Interchange Partitions

Hi All, ............. I have four partitions on my computer, C:, D:, E: and F: It is also a dual boot system with WindowsXP on C: and Windows 7 Home Premium on F:. All partitions are set up as 32 bit NTFS file systems. The Partitions of concern here are the C: and F: Each is approximately 26 GB in size and have similar paths to folders and files. For example, F:\ Program Files\etc. Since I have been using Win7 for several months and feel comfortable with it I would like to have it as my main OS and move it to the beginning of the hard drive without uninstalling all that I have added to Win7. So my first question: Is it possible to switch the C: and F: partitions? Or, is it possible to remove the C: contents while operating from Win7 on F: and then move(?) the F: partition to the space of the former C:?

You won't be able to move the actual Win7 files. If you're thinking that moving F: to C: would increase performance by placing the files further towards the edge of the platter, that is true, but IMO the slight gain is not worth the hassle. It is easy enough to get rid of WinXP though, if you want to use the partition for something else.

BTW, there is no 32-bit or 64-bit when it comes to filesystems, it is just plain old NTFS regardless of the OS.

SuperSparks, .............. Your opinion is good enough for me. I'll keep what I now have and gradually reduce the number of files on the WinXP partition, many of which are duplicated on the Win7 partition. Thank you for your interest and help.

FWIW - I have a similar set up as you.. 2HD, each 2 partitions:
C:W2K - D:My Documents - E:Temp - F:W7HP
and I am considering just formatting W2K and then use Partition Magic to merge/move/resize my HD's and run W7 standalone.

And backup first !

You can't just format the XP/2K partition, you will lose all the boot files and then Win 7 won't boot. I have a list of the files that you will need to keep, if I can find it.

hMmm. Maybe i just keep the win folder and shrink the partition then.

The files that you must not delete, and they should all be hidden files anyway, are:

boot.ini

ntldr

ntdetect.com

bootmgr

and a folder called Boot.

Ty. Will make sure to keep these.