions, and ended up with this:

The partition is still at the end, and I left ~3GB for a future XP partition (I need it for some work).

It's not exactly how i wanted it, but it's good for now, and I wanna thank all of you who replied...

I'm glad it finally worked out for you!

One last question: should I update to the 7232 build (I still have the 7100), or wait a bit more for a 7260 X64 release, or maybe the RTM?

I guess I'll leave it up to you to decide. I'm using 7229 x86 and it runs great. 7232 has been pretty well received from what I've read here and elsewhere. 7260 x64 on the other hand, best be avoided.