How to Remove Your Windows 7 Partition
Written on by Kay
If you are like most PC users who could not wait to try the new, highly anticipated Windows 7, you are likely running a pre-release beta version. You may be doing so with a duel boot configuration. Now that Windows 7 has been released and is now on store shelves, you want to remove these pre-releases and install the full product.
- Note: Not only can you follow these steps to remove your beta and pre-release Windows 7 editions, but you can also follow these same steps to remove your old Vista or XP operating system. Now that you have had time to test out Windows 7 and liked what you saw, it is time to say goodbye to your old operating system.
Since you are deleting the partition used with Windows, it is important to backup all your files. This includes any important documents, pictures, videos, music, and more. Create a backup disk right now if you haven’t done so already.
How to Remove Windows 7 from Windows Vista
Built-in tools for Vista can be used to manipulate and modify your hard drive partitions. It is recommended that you have your Vista DVD on hand incase any complications arise. To get started:
- Boot Vista
- Click the Start Menu
- Enter “diskmgmt.msc” in the search bar
At this time, a window named “Disk Management” open and it will contain the basic information about your PC drives.
- Right-click on the partition you created for Windows 7
- Select “Delete Volume”
At this time, you should see unallocated hard drive space; this is where Windows 7 once was.
- Right click the original partition
- Select “Extend Volume”
- Enter in the full amount of unallocated space
At this time, you may be unable to boot into Windows Vista because you may have damaged your boot loader, but do not worry. It is time to use the Vista DVD, boot from it, and wait until the loading process is complete. You will then want to select the “Repair Your Computer” option. Now, you will be asked to decide on a recovery tool to utilize; you want to select “Startup Repair.”
In just a few minutes, your computer will solve the issues at hand and your computer should be able to reboot has normal. Now, just remove the DVD from your optical drive. And, remember you can do these same steps to remove Windows Vista once you have the full version of Windows 7 installed.
