RE: Windows 7 Installation, Another New Partition Auto Created "System Reserved"???

Hello. I have a few questions to ask regarding partitions and Windows 7 during the Windows 7 installation process.

Earlier today I installed on a single hard drive (no other hard drives connected to my motherboard, just one hard drive) Windows 7 Professional.
Now, during the install process this time, when I get to the window that states, "Where do you want to install Windows?" I have a much different listing of partitions that I have never had before when I installed Windows 7.

To note: When I install Windows 7, I use a COMPLETELY clean unallocated hard drive with no other partitions for systems or storage. I like to use New Simple Volumes to create my partitions. I let Windows 7 create the partition or volume for me during the installation process. So, for example: I have a 500 GB hard drive, I use 150 GB for Windows 7 and leave the rest unallocated space. This is rather simple method.

Now, THIS TIME, I see that in the listing for options of hard drive space when I am at that window "Where do you want to install Windows?", I create my 150 GB simple volume partition and then find out that now I have a partiton of 100 MB first listed (Disk 0 Partition 1) named "Partiton 1: System Reserved" (Type: "System") preceeding my created 150 GB "Partition 2" (Disk 0 Partition 2) (Type: "Primary"). Where did this come from? Why was it created? What does it do? I didn't see this last time I installed Windows 7???
Of course, I still have the "Disk 0 Unallocated Space" of 319.3 GB which is correct.

Now, after installing Windows 7 and I go to the Disk Management window, for Disk 0 it shows "System Reserved" on the first partition and "100 MB NTFS" and "Healthy (System, Active, Primary Partition)" and for the second partition it shows "C:" "146.9 BG NTFS" "Healthy (Boot, Page File, Crash Dump, Primary Partition)". And yes, the normal "319.28 GB" "Unallocated" space at the end.

Please help me with this issue regarding this new partition "Partition 1: System Reserved" that I have never seen before. Please tell me what it is and why I have it this time. What does it do? How does it work? Do I need it? It appears that this "System Reserved" partition cannot be deleted. The option is grayed-out.

Thank you!

 

Bitlocker encryption is only available on Ultimate and Enterprise versions of 7 and Vista but decryption can be done from 'lower' versions; I don't see why this partition is forced on W7 Professional.

I'm puzzled ...

 

Okay, thanks for your replies.

Now, let me ask this... ...you have made mention that it serves or works with BitLocker, a feature on Windows 7 Ultimate and Enterprise -- I know that BitLocker is on Windows 7 Ultimate and Enterprise. Now, if I plan to remain with the Windows 7 Professional edition and not upgrade editions, what real use can this "System Reserved" partition do for me??? ANYTHING??? ..or is it just worthless for me??? I see in one reply wondering why it installed when I have one of the "lower" Windows 7 editions. If BitLocker capability is only available with Windows 7 Ultimate and Enterprise, then why did I get it when I do not have BitLocker? Why? Do they figure I would edition upgrade at some point to the next one (Ultimate) and it would be there already waiting for me in case I need it at that time??? Is it a sales ploy to get me to buy the next higher edition (a tease) by depositing it on my hard drive?

Again, keeping with my Windows 7 Professional which I am very happy, what use does this partition "System Reserved" serve me? How can I use it? ....or can I EVEN use it AT ALL??? Any information you can provide or any links for us "lesser" Windows 7 editions is kindly asked.

Please reply.

Thanks!