Dual hard drdives and dual OS

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  1. Posts : 34
    Windows 7 Home Premium
       #1

    Dual hard drdives and dual OS


    I want to install a second larger hard drive on my XP computer and an OEM version of Windows 7 Home Premium. In a few months, when the budget allows, I want to upgrade the components of the machine with a new Mobo, CPU, etc. At that point, I would like to have the Windows 7 OS and programs on the present smaller drive (that has XP and everything else on it now) and use the new larger drive for data, etc. What is the easiest way to go about this? Thanks.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 22,814
    W 7 64-bit Ultimate
       #2

    Hello BobZolto.



    Just be advised if you install an OEM Windows 7 to your present hardware and then update/replace some of that HW the Windows OEM version will not activate as OEMs are tied to the first set of HW it is installed to and it can be very difficult, if not impossible to get it activated on new HW.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 34
    Windows 7 Home Premium
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Well, I want to upgrade the processor to an i7, so that will require a new mobo because I don't think the present one -- a Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R -- won't support an i7. So I presume the best thing to do is hold off until I can put everything together.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 9,606
    Win7 Enterprise, Win7 x86 (Ult 7600), Win7 x64 Ult 7600, TechNet RTM on AMD x64 (2.8Ghz)
       #4

    There are some great deals on Windows 7 Home Prem retail versions over the OEM version.

    One member got a Family (3-pack) for $129 at NewEgg.
      My Computer

  5.    #5

    The mobo is supposedly the one hardware item which will not allow reactivation of Builder's OEM. However numerous reports have been made of exceptions being granted by MS activation phone agents. I would not count on this however.

    More on OEM for you to consider: Windows 7 OEM and Regular?

    As Doc suggests, the Upgrade 3-pack is now about the price of one Upgrade version. If you have any retail XP or Vista you qualify for Upgrade version.
    Last edited by gregrocker; 25 Nov 2010 at 11:41.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 34
    Windows 7 Home Premium
    Thread Starter
       #6

    I already have the OEM version and have had it for beyond any time period in which I could return or exchange it. I suppose I could get an upgrade version for the XP machine and go on from there.
      My Computer


  7. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #7

    It would appear to me that the easy route is to install the new mobo first and then install the win7 OEM - unless you have used it already for an installation.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 34
    Windows 7 Home Premium
    Thread Starter
       #8

    That would be the best way, but budget constraints will delay the new mobo, etc. So I have to make a decision here: wait and continue with XP on the machine for a while longer or go the more expensive route overall by getting an upgrade version.

    The logic seems to lead me to stay with XP for a bit longer.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 22,814
    W 7 64-bit Ultimate
       #9

    Maybe you could install but not activate it for up to 120 days, will you have the new HW by then; I'd wait to see what others with more activation experience may have to say about this option with an OEM version.


    Activation Trial Period - Extend Up to 120 Days
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 34
    Windows 7 Home Premium
    Thread Starter
       #10

    I could, but couldn't the change in mobo be recognized anyway?
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:07.
Find Us