"Windows cannot delete the active system partition"

D

davestaubitz

New Member
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?
 

My Computer

System One

davestaubitz said:
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?
Click to expand...
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.
 
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My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    AMD 6000+ 64x2
    Motherboard
    ASUS
    Memory
    Corsair 4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 7300GS (256)
    Sound Card
    ASUS (MB works fine)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Viewsonic
    Screen Resolution
    1080P HD
    Hard Drives
    Maxtor 300 GB/Samsung 80
    Case
    Cooler Master
    Cooling
    lots of fans (if that's what you mean,) Nvidia controlled
    Keyboard
    Logitech
    Mouse
    Logitech KB and mouse are bluetooth
    Internet Speed
    54mbs (on a good day)
    Other Info
    Got my 1st PC 4 years ago. 6 gig HD runnin' '98! Had no idea what a virus was...Spyware???Worm???Trojan??? took on a whole new meaning... found out in a hurry though...
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
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    CPU
    Intel Core2 Quad Q6600
    Memory
    Crucial Ballistix 4x2GB PC2 6400
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GTS 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Creative SB X-Fi
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP w2207 + HPvs15
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050 + 1024x768
    Hard Drives
    2-WD5000AAKS-500 GB
    WD 5000AAV-500 GB external
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve
    Mouse
    MX Revolution
    Other Info
    Wacom Intuos 2 Graphics Tablet
    Experience Index=5.5
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