[HELP] Problematic Hard Drive Partitions

[capndev]

First of all, I'd just like to state I've done a lot of research before entering into the journey of a first build. 

 

I've just finished my first build and installed Windows 8.1 64bit tonight! Installed a load of drivers, yada yada. So far, she's (mostly) working like a dream. Haven't run any benchmarks yet because of this issue...

 

SPECS: 

• CPU: Intel i7 4790k
• CPU COOLER: Corsair H105
• Motherboard: ASUS Maximus VII Hero 
• GPU: EVGA GTX 980 SC (Ref Design)
• RAM: 16GB HyperX Savage @ 1866MHz
• PSU: EVGA 850W G2 80+ Gold Modular
• SSD: x2 HyperX 3k 240GB 
• HDD: Western Digital Black 3TB
• CASE: Corsair Obsidian 750D

CONTEXT:

 

When I was installing Windows, I accidentally selected the WD 3TB HDD as the OS drive. I powered off the PC in order to re-boot into the USB install drive to re-install to an SSD, and to format the HDD. I formatted it, then set the OS to install on one of the SSD's. All seemed fine.

 

PROBLEM:

 

When I got into the 'This PC' window to check all my drives, I noticed the 3TB HDD was recognised as a 2TB. I assumed this was due to some kind of limitation of a certain type of formatting, and sure enough, after some googling, I learn about Master Boot Record and  GPT (GUID Partition Table) formats.

 

I found a quick tutorial stating how to change the format type to GPT via the command line and the Disk Management utility. However, Windows wont let me do either of them. In Disk Management, It shows a 'System Restore' partition, a 2TB partition and a 750GB(ish) partition that isn't accessible.

 

I'm assuming that the System Restore is due to beginning a windows install on the HDD(?) but I'm unable to delete it. Also, when selecting via the Command Line in diskpart and attempting 'clear' command, I get the error message in the screenshot below. 

 

Note: I deleted the 2TB partition to see if I could somehow get the 'Convert to GPT' option to appear but, no luck.

 

The screenshot below will hopefully enlighten someone as to why I can't change this from what I can find: 

 

 

So my question is, how can I get this drive to the max amount it can be? I'm not hugely fussed by the 300MB System Restore partition as that's a minute amount but, when it appears to be stopping me from converting the drive's format to get my full 3TB - that bothers me. Would love some help from everyone/anyone possible.

 

Thank you all!

 

[JoopZ]

Sorry for probably a very simple response, but I assume you have tried right clicking and deleting the smaller volumes?

[capndev]

Sorry for probably a very simple response, but I assume you have tried right clicking and deleting the smaller volumes?

 

No need to be sorry!

 

Yeah, I've given it ago. for the System Restore partition, it's not highlighted in the right click menu. I guess because it's hidden as the OS needs it but, in this case, it doesn't, because it's on a different drive.

 

Thanks!

[JoopZ]

No need to be sorry!

 

Yeah, I've given it ago. for the System Restore partition, it's not highlighted in the right click menu. I guess because it's hidden as the OS needs it but, in this case, it doesn't, because it's on a different drive.

 

Thanks!

 

But I assume it works on the 750GB partition?

 

Also, have you tried assigning the system partition a drive letter, and selecting that drive letter in command prompt, then telling it to format only that partition?

[capndev]

But I assume it works on the 750GB partition?

 

Also, have you tried assigning the system partition a drive letter, and selecting that drive letter in command prompt, then telling it to format only that partition?

 

Not that I could find. The issue was the 750GB was constantly listed as 'unassigned' so there wasn't any options for it. I can't remember if the option existed to 'create simple partition' (or whatever the exact option is named) for that partition.

 

No, I haven't! I'll give that a go tomorrow! Would that still be the 'clear' command? I'll try it via diskpart in CLI and via Disk Management. 

 

Someone on reddit has suggested creating one partition on the drive as the whole thing, but, not sure if that'll work as it has only seemed to see the 2TB section. 

I assume that's due to it being a MBR and not GPT?

[JoopZ]

That is due to it being MBR and not GPT, and from what I understand you cannot change it to GPT unless the system reserve is removed from the drive. I'm not sure if you can see that partition if you boot up the windows setup and capable of deleting it there? I happened to stumble across this link here not sure if that will help further, you have probably found it already though (just follow it all, without the installing windows part, after that is sorted just cancel and restart.

 

EDIT: Yes, it is the command "clean"

[capndev]

That is due to it being MBR and not GPT, and from what I understand you cannot change it to GPT unless the system reserve is removed from the drive. I'm not sure if you can see that partition if you boot up the windows setup and capable of deleting it there? I happened to stumble across this link here not sure if that will help further, you have probably found it already though (just follow it all, without the installing windows part, after that is sorted just cancel and restart.

 

EDIT: Yes, it is the command "clean"

 

Yeah. See that's what I've been concerned by. Although Windows was never installed (the furthest it got was prepping), It still has this system restore drive.

 

I'm not sure either. I'm going to give that a go tomorrow. I know I've tried formatting and deleting the SR drive but, the options are blanked out. I'll have to have a look in the UEFI Windows installer. 

 

Thanks for the link. Going to give that a go too. Got a list of a few things to try tomorrow now, so, I'll update back tomorrow and let you know how it all goes. 

 

I'm going to be dreadfully frustrated if this 3TB drive becomes a 2TB drive due to one accidental double click during the windows install process.  

[Beltboy]

Your problem is because when you started the first install it created the system reserved partition on your big HDD you can only have 1 system reserved partition, and you must have one so if windows is running you can't delete it or modify it as that mean dis-mounting it.

 

You'll have to boot off your windows disk/usb use the setup to delete the partition on your drive, then tell it to install on the SSD, provided you've UEFI booted the windows install this will Make your SSD GPT and put the reserved partition on it (this is what you want) then when your in windows with the partitions in the right place you can format and do what you wish with the HDD.

[Stazy]

The easiest would be to actually have only...only 1 ssd plugged in as if you would not have anything else, install windows on that, restart and connect hdd, format that and it should resolve it?

[Beltboy]

The easiest would be to actually have only...only 1 ssd plugged in as if you would not have anything else, install windows on that, restart and connect hdd, format that and it should resolve it?

The problem with doing this is that if the drive you disconnect is marked as a system drive now (which it is) you install windows making the SSD the system drive then plug this drive in, you now have 2 drives with the system flag which can be un-predictable at best.