Best partition setup for my HDD and SSD? (with screencap of Win7 Disk management)

[ally0007]

I'm setting up a newly-acquired PC (HP Compaq 8200 Elite CMT). I have two internal storage devices: a 500gb HDD and a 128gb SSD. I plan to use the 500gb HDD for file storage, i.e. manually saved files. I'll reserve the SSD exclusively for the OS (Windows 7 Pro) and installed programs.

What is the best way to partition my drives? Below is a screencap of Windows7 Disk Management, showing the current configuration of the drives. Is this optimal? Both of these drives have had Windows installed on them in the past. I'm wondering if the installation of Windows has configured the partitions optimally, of if I should change anything. I see they are all 'primary' partitions (whatever that signifies). And I'm not sure what those small 100mb partitions are for...

Many thanks for any advice!

 

[ArtPog]

Good luck and let us know how it all turns out.

 

[ally0007]

Good luck and let us know how it all turns out.

Thank you. I immediately hit another problem! This time, Windows setup reported: "Setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate an existing system partition. See the setup log file for more info." I have not been able to locate that Setup Log file, even after making hidden files+folders visible.

 

[ArtPog]

Do a Google search on "windows 7 install Setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate an existing system partition." and see if there's any info available there that will help.

 

[SkyNetRising]

It is not fine. You have created partition on SSD using all available space. Windows install will not be able to create bootloader partition.

You've been told already, how to do it correctly.

1. Disconnect HDD,
2. Boot from windows installation media,
3. Clean the SSD using diskpart
4. Reinstall windows

Done.

 

[ArtPog]

The more I think about it perhaps the best course of action at this point is to simply clone the contents of your present boot 500 GB HDD to the SSD. The total contents on that HDD are only about 50 GB so there's no problem utilizing the 128 GB (actual disk-space of 119 GB) to contain those contents.

 

[SkyNetRising]

Yes - that's a good idea. Will require way less time than windows reinstall.

 

[ArtPog]

Actually, I don't why I didn't think of this a lot sooner. I was negligent in not reviewing the OP's screenshot of Disk Management in detail which clearly indicated his present 500 GB boot drive contains a rather small amount of total data which can easily be accommodated by the 128 GB SSD. And since there's every indication the present boot drive is properly functioning problem-free there would be no reason not to clone its contents over to the SSD.

If the OP needs any assistance re the disk-cloning operation it can be provided.

 

[ally0007]

It is not fine. You have created partition on SSD using all available space. Windows install will not be able to create bootloader partition.

You've been told already, how to do it correctly.

1. Disconnect HDD,
2. Boot from windows installation media,
3. Clean the SSD using diskpart
4. Reinstall windows

Done.

Thanks for reminding me to try that again. This time, diskpart was able to clean the drive. Now Windows is installing. We'll se if it completes, this time...

YESSSS!!!!!!!! SUCCES!!!!!!!!!! WOOHOOO!!!!

Now all is as I wanted. Thanka a billion for your help, guys. You really saved me a world of pain! (I've been sweating over this all day and also yesterday!). I don't remember setting up a PC ever being so problematic... Maybe I'm getting too old for this stuff.

 

[ally0007]

Actually, I don't why I didn't think of this a lot sooner. I was negligent in not reviewing the OP's screenshot of Disk Management in detail which clearly indicated his present 500 GB boot drive contains a rather small amount of total data which can easily be accommodated by the 128 GB SSD. And since there's every indication the present boot drive is properly functioning problem-free there would be no reason not to clone its contents over to the SSD.

If the OP needs any assistance re the disk-cloning operation it can be provided.

SUCCESS AT LAST!!! (See my reply to SkyNetRising). Thank you so much for spending so much time on this. My brain was almost at the end of its tether! I truly appreciate your, and everyone's, help - you probably saved me from another full day of despair!! I will be able to sleep tonight!!!

 

[ArtPog]

"All's well that ends well" as some obscure poet wrote a long time ago.