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Extend Data (boot) partition
I have a Windows 8.1 Machine (Dell OptiPlex) that I am trying to install Windows 10 on. I get the message: Could not install Windows 10, unable to edit reserve partition.
I've run into this issue before and I was able to fix it by using the program Minitool Partition Wizard and extending the 100 MB Data partition from 100 to 200 MB. This time, however, the program won't let me edit the size of the partition despite carving out extra space for it from the primary partition. I get the same issue in the built in Windows drive management. I can shrink the partition smaller than 100 MB but I can't extend it. I feel like it's something easy I'm missing but I can't seem to figure it out.
Please see attached screenshot.
Capture.JPG
I've run into this issue before and I was able to fix it by using the program Minitool Partition Wizard and extending the 100 MB Data partition from 100 to 200 MB. This time, however, the program won't let me edit the size of the partition despite carving out extra space for it from the primary partition. I get the same issue in the built in Windows drive management. I can shrink the partition smaller than 100 MB but I can't extend it. I feel like it's something easy I'm missing but I can't seem to figure it out.
Please see attached screenshot.
Capture.JPG
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can it be your disk has already 3 partitions?
then it won't install, since the max n° of partitions is 4
then it won't install, since the max n° of partitions is 4
Are you trying to upgrade Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 or are you trying to have two Windows OSes on that system?
"then it won't install, since the max n° of partitions is 4" - not quite, setup does not add another partition, so it doesn't care.
that is true for an upgrade - but in the Original question he did not mention the upgrade..
ASKER
I am looking to upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 - a single boot setup. I apologize for not making that more clear.
Then you can download the Windows 10 via Media Creation tool and perform installation onto empty HDD: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO
However this could require you a product key for Windows.
If still you want to perform upgrade then you need to use a third party partitioning tool, free or paid version.
Parted Magic for example which comes as a boot cd or Easeus Partition Wizard: http://www.partitionwizard.com/free-partition-manager.html
You need to move the right border of C to the right so to free up space for 100MB partition. Then increase 100MB partition.
Backup is must have before you start.
However this could require you a product key for Windows.
If still you want to perform upgrade then you need to use a third party partitioning tool, free or paid version.
Parted Magic for example which comes as a boot cd or Easeus Partition Wizard: http://www.partitionwizard.com/free-partition-manager.html
You need to move the right border of C to the right so to free up space for 100MB partition. Then increase 100MB partition.
Backup is must have before you start.
I already told you how, you didn't comment on that - are Th steps clear to you?
ASKER
I followed Alexios' suggestion and it seemed to work - I was able to get the Windows 10 install to continue. However, I let it run over night and when I came in this morning I got the attached error. I don't know if this could be considered the same problem or a new one. If there are no fixes for the attached error I will attempt McKnife's suggestion. Thank you all so far for your help.
IMG_20160122_081134_1920x1080.jpg
IMG_20160122_081134_1920x1080.jpg
Is this a single HDD in your system? Or do you have more than one drive connected?
If there is another drive then disconnect it first. Let your system drive to be the only drive during upgrade.
If the drive is encrypted - then unencrypt it first.
If you are using Gigabyte motherboard with Intel CPU then read this: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-windows_install/the-installation-failed-in-the-safeos-phase-with/54db0c8f-f9f0-4093-b2fe-ad378685686a?auth=1
If there is another drive then disconnect it first. Let your system drive to be the only drive during upgrade.
If the drive is encrypted - then unencrypt it first.
If you are using Gigabyte motherboard with Intel CPU then read this: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-windows_install/the-installation-failed-in-the-safeos-phase-with/54db0c8f-f9f0-4093-b2fe-ad378685686a?auth=1
ASKER
I'm still having a problem with my first computer, but I have determined the problem is with the hard drive itself. However, I used these exact instructions for another computer with the same original problem and they worked flawlessly.
1 Create an image of c:
2 delete c:
3 extend the boot partition
4 restore c:
You would need an imaging program that know how to restore images to a different partition size. The actions would be done from Windows PE. A program that could do it is drive snapshot, it offers a free fully functional, WinPE enabled version.
If you need clues, just say.