BleepingComputer.com: Upgrading from Vista to Win 7, multiple partitions

I am trying to do a clean install of Win 7 over Vista.
I get to the part where I need to delete the OS partition.

These are the partitions listed:

Disk 0 Partition 1: (says something about OEM)
Disk 0 Partition 2: Recovery
Disk 0 Partition 3: OS
DIsk 0 Partition 4: Media direct


Do I just delete Partition 3 or do I need to delete Partition 2 (recovery as well)?

It`s decision time for you and your friend.

Am unsure what partition 1 is. What is the make and model of the machine being dealt with?
Partition 2 is just what it says. There is an exact factory image of the hard drive as it was the day it left the factory. If you go ahead with the install of 7 then I would delete it since it contains Vista. Also it may very well become broken, unsealable when you format the rest of the drive. Even if you leave it.

Partition 3 is just as it states. Currently holds Vista and all the Users programs and data. This one is the one you will definitely format.

Partition 4 is a quick load option, so to speak. When the User only wants to listen to music or view a DVD, etc.
Am unsure whether this option will remain functional after a new install or not. Thinking it will since I believe it is first controlled by an option in the BIOS.

One other question to avoid further complications before you get started. Have you checked the website of the PC manufacturer to make sure there is driver support for Win7 and this PC?
If not, Vista drivers may work on it but can not say for sure.

This is a Dell Inspiron 1420. We do have the original Dell Vista OS if necessary.

Partition 1 doesn't have a description but says total size is 78MB, free space is 71MB and then (OEM reserved)

Ok.

Lets dig a little deeper.
Lap top or tower? Either way, somewhere on it will be a sticker with a "service tag" number. If you provide it I will have a look at the Dell website to see exactly what we are dealing with.

This post has been edited by ThunderZ: 07 May 2011 - 09:19 AM

Good info on Partition 1.

I`m thinking that is where Dell loads it`s self diagnostic tools on.
will know more when we get the service tag number.

Laptop: Service Tag CCD5XD1, 26869093669

If you are trying to do a clean install...does that mean that you have purchased a retail Win 7 DVD?

If you are doing a clean install...nothing that relates to your former O/S is of any notice...unless you have an upgrade DVD which may check for the prior O/S that validates the upgrade.

Louis

I have a disk with both the 32 and 64 bit versions of Win 7, I do have the product license key

Besides what Louis just stated.

According to the Dell Support Site there is no driver support for your Friends lap top.

This can complicate things. Even leave the lap top only partially functional. My suggestion at this point is to use the restore partition, #2, to return the machine back to original factory specs.
This should also effectively eliminate the virus problems.

oh sht , I already deleted the two partitions and started the install... I will be crossing fingers and praying to the computer gods... if all else fails, I think I can use the original Dell OS disk

Awaiting an update.

There is a chance some\most\all drivers are native to Win7.