How to install Win7 on portable TBHD without dataloss?

[Detaunted]

Hello SevenForums

Heres is my story/problem:

My desktop pc crashed, and after some investigation it turns out that the main hard drive is probably dead... So i thought i would install win7 onto my portable terabyte and use that until the problem is fixed by my computer guy.

Anyway when i tried to install win7 onto my hard drive, i realised 2 things:

- Windows will clear my TB HD when it installs.
and
- Windows cannot install onto a USB device.

So this is where i need your help, I need to install windows 7 on my portable hard drive without removing any data on it. I have tried to partition my hard drive with easyus as a friend recomended, but it says i need to convert it to a logical, and i cant do that because it says something about clearing the HD.

Sorry if i confuse someone...

Thanks in advance
Detaunted

 

[kegobeer]

You can't install Windows 7 on removable media, period. You can install Windows 7 on a hard drive with data on it already, provided that you have at least two partitions with one for Windows 7 and one for your existing data.

 

[Detaunted]

Thanks for the quick responce, but im 99% sure its possible by using a virtual hard-disk or something. As for the partitioning, cant you just give me a link to fix my problem?

 

[Britton30]

If the external drive has eSATA connectivity you could install Windows to a new partition you create during the install following the prompts.

 

[SIW2]

Yes. it is possible to install windows to a usb drive.

Not the simplest thing and too much effort to try and explain , particularly as you already appear to have data and 4 partitions on there.

 

[Detaunted]

Britton i dont think i got eSATA...


SIW2 i dont care if its really hard, can you give me a like for the tutorial? Also, would it be easier to create a virtual hard-disk on my portable HD somehow? and then install windows to that? All i want is to be able to use windows from my HD on my desktop until i get it fixed.

also when i say desktop, i mean my main computer.

 

[solarmystic]

Britton i dont think i got eSATA...


SIW2 i dont care if its really hard, can you give me a like for the tutorial? Also, would it be easier to create a virtual hard-disk on my portable HD somehow? and then install windows to that? All i want is to be able to use windows from my HD on my desktop until i get it fixed.

also when i say desktop, i mean my main computer.

VHD's can only booted into using Windows 7 Ultimate/Enterprise. It looks like you only have Windows 7 Home Premium, so that won't work.

Here's an external tutorial that may be able to help you.

Proceed with caution lest you make things worse for yourself.

https://sites.google.com/a/rmprepusb.com/www/tutorials/win7onusb

Follow the steps to the letter!

 

[Detaunted]

Thanks solarmystic, i will do what it says, and i should of mentioned this... I said i got win7 home premium because its installed on my desktop's HD. But I do have win7 ultimate which im trying to use and install on my PHD (portable hard drive).

 

[FliGi7]

Might want to save yourself some possible re-activation headache as well by not activating Ultimate once you temporarily install it on your external drive. You can extend the evaluation period for 120 days. Hopefully you will have another working main drive by then to do the full, activated install.

Extend the Windows 7 Trial from 30 to 120 Days - How-To Geek

 

[Detaunted]

Thanks FliGi7, i wil definity try this

 

[gregrocker]

Have you tested your HD to make sure it is irreparble, using the HD tests in Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7?