Windows 7 Ultimate where to install, 3 disk partitions...

[TheGardenPixy]

I'm trying to install Windows 7 the problem is I don't know where to install it so that it installs over my existing OS. During installation this is what it reads:

Disk 0 Partition 1 Total Size: 12.0 Free Space: 11.9 Type: OEM (Reserved)
Disk 0 Partition 2 Total Size: 101.0 Free Space: 63.0 Type: System
Disk 0 Partition 3 Total Size: 136.9 Free Space: 61.8 Type: Primary

If I highlight Partition 1 it says: Windows cannot be installed to this hard disk space. The partition was reserved by the computer's Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

If I highlight Partition 2 it says: The selected partition requires at least 7974 free space.

I'm assuming I have to install it on partition 3 but I'm just making sure...any help appreciated.

Also would like to know if I can and/or should delete any of those previous partitions...I read in one of the threads on here:

"If you don't want to keep any partitions but also don't have a new partition scheme in mind, just click Next after Deleting all to let the installer create and format your installation partition for you."

Just want to know if that's safe

Screen shot from computer mangement:

 

[theog]

If you do not need your old OS, delete all partitions





& make new in Drive options.

 

[TheGardenPixy]

"If you do need your old OS, delete all partitions"

Do I need my old OS if I want to install one over it? Here is a screen shot:


Thank you for the reply

 

[AddRAM]

I think Theog meant to say: If you DON`T need your old os delete all partitions.

But if you want to save your recovery partition, then reinstall windows to partition 3. Make sure you format it 1st. ( but windows should do this automatically ) highlight the partition then click drive options to format.

Only format partition 3.

Have you backed up your data b4 you reinstall ?

Look at your shot of disk management, your current operating system is on C: 136 GBs

 

[TheGardenPixy]

Thank you for the clarification. Will do as you say.

No I haven't backed up anything since the laptop was a handy me down and I don't want or feel as though I need anything on it. Just want it to be as if I had just bought it.

Thank you

 

[AddRAM]

You should get your ethernet ( network ) driver now, b4 you reinstall. Go to the manu. website and download it to a flashdrive.

I say this because someone just had to do this ( on an HP ) because windows did not install it.

 

[theog]

edit.

 

[gregrocker]

If you keep the Recovery partition, it may or may not run afterwards. If it boots from F8 then it will not run and you can delete it.

Make your Recovery disks first so you have a path back to factory condition. This may affect your decision whether or not to save the Recov partition.

If you decide to keep it, then delete the second and third partitions so that Win7 installer will create a new functional System Reserved partition rather than just leave the old one non-functioning wasted space.

There are other steps here to assure you get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7
especially how drivers are handled in Win7 which is different than before.