Custom Install, and Partition

azn · 08 Apr 2010

Hi, quick question. I got the OS vista installed on one partition and two other partitions for backup and stuff. No OS files in there I believe.

Do i have to delete all partitions or just the one that contains the old vista OS to upgrade? I can't do a direct upgrade because I want to go from 32bit to 64bit, and also from home premium vista to 7 profressional.

Or do I have to delete all partitions? I got a large backup up to do...probably 4 hours if I have to delete all partitions.

Also how do I upgrade to 64bit? When I put in the 64bit CD it says you can't upgrade...you have to use the 32bit? Am I suppose to use the 32bit cd and it will let me pick 64 bit later on? Or it won't work because of the partitions?

not so gray matter · 08 Apr 2010

You should do a *almost* clean install. You don't have to format your entire disk, but you do have to format that system partition. Even though your other files shouldn't be touched, I would back them up anyway.

Follow this tutorial, but instead of formatting your entire hard drive, just format the partition that Vista was located on.

Clean Install Windows 7

I believe that should work properly. If it doesn't, you can always do a real clean install after backing up all of your files on those other partitions. If you need a decent partition manager Partition Wizard is free and works well.

As far as your worries about the "upgrade" portion, you don't have to worry about this. As long as you wait until the operating system is installed to enter your cd key you can perform a clean installation (on a formated partition).

azn · 08 Apr 2010

Thank you, what about the 32bit to 64 bit? Is it because I'm not booting from the CD that i'm getting that problem? If i pop in the 64bit cd and boot from that, I won't have any problem?

not so gray matter · 08 Apr 2010

I'm not entirely certain but I think you should just use whatever version you want to, I don't think it makes a difference since you're deleting the previous operating system anyway.

gregrocker · 08 Apr 2010

The answer to your question is that you cannot run a 64 bit installer from a 32 bit Operating System, and vice versa. You must boot the installer to do a clean install as explained above.

Since you are overwriting the old OS, it is best to format that partition. As long as you separate your data onto another partition and do not touch that partition during install, it will be safe and ready to access after install.

But it is always best to back up data you cannot afford to lose.