Windows7 boot partition size on an SSD

Discussions about using Windows guests in VirtualBox.
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MikeJr
Posts: 5
Joined: 15. Jun 2009, 03:54
Primary OS: Ubuntu other
VBox Version: OSE Debian
Guest OSses: windows7

Windows7 boot partition size on an SSD

Post by MikeJr »

Hello, I am new to VirtualBox. I am planning a system that will have an Ubuntu host and one windows7 guest. I am currently planning my partition strategy. My system will have two hard drives; a 30GB SSD and a 1.5 TB HDD.

My plan is to reserve the first primary partition of each drive for use by the windows7 guest. I want to use "raw hard disk access" to present Windows7 with the first partition on the SSD to use as its boot partition. Next, I will install the mostly read directories of the Windows7 install on the SSD and the rest on the HDD.

My question is how much room should I reserve for the Windows7 boot partition on the SSD? I am thinking 7 to 10 GB but would like to benefit from the experience of the other pioneers.

--Thank you,
--Mike Jr
MikeJr
Posts: 5
Joined: 15. Jun 2009, 03:54
Primary OS: Ubuntu other
VBox Version: OSE Debian
Guest OSses: windows7

Re: Windows7 boot partition size on an SSD

Post by MikeJr »

I have continued my research and found that Microsoft recommends a minimum of 16 GB for the boot partition which in my case will be on my 30 GB SSD. See here:
http://lifehacker.com/5126291/windows-7 ... istas-were

You are expected to install Windows 7 in this 16 GB boot partition. After the installation completes, you proceed to move parts of the install from the SSD to the larger HDD. The details can be found here:
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/howtos ... torage_ssd

I was hoping that Microsoft provided direct support for a split install but if they do I can't find it.

Mike Jr
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