Windows 7: How to install win7 on two separate hard disks?

Hello everyone, i want to attempt something but im unsure, hope u could help me out

So basically, i have a Windows 7 hm basic original cd.



1. Windows 7 is already installed on one of my hard disks and the os is used by pretty much everyone in the family.

2. I want to install it on a second hard disk which i intend to buy soon. Because i need a clean completely separated os from the other hard disk for personal works and storage.

3. Basically i don't want to partition my drive for dual boot, but rather get a choice on which hard disk to load windows at start up. I want them to be separated.

So is that possible? Could u guide me through the setup, because i hear something about master and slave drive, but i'm lost at these, not that i'm a noob, but i'm no techguy either. I would really appreciate help, thank you for sparing your time. Have a nice day!

Edit: i would like to know if there are risks of losing the os on my original hard disk in doing so?

First a question, do you have the family pack which provides for 3 installations? If not, that will be your starting point; i.e. purchase another copy of Windows.

Then go to the following link for instructions;

http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/245538-dual-boot-two-seperate-internal-hdds.html

HTH

Okay, ill remove the part i said i was probably a noob, i am a noob. I got fooled by my technician (won't trust them ever) =.= well literally when i bought Windows 7 i asked him abt it and he sold me the OEM version which i did not know about, (he could have informed me of the OEM and retail versions - though i should have done my homework too..... i feel betrayed.)
So basically from what i understand the technician outsmarted me and trapped me, so that i'm dependent on him for OS support?

Is OEM affected by change in hard disk? Can't i install it on the other hdisk (cause ill be using the same mobo, and every hardware is the same) or is that considered another "pc" i.e does the licensing involve only one hdisk at a time?

From the link u gave me, i see that u have to disconnect the first hard disk, but is there any risk of losing my installed os and their apps (cause i have some programs whose license are working) when reconnecting after the 2nd os is installed on the other disk?

Thnx for replying

You can probably install on the other HDD, but you may run into an activation problem.

When you install on the new HDD, make sure the current HDD is disconnected. Then (when you are done and the current HDD is reconnected) you can switch between the 2 HDDs via the BIOS boot order.

Thanks, it seems the way to go..., are there risks of losing my old os though, cause i don't want to installed programs and lose files. About the os, ill purchase a new or use ubuntu.

In the strictest sense, the OS is only to used on one computer at a time. So, does having the OS on two separate disks in one computer violate the license? I wouldn't know!

When you disconnect the drive with all your data, it will stay intact during the install process on the new drive. However, if you have strict licensing agreements on some of the currently installed software, you may not be able to copy it to the new drive. Different vendors have different restrictions as well as safeguards to prevent more than one installation.

HTH

@ Sir George: And about the programs, i'm not going to shift them either, just making sure they don't get erased. And yes about the licensing issues, i kind of understand the paradox lol, i'll just ask microsoft representatives directly, though i already kind of know their replies...

Thnx both of u, i'm glad to see forums where we get professional advice, that was really helpful, thnx again

Just make sure you unplug your current drive BEFORE you install the OS on your second. This is very important!

Let us know how it went. We are always curious.

You'll also need to reinstall any programs that you want to run from the new install, although you can easily link your files by browsing from the new desktop to each User folder, right clicking to add to the related Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums.

Later if you have files pile up in your new installation's User folders you can link them the same way from the old Windows 7.

As suggested earlier you can reinstall OEM version to the same mobo no matter what change of HD or other hardware, as long as the mobo doesn't change.