wondering how to set up

I would Allocate about 80GB for the OS have never run out of space with that sort of size.

You can also use the location feature of Windows 7 to point the system to data kept on the other partition which also keeps the system running as Microsoft intended (documents, photos etc), whilst actually storing data away from the system drive.

mn9500 said:

mn9500 said:

so i think im going to make a partition on the new 1tb hdd (its the second set of results) and use it for windows 7.

Good advice.

I always use one partition for the OS and another partition for data/files. Makes it easier to re-install.

Your new 1tb hdd with the 32mb cache will be the fastest (which you proved already), as sup3rsprt mentioned, be sure to put it as the first usable partition on the disc.

mn9500 said:

how do i make sure its the first usuable partition? and can i do that if i already have it formatted with files on it?

Yes, Acronis can do that easily.

mn9500 said:

edit: okay, im in acronis disk director, do i make the new partition active, primary, or logical? im guessing either active or primary.

Make it Primary.

mn9500 said:

can i make a second partition on the 1 tb hdd for windows to use? the hdd is already formatted with files on it, can i just make another partition in acronis disk director and use it for windows 7, or does it have to be the first partition on the disk?

Make a new partition and put it first, all the way to the left.
All of your files will be moved (kept in the original partition)
Put Win7 on the new first partition.

mn9500 said:

how would i do that? make it active or some other way.

Before doing any partition adjustment or operating system installation always backup your existing hard drives, just to be safe.
What backup program do you use?

1st Use Acronis to make a new partition on the new Hard drive.
Put it first on the Disk, all the way to the left.

Make it at least 80GB.


Then read this tutorial: Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP

(First you will need to make the new partition with Acronis)

Then start with #2:
2. To Use a Separate Hard Disk Drive than the XP Drive -

3. Click on the Install now button.

In step 4. When you get to this point, select the hard drive and partition to install Windows 7 on.

5. Finish installing Windows 7.
NOTE: You would do step 9 on that link to finish installing Windows 7.


Read through these tutorials and reply if you have any questions.

Is the partition you are trying to bump over marked active, system? That may be why you can't move it over.

mn9500 said:

i choose primary for the type of partition, then when it asks me to review the disk structure, it wont let me place the partition on the left.

I don't use Acronis Disk Director but, the basic operations should be similar.

In the window you posted, move your cursor over the left side of the F drive 851GB partition, you should see the cursor change to two parallel lines with two opposing arrows, this will let you drag the left side of this partition to the right.
Move it enough to make 80GB of unallocated space.
Click this unallocated space and create your new partition, NTFS and Primary.

When this is successful, delete the 80GB partition on the right side (end), then drag the right side of the large partition to take the space left there.

Let us know if this works.
The functions should be similar to what I've suggested, for you in Acronis.

mn9500 said:

no, it wont let me do that in acronis. what app do you use?

edit: for anyone with acronis disk director suite, change the mode to manual mode in the view submenu, and choose resize partition. thats what i did and it works. now the partition is in front.

Glad to hear you got your partition setup.

Let us know how the Win7 install goes.

Check this for tutorials on installation: Tutorial quick reference list for Installing Windows 7