Moving System Reserved partition to a different drive | [image]

I currently have one drive that contains a System Reserved partition (which includes the boot files). The status is System, Active, Primary Partition.


I have another drive with the C: partition. The status is Boot, Page File, Active, Crash Dump, Primary Partition.


I've been told that if I remove the disk (it's a bit flaky) with the System Reserved partition, I won't be able to boot up. If this is true, is it possible to transfer that partition to another drive? If so, does it have to be at the start of the drive?


Alternatively, can I make the C: partition include System status?

Install Macrium Reflect Free and make a rescue disk/USB. Physically disconnect the hard drive with the system reserved partition. I would also move the remaining hard drive to the SATA 1 slot so it appears as the first drive in bios. Boot from the Macrium Reflect Free rescue disk/USB and under the restore menu will be an option to fix startup problems. You can use that to recreate the boot files right on the C: drive partition.

If it works (and it should), then you can put the second hard drive back in, delete all the partitions and reformat the whole thing.

If it fails for some reason, just reconnect the old hard drive, set it as the boot drive in bios, and you are back in business like you were before.

An alternate method would be to install MiniTool Partition Wizard Free. You can use that to shrink your C: drive partition enough to create empty space and then copy the system reserved partition over. It does not have to be at the front of the hard drive, but does have to be set as the active partition.

use EASYBCD >
select BCD Backup/Repair
Mark, (dot) Change boot drive
click perform action..

Attachment 52976

That might be easier :-). Didn't realize that option was in EasyBCD!

It is a VERY Nice Feature....
And IMO about the only thing it is good for...

EasyBCD Tutorial >

Awesome! So I used EASYBCD exactly how Kyhi explained. And now System is located on the C Drive.

Does this mean I'm now clear to format the System Reserved drive so I can use its terabyte of space?

As a test - remove that drive (before you format) and verify that your PC boots into the OS without it..
If all is good..

re-install that drive and proceed to format it..

Perfect! Thanks for the help!