Boot X prevents windows 7 install

[racerx5410]

I'm fixing a friends computer and we've run across a problem where on the HD there is a Boot X partition in addition to the 100MB reserved partition. The windows 7 install goes fine until it asks for the serial number. When the install reaches that stage then it stops working.

Does anyone know how to get rid of this boot X partition? It's about 30GB and it wasn't created by us. We've tried doing a full format and that didn't work. any suggestions?

 

[pcgeek11]

Get the drive Mfg utility disk, do a full wipe ( write zeros to the entire drive ) low level format.

 

[FishAk]

Chose: “Custom > Drive options. Select the partition(s) you don't want, and delete them.


If you don't want windows to create a special hidden 200Mb partition that it only needs if you use Bit-locker (Bit-locker requires motherboard support), than create and format partitions on the drive before you install. Also disconnect any drives you're not installing W7 on, or the setup might install boot files on them. If you're not worried about the 200Mb partition, just install.


When the setup asks for the license, just click the box that says you'll activate automaticly when online. Then, once W7 is up and running, deactivate automatic updates. Once you have everything set up the way you want, and everything is working normal, reactivate automatic updates, activate the license, and update Windows. Don't neglect taking an image of the OS/Programs partition at this point.