Windows 7 System reserved on a different HDD than the System itself

[EugenX]

Hi all,

I've got a 2TB hdd that I want to remove from the current machine, but I've noticed that there is a System Reserved partition on it. If I remove the HDD, the system will boot up normally? Or I'll have problems?

 

[kemical]

Hi,
I don't think you'll have any issues as that partition is normally used for system restore files and the like. It might be recreated by the os although not I'm sure for definite

Even so it's best if you can have a copy of Windows 7 at hand so you can use the repair function.

If you don't have the install disk or USB but know your activation key then you can download a copy of the iso from here:
Download Windows 7 Disc Images (ISO Files)

This guide will give you some options on how to move the data across:
How to move windows 7 to a new or larger hard drive using Backup and Restore

 

[Neemobeer]

Actually the system reserved contains the BCD store and boot manager, so removing that drive would prevent it from booting.

Partition table > bootmgr > read BCD > Load winload.exe > login screen

 

[kemical]

Oops, I didn't know or had forgotten so thanks Neem's.

I'm sure at one point all it contained was system repair points and the like. Maybe I'm thinking of a different os?

 

[Neemobeer]

Some systems will have a third recovery partition which contains the WinRE.wim recovery environment.