How to install Windows 7 without extra system paritions?

[Berryracer]

Usually when you choose to create a partition in Windows 7 setup, it prompts you to create a system partition

in my case, it also prompts me to create some MBR disk I think it is because my SSD is a GPT disk (I have no clue what's that)

So basically, when I install Windows 7, I end up up with:

1- System partition (for boot files I think)
2- MBR Disk (or whatever it is called is being created due to me having a GPT disk I think)
3- C: partition (where windows is installed) [part of my 256 GB SSD]
4- d : partition, my 2nd disk which is a 1 TB HDD

The problem is, when I try to backup with Acronis True Image, even though I have installed the addon which supports GPT disks, when trying to restore the backup it always fails.

Now what I want to do is, at one point last week, I installed Windows 7 but it didn't prompt me to neither create a system partition nor that extra MBR disk! I was then able to backup / restore in ACronis True Image just fine! I don't know what I did in computer management / disk management that made the SSD become a non GPT and valid for a normal installation, this is very confusing

now yesterday I wanted to make a new installation with a new backup of Acronis True Image but this time it kept prompting me to recreate those extra partitions

How does one go about installing Windows 7 on C: only without any extra partitions?

Thanks

 

[VirtualLarry]

Normally, I create a partition of the largest size, which then prompts Windows 7's installer to create the 100MB system partition. Then I delete the larger partition, select the system partition, "extend" the partition into the rest of the space, and then format that partition (making it no longer a system partition), and then install into that partition.

That's for an MBR disk. I have no idea about GPT.

 

[MrMuppet]

So, you need to avoid the 100MB Windows 7 partition for compatibility reasons? Well, that sucks. (Otherwise, just let it be.)

Anyway, here's how (just choose any one):

Command-line or GUI style (your choice):
http://www.mydigitallife.info/hack-...reserved-partition-when-installing-windows-7/

Command-line style:
http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/14858-install-without-100mb-partition-new-drive.html
http://beyondrtfm.wordpress.com/201...rtition-to-show-up-when-installing-windows-7/

edit: VirtualLarry's GUI solution is probably the easiest, although it may seem a bit "ghetto" lol.

 

[RU482]

Easiest way I have found it to plug the drive into another computer, format it's full capacity, then plug it into the new computer, and install the OS to that partition that you just created.

 

[MrMuppet]

Easiest way I have found it to plug the drive into another computer, format it's full capacity, then plug it into the new computer, and install the OS to that partition that you just created.

You find it easier to plug it into another computer? LOL! Man, you're crazy. LOL.

At least make sure that other computer knows how to format 4k drives properly, if it's an "advanced format" HDD or an SSD.

 

[Berryracer]

I finally figured it out after a lot of research online.

It seems the reason that extra MBR Disk 100 MB partition is created in addition to the 100 MB system partition and forcing the disk to be a GPT disk is because I had EFI Boot enabled in BIOS!

All I did was delete the EFI boot option, and disable "Boot to EFI" in the BIOS settings then this time when I inserted the Windows 7 DVD and tried to create the partition, this time it only created C: without anything else! no system partition and no MBR Disk!!! Finally! I can use my Acronis True Image to back up and restore properly!!

Thanks for all the suggestions though!

 

[Pardus]

Use a EaseUS Partition Recovery to format the hard drive from a bootable cd/usb stick as one big partition first. The boot manager lives there, automatic recovery tools live there, bitlocker when active lives there. If you ever plan to install another os, that 100mb partition will be very helpful.

If windows ever fails to boot and you don't have that 100mb partition, you may find yourself SOL. Consider dumping Acronis and use Todo Backup instead.

 

[Binky]

I've never had a problem with Acronis not backing up or not restoring the full Win7 partition system. Are you using an old version? If yes, why not just buy the new version when it goes on sale, again. It's often available for $5 or less after rebate.

 

[RU482]

You find it easier to plug it into another computer? LOL! Man, you're crazy. LOL.

At least make sure that other computer knows how to format 4k drives properly, if it's an "advanced format" HDD or an SSD.

I take for granted having my 5.25" (DVD) bay populated with a 2 external slots for 2.5" drive caddies.
I don't even need to use the caddies, just plug the drive right in, open up disk manager, and format. I let Windows 7 worry about formatting the drive correctly.

Even if I didn't have this....it's SATA. pop the door off the side of your case plug power, then the SATA cable in and go. Don't even need to power down assuming your are using AHCI

 

[MTDEW]

I finally figured it out after a lot of research online.

It seems the reason that extra MBR Disk 100 MB partition is created in addition to the 100 MB system partition and forcing the disk to be a GPT disk is because I had EFI Boot enabled in BIOS!

All I did was delete the EFI boot option, and disable "Boot to EFI" in the BIOS settings then this time when I inserted the Windows 7 DVD and tried to create the partition, this time it only created C: without anything else! no system partition and no MBR Disk!!! Finally! I can use my Acronis True Image to back up and restore properly!!

Thanks for all the suggestions though!

Great you got it figured out.
Since you no longer have a system partition, it might be a good idea to make a System Repair Disc just in case you need it someday.

With that said, Like Binky I never had an issue with Acronis and the Windows created hidden partition when backup/restoring my OS.