Laptop shutdowns unexpectedly

[Mario F.]

I haven't heard not seen of any partition like that, though.

If you have installed Windows 7 and allowed it to automatically partition your hard drive during installation, click the Start Menu, type disk management and hit enter. It will display as the first partition on your Windows 7 disk.

Alternatively, run diskpart.exe and:

1. Type list disk and take note of the disk number where Windows 7 is installed.
2. Type select disk #, where # is the disk number you noted before.
3. Type list partition.

Some more info here:
How to Avoid 200MB Hidden System Partition From Been Created During Windows 7 Installation » My Digital Life

Of note, also Bitlocker. Yet another Windows 7 functionality that will create a partition (much larger, 1.5GB) that is irrelevant to Windows XP.

[Elysia]

I haven't used BitLocker. What editions does it come in? I can't see it in Professional, and if it isn't in Professional, then I doubt it's going to much of a problem for many people.

[_Mike]

I haven't used BitLocker. What editions does it come in? I can't see it in Professional, and if it isn't in Professional, then I doubt it's going to much of a problem for many people.

As far as I know, it's only included in the ultimate and enterprise editions.

[SlyMaelstrom]

As far as I know, it's only included in the ultimate and enterprise editions.

And to remain relevant, because it's available in Ultimate, it is also present in the release candidate and all of the betas.

[Elysia]

Having installed betas and release candidates, I also know for a fact that they didn't create this ... partition. But then again, I never used Bitlocker, so that is probably part of the equation.

[SlyMaelstrom]

Having installed betas and release candidates, I also know for a fact that they didn't create this ... partition. But then again, I never used Bitlocker, so that is probably part of the equation.

And having Windows 7 RC installed on another computer right now, I know for a fact that it does... would you like a screen shot? Perhaps a Google link?

My guess is that you didn't let it partition automatically... but really, do you have to act like you're the only one that knows anything about computers around here? Keep your facts to yourself until you choose to verify them.

[Elysia]

*Ahem*
My original point was that you do not have to format. And it seems no one has proved that wrong.
If I did not strongly think I know the information I am about to give out, I don't. I shared what I had learned and no one knows everything. This partition that Mario mentions has never appeared to me, so how should I know?
I did point out something I was unsure of, too.

[SlyMaelstrom]

*Ahem*
My original point was that you do not have to format. And it seems no one has proved that wrong.
If I did not strongly think I know the information I am about to give out, I don't. I shared what I had learned and no one knows everything. This partition that Mario mentions has never appeared to me, so how should I know?
I did point out something I was unsure of, too.

Well, I don't want to get into anything bitter here because it's not worth either of our time nor is it polite to the forum, but I'd suggest you watch how you phrase your statements because often times they're very insulting. Your original point wasn't really a point as much as it was a jab at something that I didn't really say in the first place. As I said, nobody said you "have to format" and as such nobody has felt any need to prove that statement wrong. ...and I don't really think stating something "as a fact," incorrectly, and "doubting that it would be a problem," when in the current situation it is, would really count as pointing out something you're unsure of. You probably would have saved yourself a little trouble had you done even the smallest bit of research on the subject before replying.

Anyway, it doesn't really matter, if you feel any need to defend yourself from this, you have that right, but I have no intentions of continuing further from my end.

[geek@02]

Is it possible to format / repartition during Windows 7 setup? coz when installing win 7 i didn't find a way to format the C drive through the setup program.

[Mario F.]

It's on the screen where it asks you where do you wish to install Windows 7 partition. You have to select something like advanced options, if memory serves me right.

If you feel adventurous, you can also use diskpart. On the first screen where you are asked for the setup languages, press SHIFT+F10. This will open a command prompt. Type diskpart to do whatever you want to your disk. Instructions for diskpart are found here: KB300415

diskpart is a nice tool. Very powerful too. Handle with care.

[geek@02]

Thanks Mario but in advanced option there's no format option in RC. It just asks for a Drive to install and then says that the old win installation will be moved to windows.old folder, without giving a choice to format it. Anyway i'm not going to install RC again so that's ok tnx.

[geek@02]

July or August or something where it will just lock you out of the operating system with a message to upgrade.

i just read at amazon.com that after june, 7 will continue to start with a disabled desktop. So that means the OS will still work after expiration with more limitations?

[Elysia]

Well, I don't want to get into anything bitter here because it's not worth either of our time nor is it polite to the forum, but I'd suggest you watch how you phrase your statements because often times they're very insulting.

They shouldn't be insulting.
I deliberately avoid laying out blame.
But if it felt insulting to anyone, then I apologize.

Your original point wasn't really a point as much as it was a jab at something that I didn't really say in the first place. As I said, nobody said you "have to format" and as such nobody has felt any need to prove that statement wrong.

Do you mean, then, that you meant not to imply you had to format before installing a new OS? Because that's how I interpreted the post. Basically, it said to me: "You need to format before installing an OS. Make sure you backup before formatting."
Perhaps I misunderstood your intentions?

...and I don't really think stating something "as a fact," incorrectly, and "doubting that it would be a problem," when in the current situation it is, would really count as pointing out something you're unsure of.

No, that was the edit

You probably would have saved yourself a little trouble had you done even the smallest bit of research on the subject before replying.

I didn't feel like I needed any research on this one since I had done this action a number of times... you know? Experience. Albeit there was one little thing I didn't know (and never encountered!). Everyone can be wrong...

[maxorator]

I put new OS installs over old ones without formatting the partition fairly regularly (inc. XP*), and have never had a problem. I don't see what difference "formatting the drive" will make unless you zero out the data too (aka, a low level format), which can take HOURS.

There should be no real difference between quick format and full format unless you work for secret services.

[whiteflags]

Well here is the original statement:

I don't remember which month... but as of now it's just going to keep shutting down every two hours until July or August or something where it will just lock you out of the operating system with a message to upgrade. Kind of like what you get on your standard 30 day activation of most OEM Windows products. Basically your only choice is to install another operating system. Just make sure you use one of those two hour sessions to back up all of your lost data before you reformat the disk.

Heading to the most literal interpretation possible, maybe he installed on an NTFS partition and a reformat did not occur. Maybe a new partition was carved out and formatted from ext3 or some other format. We frankly don't know the nature of OP's drive.

Re-installing an OS for me has always resulted in destructive data loss for one reason or another. Backing up is not a strange thing to recommend. For such a small, agreeable recommendation, we're making mountains out of mole hills.