I have an HP Quad Core computer that came with two hard drives. I installed Windows 7 32 bit a year ago. The disk also came with a 64 bit version but the upgrade required a clean install.
If I decide to install the 64 bit version, do I lose everything on both drives?
Basically yes. However if you have some folders just for storing files on the second drive they should remain.
If you do a fresh O/S install I would format the 'c' drive.
If you install the 64bit OS onto the Disk/partition that currently has the 32 bit OS on it then you will lose all data and programs on the 32bit version, it should not effect the other drive at all.
Are you ready to replace 32 bit with 64 bit, or do you want to test 64 bit to compare it with 32 bit?
If you want to test it, then I'd create a partition on the other HD to install 64 bit, unplug the 32 bit during install, set the target HD as first HD to boot in BIOS setup. Partition or Volume - Shrink
Partition Wizard : Use the Bootable CD
After install, plug back in the 32 bit HD, boot it via BIOS one-time Boot menu key which every computer/mobo has. bootkeys
You'll have up to 120 days during which you can extend the activation of 64 bit to decide which one you want to keep to activate permanently. You're entitled to either 32- or 64-bit with each license, but only one install of either. https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...-120-days.html
If you want to keep 64 bit, for example, move the data you want to save from the 32 bit HD to the 64 bit one, then wipe the HD, repartition/format to use as a data or storage drive. You can then activate 64 bit.
If you want to keep 32 bit, just move the data off the 64 bit HD to the 32 bit one and wipe it, repartition and format to use as data or storage drive. Experiment finished.
Last edited by gregrocker; 23 Nov 2010 at 12:38.
Hi rldupree, welcome to Seven Forums.
You will only loose your data on the Win7 32bit partition.
The other hard drive won't be affected.
If you only have one partition on the Win7 32bit hard drive and you keep all your personnal data on that partition, you will need to move all your personnal data to another partition before you install Win7 64bit.
If you want to test the Win7 64bit, you can do as gregrocker suggested.
Copy all the data you want to save to the second drive. Then, disconnect it from the system, and do a clean install on the primary drive. Once it is up and running, reconnect your second drive, and rearrange your drive letters, if you want.
Just a heads up from a not-so-noob-noob: I fresh installed x64 Home Premium and the setup wiped my C partition, my Data partition and my OEM system restore partition. Play it safe, physically unplug the 32bit disk before attempting x64 install.
The OEM restore partition would be useless in this situation because it wouldn't restore the desired OS. It is a dumb idea to rely solely on a partition on your drive as a means of restoring anyway, because if the drive dies...so does your restore. If he has the x64 disc, that's all he needs. The OEM partition can, and usually is, blown away to recover the space.
in addition to what allend66 said, be sure the second hard drive is a physical harddrive and not just a partition of one large disk. If it is a physical disk then pull the power from it (when pc is off). Install win7 and once its up and running you can plug the second hard drive back in (again when pc is off).
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