change partion names?


  1. Posts : 3
    vista ultimate 32bit
       #1

    change partion names?


    hi, i want to replace vista with win 7. i don't want any remnants of vista so i'd to do an installation of win 7- full version. if i create a partition with vista[d:\], then install win 7 there will it be a "clean" install? if i then use disk management to switch c:\[vista] and d:\[win 7] will the computer boot to win 7?
      My Computer

  2.    #2

    Not exactly.

    The correct way would be to copy your files out of Vista externally, make your factory recovery disks so you have a path back to factory condition, gather your program installers, then boot Win7 Upgrade version DVD.

    The DVD will scan your computer at boot to see Vista allowing use of Upgrade version key up front.

    Now Choose Custom install, then Drive Options to Delete all partitions, create New Ones, then Format before installing Win7 to the first partition.

    Read the exact steps here: Clean Install Windows 7

    Here are some other tips to get a perfect install:

    The installer is mostly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates. Any drivers then missing in Device Manager can be found on the Support Downloads webpage for your model computer or device.

    Install updates and then programs slowly over time to gauge performance after each. Don't let any programs write themselves into msconfig>Startup as they become freeloaders on your RAM/CPU and can spy on you. I only allow AV and gadgets. Startup Programs - Change

    Use a lightweight free AV like MS Security Essentials which works perfectly with Windows 7 Firewall. http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

    When it is finished, clean and order the HD perfectly using state-of-the-art free CCleaner then Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers monthly. CCleaner - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
    Auslogics Disk Defrag - Reviews and free Auslogics Disk Defrag downloads at Download.com
    Auslogics Registry Defrag - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

    Then save a Win7 Backup image externally so you never have to reinstall again, just reimage the HD or replacement using DVD or Repair CD. Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup
    Last edited by gregrocker; 26 Nov 2010 at 12:04.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 22,814
    W 7 64-bit Ultimate
       #3

    Hello itme74, welcome to Seven Forums!



    It does not work the way you imagine, once partitions are created with a drive letter their position cannot be changed on the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) it is also not really possible to change the Operating System (OS) drive letter.

    The first thing to do as suggested is to create a backup of the data you want to keep then do a clean install, Greg has supplied the relevant links in his post above.


    Be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 3
    vista ultimate 32bit
    Thread Starter
       #4

    i think i took the wrong approach with this problem[basically trying to solve it the "hard way"]. i have thought about it alot, here's what i will do: 1.backup all data 2.uninstall all apps except vista 3. boot from win7 dvd[i have full version], format hd, install win7-choose custom install. will i be able to create a partition for only the os? it is win7pro 32bit, maybe 33gb? any common install problems? i backed up much already and did something stupid. i put the data on a portable[usb] hd-everything in the root directory. it was very chaotic so i made some folders to organize. i had a small app-usb secure-in the root dir. since it was mixed with mp3, jpg, doc, exe, etc i think i moved the app too. now can't open the usb hdd. any ideas how to open? thx
      My Computer

  5.    #5

    You don't need to uninstall all your apps on Vista, just back up your active User folders (Documents, Pictures, Videos, etc) to a freshly formatted USB external HD, then make your Vista Recovery Disks so you have a path back to Factory Condition.

    Then boot the Win7 DVD, wipe the HD: SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

    Next choose Custom install, use Drive Options to create New partitions as you wish, Format before installing Win7 to first OS partition (ignore the 100mb System Reserved partition which installers creates). Clean Install Windows 7

    Here are some tips for getting a perfect install: re-install windows 7

    It is best to run XP from Windows 7 in a virtual machine, since XP installer doesn't have modern SATA drivers so they have to be inserted during driver-loading phase at F6 prompt using a Floppy Drive, or slipstreamed into installer using this method: SATA Drivers - Slipstream into Windows XP CD
    VMware Player: Run Windows 7, Chrome OS - Free Download for a Virtual PC
      My Computer


 

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