Is that not exactly what I said in post #2 ?? The 1st reply you got :)
Buy another hard drive and install windows 7 on that, Is that not what I said ?????????
Then you simply hook the XP drive back up and use the bios to choose which operating system you want to use.
Yes exactly, but Greg always has constructive info chock full of sage advice, and I enjoy reading it while vicariously channeling myself through him and wishing I could know as much, wishing I had the expertise to understand and implement it in real life.
OK, do I have to do anything once it's out of the box before connecting the power cables? You were saying something about making sure a driver is installed?
I'm ducking...
You only need to ask if you have such questions and we will answer them. For example, if you want to capture a screenshot of XP DIsk Mgmt by using the Prnt Scrn key, then paste it into Paint, you can save the file and post it back here using the paper clip icon. Then we can advise you how much to shrink and where, what other partitions can go, etc. Screenshot with Paint
However a second drive is always a good idea because you can unplug it during install so that each remain independently bootable with Win7 set first to boot in BIOS Boot order and XP triggered to boot using the BIOS Boot menu key .
You can also install Macrium to Win7 to save a backup image of the completed 7 to the XP drive and a backup image of XP to the 7 drive so you have backups that would survive the failure of any OS drive - unless you have an external which is always the best image storage. Macrium Imaging - Windows 7 Help Forums
This video shows how to access hard drive to Dell Inspiron 530 to add one using the empty slot shown. You'll need to locate the spare SATA power cable/plug coming from Power Supply, and will likely need a SATA cable. Be sure to touch case metal before coming near the electronics to discharge static electricity:
I`m telling ya, disconnect his XP drive before you start, you said yourself you`re not sure what you`re doing.
You mess up his XP drive and he`s gonna be very upset.
You should open the case to make sure there is an available drive bay where you can mount the new HD.
Also make sure there is an available Sata Port on the motherboard for the HD.
You will also need a Sata power connector for the HD.
If this manual is correct, you should be able to mount the HD.
If there is a CD/DVD drive, there might not be an open Sata Port on the MB.
Product Support | Dell US
Last edited by DavidE; 09 Jan 2015 at 19:42. Reason: Add info
You use the clean install tutorial, you are not re installing windows 7 on a pc that came with windows 7. You are basically installing to a totally new ( to windows 7 ) pc.
Once again
1) Dis connect the power cable from the XP drive.
2) Connect the power and data cables to the new hard drive.
3) Turn on the pc and put the windows 7 dvd in the dvd drive and close the tray.
4) Re boot the pc (turn it off and turn it on again) or just hit the re set button.
5) When you see the words "Press any key to boot from CD/DVD" press any key to start the install process.
If you don not see those words, then use the 1 time boot menu function key to bring up the boot menu screen, arrow down to the dvd drive and hit enter. It will show you which key this is when you first boot the pc. It could be F10, F11, F2, Del, Esc you have to pay attention.
Clean Install Windows 7
@sbuxman
You're getting a lot of good advice here, but seem to be bouncing around on what to do...
Follow all the advice given and answer all questions and suggestions.
Here is my suggestion from a "hardware/pc builder/analyst" perspective:
Replying to post #20 by sbuxman and my post #25,Screen print from page 117 of the manual I looked at shows only 2 SATA ports.
If what I see is correct in the manual the PC may not have an open SATA port.
That could be a game-changer or show-stopper.
The manual I looked at shows only 2 SATA ports, and if the Owner uses a HD and DVD drive, they are probably both used.
The only way to be sure, is open the case and check...and ask the owner if a DVD drive is needed (if connected).
Don't start ordering parts before you open the case and know what you are getting into.
Your best solution might be to dual-boot from a single HD.
Get the correct manual, read it, and physically inspect the PC.
I used the manual from here for the screen print:
Product Support | Dell US
Alas, correct DavidE! There is not an available SATA port for a new HDSo, on to Plan B, which just brought a smile to my buddy's face anyway given the HD prices I was peppering him with late last eve...I get that when someone is on permanent SSDI.
Brink's tutorial about dual boot is excellent and seems easy to understand even for yours truly...there are very few things I (think I) don't understand. One item: Greg's advice to capture a screenshot of Disk Management is not only excellent, but fortunately something I've learned to use in the past. Only question I have is how I coordinate the snapshot into the tutorial's instructions this morning; IOW, where and when do I take the screenshot while following Brink's steps, in case I want to upload the jpeg?
I purchased the 32-bit Windows 7 Home Premium DVD last evening, complete with COA and Product Key, so I feel like I'm just about there.
Thank you!
Just post back the screenshot following the tutorial to Prnt Scrn, paste into Paint, save file, attach using paper clip in reply box. I thought I'd already typed that all out.
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