Windows 7: clean install on multiple partition/physical drives

Hello,

Since this is my first time posting a thread in this forum, please forgive me if a similar topic has already been mentioned previously. On my home computer, I have 2 physical drives. One hard drive has a single partition (D:\) and the other (newer) drive has two partitions (C:\ and E:\). Unfortunately when I first purchased this computer, the technician mistakenly installed Windows XP onto my older hard drive (D:\) rather than installing the OS onto the desired C:\ drive. The main problem that I am having is: Can I perform a clean install of Windows 7 onto C:\ drive even though my current OS (Windows XP) is installed onto D:\ drive? Your reply is greatly appreciated.

P.S. I have already backed up all files that exist in all of my partitions and would like to format all of the drives (C, D, and E)

drive spaces: C: = 40gb D: 200gb E: 200g

Hello Khan, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Yes, you sure can. You can use step 2 in METHOD ONE of the tutorial below to install Windows 7 on the other drive.

Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Did you buy the Upgrade or full Retail version? If Upgrade, run the disk from the D:XP desktop and Custom clean install Windows 7 to desired C: drive which you have formatted using diskpart or a disk management utility.

After install you will have a dual boot XP/Windows 7, or you can unplug the XP drive, plug the cable into the C: drive (or change to boot drive in BIOS) then mark Active and run Startup repair and you will have an Upgrade install to its own formatted drive.

If you bought the full version, you can boot from the disk and just install to C: drive after changing or formatting the partitions in Advanced Options. Unplug the XP first if you want to leave it behind - you can later plug it back in as a data drive to transfer files and then delete.

Welcome to Seven Forums.

It will depend on the version of Windows 7 you are going to use. Is It a Full Retail version or an Upgrade version?

Are you planning on dual booting or replacing XP?

Do you have the XP original or re-install DVD?

The Full Retail version can be install in any partition or HD.
The Upgrade version can be installed on a activated XP/Vista partition.

There are good tutorials that explain the procedures very well:
Clean Installation with Windows 7
Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP

It is definitely possible to get one or both OS to another HD if you want to.

Have a look at the tutorials and reply here if you have any questions.

Thank you all for a hasty reply. After looking through the recommended guides as well as your input, I have figured out what I need to do. I am planning to purchase the full retail version of Windows 7 and plan to replace my current OS completely while formatting all of the drives. Thanks again for your input.

You're welcom Khan. Please let us know how it went for you.

Glad that you found what you needed.

Let us know if you have any other questions.