Unsure on W7 from XP upgrade

From a previous post of mine a couple weeks ago - 7 & XP upgrade plan - I'm not 100% sure I'm following this:

reply:

Windows 7 when installed last to another drive should see XP and correctly configure a Dual Boot Menu with the boot-critical MBR files updated on XP which remains System Active.
Boot the Windows 7 DVD, select Custom install, use Drive Options to format the Windows 7 drive before install. The DVD will scan the drives at bootup and see XP to allow Upgrade key.
However this makes the drives interdependent and harder to extricate when ready to get rid of XP. We help do this all the time here, so you can find help when the time comes.
If you'd like to make the HD"s independent so they can come and go as you please, then unplug the XP drive to install Windows 7, re plug, set Windows 7 as first HD to boot in BIOS boot order, then access XP by using the BIOS Boot Menu shortcut key given on first bootup screen.
You'll need to use this workaround if you do that since XP won't be seen by the Windows 7 installer: http://community.winsupersite.com/bl...he-answer.aspx

Is the below the proper procedure for adding a new drive with Win 7 Pro onto a computer with a registered/licensed XP Pro installation on c: drive ?

1: add new HDD to system for new Win 7 install from W7 upgrade DVD
2: Set bios to boot from DVD drive as 1st boot device with W& upgrade dvd in drive
3: Select "custom install" and format new C: drive for W7 upgrade install...original C: drive (XP) is now D: drive and still active ?

Here's where I'm a little unsure...

4: begin custom install...W7 will find D: XP installation and allow/verify the W7 upgrade DVD key to proceed with installation
5: now...do I shut down and unplug the XP D: drive and reboot at this point....or just continue with the new install of W7 on the new c: drive ?

I do not want a tradtional dual boot.

What I want is 2 separate systems...not a traditional dual boot...only dual bootable through bios..not Windows dual boot system. If I follow the paragraph below

- If you'd like to make the HD"s independent so they can come and go as you please, then unplug the XP drive to install Windows 7, replug, set Windows 7 as first HD to boot in BIOS boot order, then access XP by using the BIOS Boot Menu shortcut key given on first bootup screen. -

Will my W7 upgrade DVD still read & validate from somewhere in the system and proceed with the W7 upgrade isntall ?


I also have my XP Pro DVD's and a second available dvd drive.

Thanks, Tim

Not entirely sure I follow you but:

The Windows 7 upgrade install disc is an independent animal and does not need to know anything about XP whatsoever. You are entitled to it because you have a qualifying OS disc. (Windows XP). XP does not have to be installed. The Windows 7 install doesn't have to "verify" anything except that you have qualifying hardware and a valid key.

If you leave the XP drive connected, you will end up with a traditional dual boot as far as I know. You don't want that.

So disconnect the XP drive first, before starting anything. Have the Win 7 install disc in the DVD drive.

Start up, go immediately to BIOS with appropriate key, set boot order to DVD first. Save changes and boot from DVD. Choose custom install early in the process. Choose "drive options/advanced" a few screens later when you see the partition screen. At the next screen you would delete all partitions and create at least 1 new one for C of maybe 50 or 60 GB. Mark it active and install 7. Get all Windows updates, install antivirus, and look in disk management to confirm partitions are healthy and recognized. Make more partitions if needed.

When you are satisfied Win 7 is operating OK independently, you can worry about reconnecting the XP drive.

Let others verify this as I am not a dual boot expert, but this is my understanding based on your intentions.

Ztruker said:

That link returns Bad Request. Looks like the actual link also has the elipsis in it.

Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version has the workaround as well.