Vista - "Windows cannot delete the active system partition"

I had some trouble with vista in the past and had to reinstall (shocker) When I reinstalled Vista I also installed XP Pro on a separate partition. I split my hard drive down the middle. Anyway, I now would like to delete the volume and for some reason I am unable to. XP is set up as a primary partition. Is there anyway I can get rid of the XP partition to free up some space for Vista?

I did the same thing except with vista32 bit (C: ) and Vistax64 (D: ) I had 32 set up as primary-installed 1st. I wanted to keep the 64 (D: ) and delete the 32 (C: ) Problem is all the boot "stuff" is on the 1st installed OS (C: ). In other words both OS's use the same boot software (from C: ), the second to go in (D: or later) just leeches off the first (C: )to boot up.

I don't think you can do it. I couldn't see how to get around it and re-formatted (again, I have my serial key memorized by now) and clean installed it.

Hello Dave,

Welcome to Vista Forums.

There are probably other ways, but Ecsson's method is probably the easiest. If you have been using the Vista install for awhile and have files you want to save from there, you could install Vista on the XP partition (I recommend a clean install). Move the files from the old Vista to the new and then delete the second partition. Personally I'd keep the second partition to put all my personal files on. That way if you ever need to reinstall your OS, your personal files won't be erased. After deleting (formatting) the partition with the old Vista on it, you may still have the dual boot options at bootup. If so you can type 'msconfig' (no quotes) in the start menu search bar, press enter and on the boot tab select the old Vista (the new one should be the default now) and delete it there.

Hope this helps.

Gary