Windows 10: how to remove partitions from backup hdd

I want to clear the partitions from a 1 tb backup drive
I tried deleting the partitions by formatting them but it only removed the files in the partitions and the partitions are still there. see pic below
How can I remove the 4 partitions so I can use the hdd to clone a drive image on it



:)

 

HDD partition/swapping/backup

So I'm upgrading my system to i7, and acquiring another hdd so I can setup a RAID. Right now I have 2 partitions on my HDD, dual boot is all. I want to keep all my programs,pictures, music and documents but basically get rid of the OS and partitions in general so I can re-partition my RAID for OS, games, files. I got Acronis and did a backup to my external but when i load this backup, everything is going to go back the way it was before, OS, etc. Whats the easiest way to do this, just backup my program files, pictures, music Not create an exact image?

TIA

Duxx

 

W7 Hard drive partition issue

to get rid of that 100 meg windows partition that setup creates for you on a new install on a blank hdd:

- press shift+f10 when on the partition management screen in setup <-- this opens a command prompt
- diskpart <-- start the windows command line partition management tool
- list disk <--- list the installed hdds in this computer for the next step
- select disk 0 <- might have to replace 0 with the number of the correct disk
- clean <-- this will erase all data on the disk you selected one step up- dont use the wrong disk!
- create partition primary <- creates a primary partition taking up all space on the drive, adjust the command if necessary
- exit, exit to exit diskpart and the command prompt
- click refresh in partition manager and select your newly created partition and install to that

 

Is using an hdd without partition OK?

Partitioning is not necessary, and can actually slow down your drive. I will suggest that you get another drive soon and keep your irreplaceable data/photos/etc onto there as soon as possible. And also make sure you have a backup plan for it.

Just regularly use drive cleanup for junk, occasionally defrag your HDD, and you should be fine for speed.