Deleting Media Direct partition?

I've had a look around but can't seen anyone saying how they removed the media direct partition. I have no use for it and want to get rid.

The second partition in the first pic, is that a recovery partion is it vital?



I installed the partition magic demo and found two hidden partitions.



Basically all I would like to know is, which partitions can I remove? is partition magic or true image better to use? And is it possible to merge the deleted partion space with c:?

TIA

 

You can remove all the partitions if you want to, as long as you re-install the OS after that on the one remaining partition. However, doing so will mean that you won't be able to use either the Media Direct feature or the factory recovery option that Dell's also have once you have done that. My habit is to delete all the partitions from a Dell and then reload the OS and drivers with the included CDs. I lose a couple of features, but I also end up with a faster machine and more organized hard drive. Back up your data first, of course.

 

Should have put I don't want to reinstall the os besides I don't have a big enough external hdd to back all my stuff up. should really get one...

Yer I'm not fussed about the media direct button not working I've only used it once and didn't think much of it tbh.

 

You don't have to reinstall windows, it's even really easy since you're running XP.

Open C:\Boot.ini

Yours should be....

Since I think you've got C: as the third logical partition.
(Actually, scratch that. I think those are probably 2's based on the partition magic screenshot)

Just change that file to be

Then delete the other partitions and stretch C:\ to fill that space. You can use GParted (free) or Acronis (retail) to do this. I used to use GParted but now that I actually own Acronis I use that.

EDIT: Sorry, that's boot.ini, NOT Booti.ini
Managed to fat finger that one.

 

This is how mine reads.

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect

 

Sweet, I was right. Just do what I said and you should be fine.

 

Cool thanks I'll give it a go.