Windows 7: Partition Wizard and new OS

I've been reading most of the threads here regarding Partition Wizard and grabbing applicable data as I go. It is a bit of a guess and go and I decided to risk asking a dumb question.
I've got a new 500 GB dive and Windows 7 Pro disk on my table, waiting.
I'm currently using XP Pro, 4 partitions and using PW.
I would like to do a dual boot set up but do not know which first, install the drive and partition it (under XP) or do I install the hd and boot with the Windows 7 install disk and then make the required partitions after Windows 7 up and running? Should I use Windows 7 to make the partitions or PW?
If a similar thread covers this situation plse mention and you are rid of me
If not, any tips or suggestions will be most welcome.

Hi Lonny,

Welcome to Seven Forums.

Really you can do it either way. I usually install the drive and partition in the present OS. Then do the install. I let the install do the formating. But that's just me.

Gary

Thanks Gary for the quick response. Sounds easy enough.
If I let the Windows 7 install do the formatting then it will allocate "C" as a letter to the new drive and I will then add the new additional required partitions (with PW) after completion of the installation?
If I install the drive but partition under XP Pro then the new drive will have letters G, H, etc?

The drive letters that are assigned by default do not matter. They are easy to change with Disk Management in case you don't like them.

Whilst in XP the XP system drive will be C: and Windows 7, if visible, will be another letter.
In Windows 7 the Windows 7 system drive will be C: and XP will be another.

just to add it is always a good idea to install the oldest OS in a multiboot first as this prevents potential problems

The only way I know to have 7 keep the original drive letters is to install to an already created partition and to begin the install from within the previous OS. I know you can run setup from within Vista, but I'm not positive you can run it from within XP. I don't see why not though.

i originally partitioned for xp and 7. but every time i went back to xp, ITS FREAKIN BORING! that and with the "compatability wizard" everything works in windows 7..... only problem i run into is when a 32 bit program wont run on 64, but thats not too common.... i never use xp, and now have all my space dedicated to 7.

By the way i really like the partition editor "Gpartition" can edit, create, delete, copy, and resize partitions... it comes on just about any linux live CD

Thanks folk, all my niggles wiped out. Highly appreciate the input, I'll come back finally when done.