Please help me delete Vista so I can do a re-install! :(

[CrunchDude2]

Sorry for all the caps, but Vista has crashed due to overheating so many times on me that I want to re-install Vista on a fresh partition. So I have several questions, so that hopefully, I'll be able to pull this off without any "surprises".

I have ONE 100GB hard drive on my laptop, and I have PartitionMagic, which I used to partition the drive into one 30GB partition (my XP OS plus any apps, etc.), and one 60GB for my Vista OS, along with apps that I use for Vista. The rest is taken up by the hidden Thinkpad restore partition. Anyway, so here go my questions:

1. If I wipe out Vista, will I be able to boot into my XP (default) OS? Or do I need to do something to boot.ini?

2. Vista resides on an EXTENDED partition, and XP on the C: drive. I use Partition Magic from within XP. I just want to consolidate the two by deleting the logical Vista partition and then re-create a PRIMARY one for the re-installation. I've already backed everything up, so I'm ready! lol...But I don't want to end up not being able to access XP. Should I go for a PRIMARY or EXTENDED??? Does it even matter?

3. I also thought of something more radical: Manually deleting all Vista OS-related files, followed by an immediate re-installation of Vista. I already tried deleting the entire (all 8.59GB's worth lol) Windows folder on my Vista partition from within XP. It said "Access denied" for several files, which I thought would happen at some point anyway. How do I delete these files byj FORCE???

I know this is a radical way of doing it, but from my experience with dual- and triple-boot systems on one hard drive, I think it might just work to where I can still get into XP. At the very least, I'll end up with a fresh install of Windows Vista.

Which tool do you recommend to delete by force all the files that have access restrictions?


Thanks so much everyone! I really need this done.

[DAH]

How are you planning on reinstalling Vista? This will effect your options. If you have purchased the Vista DVD, you can delete the partition when you install Vista. (that is how I did it)

[carbon_unit]

Is this on a Thinkpad? Did it dome with Vista?
If so you need to make a set of recovery discs before doing anything else.

[CrunchDude2]

Sorry, I omitted important information.

I have a stand-alone version of Vista on a DVD. NOT an upgrade. I don't want to delete the partition, as it is the biggest (60 out of 100GB) and has plenty of files on it that I would like to keep. I've already tried to CONSOLIDATE (merge) the partitions, which failed for some reason. I used PartitionMagic. First time it failed, incidentally.

And I'm planning to simply re-install a fresh, clean Vista install after the numerous crashes due to my T60p overheating. Because at first, I always bragged at how fast it boots up and how great it is. That was on my T43p. On my T60p, it just crashed because the Thinkpad got so red-hot. XP works great with my T60p. By the way, it even has the Vista-capable sticker, and the warranty is good until late 2009!

Please help!

[tomh009]

I think you should figure out why your T60p is running so hot, regardless of Vista. When exactly is it overheating?

Are you using TPFanControl? What about NHC or RMClock? What are your CPU and GPU temps like? What speed is the fan running at?

[mgo]

I have a stand-alone version of Vista on a DVD. NOT an upgrade. I don't want to delete the partition, as it is the biggest (60 out of 100GB) and has plenty of files on it that I would like to keep. I've already tried to CONSOLIDATE (merge) the partitions, which failed for some reason. I used PartitionMagic. First time it failed, incidentally.Please help!

Greetings:
I'm under the impression that a lot of changes have been made to your computer with some "unpredictable" and unexpected results. First thing you would want to do is make copies of those personal folders and files that you do not want to lose.

Then, format and re-partition your hard drive. After that, re-install Windows, your programs and then your files that you backed up.

In other words, start from scratch on a bare drive and this ought to fix things.

"Merging" partitions is always risky business, and should be avoided. Merging will cause the operating system to have to re-locate many files and links, which isn't always going to be successful. Additionally, it is very time consuming.

It appears that you keep your personal files on a separate partition. Good idea. Also, you could move your My_Documents over to the second partition, too. Windows will do that easily from My_Documents properties. (In Vista, it's just called "Documents".

By having your documents on that second partition, you can work on your operating system without risking the personal data.

[CrunchDude2]

I would have to buy a 100gig drive to do the format. And Vista is overheating my system, never XP. TPFanControl. I think it's part of the utilities I downloaded from lenovo for my particular T60p configuration.

At any rate, let me just ask one LAST question, which will likely not going to be a popular one, but I think, again based on years' worth of experience. How do I, forcefully, delete the Windows, Users, Program Files folders on my Vista partition FROM XP? Then, I'll immediately do the re-install, and I should be fine. If I mess it up, it will have been my fault and I won't complain. lol...There are so many files and folders that are access-restricted. Just please someone tell me how to force-delete them.

Thanks!

[arni]

I would have to buy a 100gig drive to do the format. And Vista is overheating my system, never XP. TPFanControl. I think it's part of the utilities I downloaded from lenovo for my particular T60p configuration.

TPFanControl is a program for controlling your Fan and it's not provided by Lenovo. And if you TP is overheating you should check that you have installed at least the power management driver, lenovo system interface driver, appropriate videodrivers and the Lenovo power manager. After that check your power settings in power manager and Vista mobility center. Another option would be if you have an ATI card to set Powerplay mode on!

At any rate, let me just ask one LAST question, which will likely not going to be a popular one, but I think, again based on years' worth of experience. How do I, forcefully, delete the Windows, Users, Program Files folders on my Vista partition FROM XP? Then, I'll immediately do the re-install, and I should be fine. If I mess it up, it will have been my fault and I won't complain. lol...There are so many files and folders that are access-restricted. Just please someone tell me how to force-delete them. Thanks!

If i understand you right you've got two partitions setup with Partitionmagic. Why not take Partitionmagic and just delete the vista partition. After that you can merge your partions once again or make a new one. Only thing to be aware of is that your xp partition will be a primary partition and is set to active!

After you wiped out the Vista partition just insert a win xp cd and boot into the recovery console and do a "fixmbr \Device\HardDisk0". You should also take a look at this article which explains very well how to proceed when xp won't boot up http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/51 ... 31733.html.

[CrunchDude2]

If i understand you right you've got two partitions setup with Partitionmagic. Why not take Partitionmagic and just delete the vista partition. After that you can merge your partions once again or make a new one. Only thing to be aware of is that your xp partition will be a primary partition and is set to active!

After you wiped out the Vista partition just insert a win xp cd and boot into the recovery console and do a "fixmbr \Device\HardDisk0". You should also take a look at this article which explains very well how to proceed when xp won't boot up http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/51 ... 31733.html.

Hey there, thanks for your reply. Well, my 100GB drive is full of stuff I need, so I can't just wipe out the partition. I'm not going to buy another 100GB HD to back everything up, but if I could just forcefully delete the Vista files, I know I can just re-install Vista without going through any re-partitioning. I've done it before with NT and 98. There must be a utility that can bypass the "Access denied" when attempting to delete access-restricted files. The ones I've found on my own don't work. I just want my Vista Ultimate back, but at this point, it has to be installed from scratch. Any ideas?

Schoenen Gruss nach Deutschland.

[tomh009]

If you don't have access to the files, you will need to take ownership of them first (Permissions > Advanced), and you can then reset permissions. Assuming you have administrator privileges, you should be able to do this.

I don't know of any way of deleting selectively from an existing partition, especially since you don't have room to install another OS first.

I still think you should download TPFanControl and look at your temps. It may only happen in Vista at the moment, but I think you have a potential problem for the future there, regardless of the OS.

[GomJabbar]

I believe the following should work.

You have to boot into SAFE MODE to access the Security features in XP. Once in SAFE MODE right-click on the offending file or folder, choose Properties > Security tab > Advanced > Owner, and choose your username in the box, for example COMPUTER NAME\Administrator then click on OK and the properies box will close. Now right-click on the file or folder again, choose Properties > Security tab, highlight a user (you can add a user here if you like as well) then make sure you tick the box to give you Full control, click on OK and properies box will close. Right-click on the file or folder again and you may delete.

[CrunchDude2]

If you don't have access to the files, you will need to take ownership of them first (Permissions > Advanced), and you can then reset permissions. Assuming you have administrator privileges, you should be able to do this.

I don't know of any way of deleting selectively from an existing partition, especially since you don't have room to install another OS first.

I still think you should download TPFanControl and look at your temps. It may only happen in Vista at the moment, but I think you have a potential problem for the future there, regardless of the OS.

I'll try to do that. Where do I download TPFanControl? Thanks again!

[CrunchDude2]

I believe the following should work.

You have to boot into SAFE MODE to access the Security features in XP. Once in SAFE MODE right-click on the offending file or folder, choose Properties > Security tab > Advanced > Owner, and choose your username in the box, for example COMPUTER NAME\Administrator then click on OK and the properies box will close. Now right-click on the file or folder again, choose Properties > Security tab, highlight a user (you can add a user here if you like as well) then make sure you tick the box to give you Full control, click on OK and properies box will close. Right-click on the file or folder again and you may delete.

Cool, I'll try that.

Right now, I'm bummed out for not even being able to install the Sprint Communication Manager for Vista. It is CPWII not working or something. I am so sick of this. I might just have to buy me 100-pack of blank DVD's to back everything up and start from scratch. Or I could just stick with XP SP2, which gives me NO problems.

Anyone know when XP SP3 and Vista SP1 are coming out? And what will the SP3 for XP be about? Basically all the fixes and patches since SP2, but SP2 was a little more than that. Almost like XP Second Edition. lol...

[arni]

At the moment there is no offical information from ms regarding Vista SP1 and XP SP3. Only that they are working on them and that some pre beta code was handed out to TAP customers and a handful beta testers. All information you can get at the internet at this moment are only speculations.

If you read all those posts about SP1 and XP SP3 there will be no additions or really big modifications to the OSes. Only fixes and especially on Vista some minor UI fixes that didn't make it to RTM.

Currently i would not suggest to wait for Vista SP1 since MS is releasing hotfixes and compatibility updates thru Windows Update. Only the latest compatibility and stablility hotfixes you have to get manually from Windows Downloads since not every system is affected by the problems which they fix. I think that SP1 will only accumulate all those fixes which were released up to this time. Same goes for XP. The only need of a SP is that at this time you have to download a bunch of hotfixes to come to a secure system. I think there are about 60-70 fixes which gets listed on Windows Update when you have a clean XP SP2 system.

[CrunchDude2]

At the moment there is no offical information from ms regarding Vista SP1 and XP SP3. Only that they are working on them and that some pre beta code was handed out to TAP customers and a handful beta testers. All information you can get at the internet at this moment are only speculations.

If you read all those posts about SP1 and XP SP3 there will be no additions or really big modifications to the OSes. Only fixes and especially on Vista some minor UI fixes that didn't make it to RTM.

Currently i would not suggest to wait for Vista SP1 since MS is releasing hotfixes and compatibility updates thru Windows Update. Only the latest compatibility and stablility hotfixes you have to get manually from Windows Downloads since not every system is affected by the problems which they fix. I think that SP1 will only accumulate all those fixes which were released up to this time. Same goes for XP. The only need of a SP is that at this time you have to download a bunch of hotfixes to come to a secure system. I think there are about 60-70 fixes which gets listed on Windows Update when you have a clean XP SP2 system.

That's what I thought. Thanks for the confirmation.

Alright, so I did the re-install successfully. Now I can't even install the Sprint Connection Manager on a fresh, brand new install of Vista to get on the net. I am getting really sick of Vista right now. And I am installing the Vista version of the software. "CMPWI has stopped working" it says every time I install it and attempt to open the software. What is this now?

[tomh009]

I'll try to do that. Where do I download TPFanControl? Thanks again!

You can get it here:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/tp4xfancontrol/

[GomJabbar]

Alright, so I did the re-install successfully. Now I can't even install the Sprint Connection Manager on a fresh, brand new install of Vista to get on the net. I am getting really sick of Vista right now. And I am installing the Vista version of the software. "CMPWI has stopped working" it says every time I install it and attempt to open the software. What is this now?

I suggest you search the following site for your Sprint problem. You may get an answer quicker that way.
http://www.evdoforums.com/

[CrunchDude2]

Thanks again for any new replies. I think I'm getting close to figuring this out. The Sprint thing is fine. Thanks!

I understand that there is a hidden Administrator account? How do I unhide that and log on that way? I also logged on in Safe Mode (under Vista) and was able to give my account Full Control permissions. I also turned UAC off. Although my logon name shows up as an Administrator account!??!?!

I am going to have to re-install Vista one more time as I'm learning the intricate details of the Vista.

And if it comes down to it, I'll just delete the partition and re-create it. This I should know, but I don't. What is the difference between making it a PRIMARY vs. a LOGICAL partition and which of the two do you guys recommend, keeping in mind that XP is the default OS, and Vista is the 2nd.

Thanks again everyone.

Edit: I googled it and found the way to do it, although it seems I would lose some of the security benefits of Vista doing that. I still would like to know the best way to do it, though.

Also, turning off UAC can apparently be set in a way where you can just enable and disable it with one quick procedure...Hmm...

Edit 2: This next option would solve my problem: How...do...I...delete protected folders like the Windows folder, etc. I think even with the Administrator account enabled, it won't let me, or am I wrong? By the way, my new (temporary) re-install of Vista is ULTRA fast again, so my Vista love is back lol...