Dell Utility Partition

[dfk]

Hi,

I'm trying to install Windows 8.1 64bit on a new HDD on Dell Vostro 1400. I've imaged the Dell Utility Partition with Acronis and restored the Image on the empty disk. But when I try to install Windows 8.1 the installer cannot create partition.

Here's how it looks:
partition 1: 48MB FAT16 Dell Utility Partition
partition 2: rest of the 250GB HDD

I also refered to Goodell's site, and hid the FAT16 partition with Parted Magic 'hidden' flag. I tried to set the Type and Boot in ptedit according to Goodell but couldnt save it, it says the ending head value has to be larger by some number, which I have no idea what to put.

How do I get Windows to create the partitions it need to install the OS? Should I bother with restoring the Dell partition at all?

 

[mbarnes86]

Hi

It may be easier to clone the whole old hdd onto the new hdd
Assuming the new hdd is not smaller than the old one
Then use. Gparted or similar to expand the windows partition if required

Then boot off win 8.1. Dvd or usb
Use advanced option to format c: before installing new windows

Win vista onwards usually create one small boot manager partition if installing on a new or blank hdd using mbr partitions
If using gpt partitions on uefi bios you may get several small partitions both before and after visible partitions

Dell sometimes puts diagnostic test software into its diagnostic partition
If no diagnostic programs required remove all partitions before installing win 8.1

Regards
Mike Barnes

 

[dfk]

I'm not quite sure how to manually create the partition with the DOS tools. I will try restoring with another image of the old OS(win xp pro 32bit)+Dell partitions with Acronis and then try installing Windows 8.1 again.

I'd like to keep the Dell Utility since it's a boot menu on F12. My BIOS is latest A09, not sure if it's UEFI if it matters.

Currently I trying with diskpart to format the new HD to try to install Windows 8.1 but that would completely remove the Dell partition.

 

[mbarnes86]

Hi

If it came with xp that was long before uefi bios appeared

Uefi was released same time as win 8

I dont think diagnostic partition is required
Dell F12. Selects boot device, bios or diagnostics partition if they exist and possibly bios hdd testing

Let win 8 setup remove any partitions then create its boot and windows partitions

Regards
Mike Barnes

 

[dfk]

Thanks. I guess I'll forget about that partition lol. Installed 64bit after diskpart was done and its working now on MBR, as previously I had the FAT16 partition and a GPT partition.