Formatting a system partition

[Goddard]

So basically, I decided that I would get windows 7 and get a new hard disk to install it on, as my original is getting a little on the old side.

Installing the new hard disk was smooth, as was formatting it and installing windows 7 on it. However, I foolishly forgot to unplug (C which is the disk with Vista on it (which is the only other OS). This of course is the system disk, and so my Windows 7 disk (M is now reliant upon it to boot. This means I cannot format (C.... I tried repairing the windows 7 installation (without (C plugged in) using the windows 7 disk, however it just told me what I already knew, and didn't repair it.

Is there anyway I can make (M a system disk, and therefore format (C? (Preferably without having to reinstall Windows 7)

Here's a screenshot of the partition details: http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/1364/partitions.jpg

Thanks for any replies. If any more details are needed, please ask

 

[TorrentG]

Hi. Yes, there is this way.

First, make sure you can see hidden and system files.

Then copy the bootmgr file from C: to M: (both root.)

Copy the boot folder from C: to M: (both root), telling it to skip over copying bcd and bcd.log when it asks.

Then open an elevated command prompt. Copy and paste the following then hit enter:

bcdedit /export M:\boot\bcd

Check inside M:\boot that bcd is now in there. If so, reboot to bios. Change the first boot device to the M: hard drive.

Reboot to Windows and check disk management that M: is now also the system drive.

If so, now you can format C:

Then you can also use the boot tab of msconfig to delete the Vista entry so it will not be a choice when booting the machine.

Enjoy.

 

[Veedaz]

Or you can download Partition Wizard compatible with Windows 7 32 & 64-bit freeware and do it all with a few clicks, only thing you need to do is change boot order in BIOS

Link > http://www.partitionwizard.com/free-partition-manager.html

Its also a very handy app to keep.

 

[Nibiru2012]

Whenever one does a clean install of Windows 7, its always advisable to unplug all the drives except for the one you're installing Windows 7 to.

Also, I always go into the Computer Management section of Administrative Tools in Control Panel. I then change my hard drive letter assignments and CD/DVD drive letter also. Hard drive/partition with Windows 7 is always the "C" drive. The CD/DVD drive is always "D" drive. I find it's easier that way for me and most programs I install. Just a tip though!

I agree with veedaz, Partition Wizard is an excellent free program. I am amazed at how many features and power this free software has. Also, there's the Partition Wizard Bootable ISO image for burning to a CD for offline partitioning, etc.

 

[Goddard]

Had another stab at it myself and I've managed to resolve the issue. Thanks for the replies, I'll keep partition wizard in mind.

Thanks again.

 

[Nibiru2012]

Had another stab at it myself and I've managed to resolve the issue. Thanks for the replies, I'll keep partition wizard in mind.

Thanks again.

Most everyone I know techie wise really like Partition Wizard.