Windows 7: install an upgrade on a seperate hard drive

i currently have a computer running xp, and am going to be building a new computer, could i install windows 7 upgrade on a seperate drive or does it have to be on the same drive xp was on? I dont have the xp disk, so i cant transfer it to the new hd, could i use the drive, and not boot up with it, but the installer would recognize it?

Sure, you can install to a new drive. It just must be a clean install, not an in-place upgrade.

See this tutorial: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

okay i was just worried as i wouldnt be able to boot into xp from the new computer with the new hardware

If you aren't given a Dual Boot menu after installing Windows 7 with XP plugged in, then use EasyBCD 2.0 to add XP.

okay thanks, i dont want to add xp though, as i dont have the disk and cant update it for the new hardware. just wanted to make sure i can use an upgrade even if xp wont be usable on the new hardware

Do I understand that your XP is on Computer A and now you want to install the Windows 7 upgrade on computer B (your new system that has never seen XP) ?? If that is the case, you must have a full license. If, however, the original XP license came with Computer A as an OEM license, then those T&C's apply:

Quote:

And please remember, No, OEM Microsoft Windows licenses cannot be transferred to another PC, in case you were wondering if an old OEM Windows license you have laying around or on another PC could qualify for the Windows 7 upgrade on a different PC

But did your XP originally come with Computer A installed by the manufacturer - e.g. HP or Dell, etc. -- or was that an XP license you bought from Microsoft and installed it yourself.

i checked, its an hp license..i guess the upgrade is a no.

I am afraid that is the case. Buy a Windows 7 OEM license for $104.95 from Newegg (but that you could not move to another system either). Just for this box.