Help installing windows to free space on harddrive


  1. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
       #1

    Help installing windows to free space on harddrive


    I am having trouble installing Windows to my external harddrive. I have more than enough space (~350GB) free, but the Windows 7 installer DVD will not let me install to this space.
    I need to install to this harddrive because the HDD that came with the computer is dead. Can you help me?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 6,668
    Windows 7 x64
       #2

    Is it formatted ntfs?
    Most portable drives come formatted fat32.
    Windows 7 will not work with fat32
    anyhow instead of running you through all the possible reasons it may be best just to follow this.
    SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

    following that should eliminate the majority of things that would be causing the problem.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 6,285
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       #3

    I don't believe you can install Windows to an external hard drive.

    Installing Windows 7 on External HDD
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 6,668
    Windows 7 x64
       #4

    oh wait are we trying to do this while it's still in a usb enclosure? bad idea would be horribly slow anyway.

    I thought he was saying he had a external drive that he was using as a replacement.

    ...which would be the way to go here.
    Remove it from the portable enclosure and put it in the computer.
      My Computer


 

  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 04:06.
Find Us