RE: Second Windows 7 install on SSD

Nikitaq · 06 Jul 2011

Hi guys - new to this forum so please be gentle!!

Like a bit of a noob, when I upgraded from XP to Windows 7, I didn't realise that the version I bought had both 32-bit and 64-bit install disks in the box - and installed the 32-bit version!

While this isn't a major problem in itself, everything works fine - it would be nice to use all of my memory and have any other benefits of the 64-bit OS.

I've bought an SSD (the Kingston V100 64gb) and I want to install this into my system and then install the 64-bit version on Windows 7 on it - to use as a 2nd boot drive? I only plan to use this for gaming - which I'm sure would benefit from the 64-bit version and speed increase from the SSD. I would then boot to the HDD's for normal work such as emails / work processing etc. (as I can't really be fussed with reinstalling all that stuff again!!)

Firstly - is it possible to do that - and somehow choose to boot from either the 32-bit HDD or the 64-bit SSD?

Secondly - can I install the 64-bit version of Windows by just sticking the SSD in the existing system and installing the OS on it - or do I have to disconnect the existing HDD's and treat it like a fresh install?

I'm a little paranoid that disconnecting my current HDD's will cause issues with the existing 32-bit install - or that the machine might get confused and trash the existing install! I'm pretty competent when it comes to PC's - always built my own systems and installed OS's etc - but as I've built up more data and 'stuff' over the years, I'm a little more worried about losing anything (even though I do a good back up once a month).

Any help / suggestions would be gratefully received.

pooch · 06 Jul 2011

Hello Nikitaq, Welcome to the forums,
Yes you can install Windows 7 x64 onto the SSD. It would be best to disconnect all other drives for the install. You shouldn't need to worry about your other HDD's. When you just disconnect them nothing should happen :)
It would help if you posted your system specs but when you want to boot your PC one drive will be the Primary drive and will be the first to be booted, it depends how you set this up in the BIOS. When you want to boot the other drive you call up the boot menu. (if your set up is capable) On my Asus system it is F8 while the boot screens are being shown.
I hope this helps

Nikitaq · 06 Jul 2011

Pooch - thanks for the reply - the drive will be arriving in the next few days - so I'll give it a go.

Current setup is as follows:

Asus A8N-SLI SE mainboard
AMD Phenom II 955 BE
4gig OCZ ram
2 x 500gig Samsung spinpoint F2 drives
Soundblaster s/card
AMD 5770 1gig gfx (Sapphire brand)
2 x DVD/CD writers

Hope that helps with any analysis.

pooch · 06 Jul 2011

Yes I am pretty sure that you can also call up the boot menu by tapping F8 when the first BIOS screens show. The easiest way to find out is to try it.

1Bowtie · 06 Jul 2011

pooch said:

Hello Nikitaq, Welcome to the forums,
Yes you can install Windows 7 x64 onto the SSD. It would be best to disconnect all other drives for the install. You shouldn't need to worry about your other HDD's. When you just disconnect them nothing should happen :)
It would help if you posted your system specs but when you want to boot your PC one drive will be the Primary drive and will be the first to be booted, it depends how you set this up in the BIOS. When you want to boot the other drive you call up the boot menu. (if your set up is capable) On my Asus system it is F8 while the boot screens are being shown.
I hope this helps

I think yes you can install the 64bit Win 7 on the SSD, but you can't have the 32 and 64 activated at the same time, that would be useing the same OS on 2 computers. Correct me if i'm wrong.

Nikitaq · 06 Jul 2011

Thanks for the replies - I was under the impression that if I bought a copy of Windows 7, i was entitled to install the software on my desktop and a laptop PC? However, as my laptop has Vista on it (and I don't use it as it's been replaced with an iPad2) then the second installation on the SSD should be okay.

Also, if I'm using the 64-bit version on my 'gaming PC' - then the 32-bit version on my 'office work PC' won't be in use. I could only use one of them at a time?

theog · 06 Jul 2011

One install of 32bit or 64bit per lic.

You can use the Family Pack for three PC's.
http://www.microsoft.com/uk/windows/...mily-pack.aspx

1Bowtie · 06 Jul 2011

Nikitaq said:

Thanks for the replies - I was under the impression that if I bought a copy of Windows 7, i was entitled to install the software on my desktop and a laptop PC? However, as my laptop has Vista on it (and I don't use it as it's been replaced with an iPad2) then the second installation on the SSD should be okay.

Also, if I'm using the 64-bit version on my 'gaming PC' - then the 32-bit version on my 'office work PC' won't be in use. I could only use one of them at a time?

That is no longer true using Win 7, one copy, one PC

Nikitaq · 06 Jul 2011

Well, if that is the case, I will only be playing games on the on SSD!

I think it's pretty stupid. What happens if my HDD breaks and I have to get a new one - even though it's a full retail version of the OS (not OEM) do I still have to get another copy of Windows 7?

Surely, if I am only using ONE version of Windows 7 at a time - just one PC with either the 32-bit or 64-bit version running - never together (obviously as they would be on different drives) - that is only one install running - not two?

Consider it the same as my HDD crashing and me re-installing the OS on the SSD?

I just don't want to boot up the SSD and then try to get back onto my HDD for email and stuff - then find it won't work because of the other install on the SSD.