Noob W7/64 Clean Install Questions

[Toes]

I apologize for these noob questions but I really want Windows 7 64bit.

I have done XP clean installs before but now I have a new machine with Vista 64. In addition I now have two hard drives (only had one before).
I will be installing W7/64 on a 300 g 10,000 rpm and my other drive is a 1TB 7,200 I use for storage.

Here it goes!!
1. During the installation will the process allow me not to involve the larger hard drive? Is there a good reason to clean this drive also. (saving content to an external is not a problem)

2. My C drive is divided into program files and program files (x86). All the windows files are on the program files and all the stuff I have added are on the (x86).

Will the installation automatically create a similar layout? Does W7 also have a similar (x86) portion of the drive? Do I need to do anything special for this?

Sorry for all these questions but I did not know where else to ask for help.

Will be installing W7 Home Premium 64 bit.

I have read/bookmarked/printed the Clean install directions.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

Any help/advice would be deeply appreciated.

Harry

 

[sup3rsprt]

1. During the installation will the process allow me not to involve the larger hard drive?

The best thing to do in this situation is to unplug the larger hard disk. Never trust Windows installation process to leave your hard disk alone, so disconnect it.

2. My C drive is divided into program files and program files (x86).

Will the installation automatically create a similar layout? Does W7 also have a similar (x86) portion of the drive?

Yes, that behavior is the same in Windows 7. x86 folder is where the 32-bit programs live.

 

[Jordus]

I dont think you really need to burn the time disconnecting a drive (unless you really just want to)

Make sure you choose the proper drive during setup and all should be fine. Remember that whichever drive you choose to install to, 7 will carve up another partition on it for bitlocker purposes (assuming you are using Ultimate or Enterprise)

 

[Toes]

Great information. Thank you very much.

Harry

 

[sup3rsprt]

I dont think you really need to burn the time disconnecting a drive (unless you really just want to)

It's the easiest way to prevent Windows from messing with it. And to prevent it from writing boot files on a drive he otherwise wouldn't want Windows messing with.

Make sure you choose the proper drive during setup and all should be fine. Remember that whichever drive you choose to install to, 7 will carve up another partition on it for bitlocker purposes (assuming you are using Ultimate or Enterprise) 33 Minutes Ago 12:07 PM

That's true if he uses the installation disc to create the partitions from unallocated space. If the disc is pre-formatted the separate bitlocker/boot partition is not necessarily created.

 

[Jordus]

That's true if he uses the installation disc to create the partitions from unallocated space. If the disc is pre-formatted the separate bitlocker/boot partition is not necessarily created.

I can't yet find any information to the contrary. But everytime i have installed windows 7 it has created this hidden volume (on unformatted disks, formatted disks, disks with existing windows installations, etc)

I also dont know why it would be "choosey" on whether or not it creates the partition, as construed by "not necessarily"

 

[Toes]

That's true if he uses the installation disc to create the partitions from unallocated space. If the disc is pre-formatted the separate bitlocker/boot partition is not necessarily created.

I can't yet find any information to the contrary. But everytime i have installed windows 7 it has created this hidden volume (on unformatted disks, formatted disks, disks with existing windows installations, etc)

I also dont know why it would be "choosey" on whether or not it creates the partition, as construed by "not necessarily"

This is getting over my poor brain addled head.

 

[zigzag3143]

Toes

Just unplug your 1TB drive and make sure your data is backed up and do it

 

[Kari]

+1, Ken.

 

[vkw104]

I can say from first hand experience you should unplug the 1TB drive. Similar thing happened to me - had SSD & 640GB storage drive. Windows installed on the SSD, but booted from the 640GB. Reinstalled Windows a few times but it still happened. Only when I unplugged the 640 and installed again did everything work out fine.

 

[Jordus]

I really dont understand how you guys are getting such weird boot configurations, especially if an existing copy of windows was already on the drive.

 

[wallyinnc]

Heven't you ever installed and got "Previous Versions of Windows" as a boot option? I have it and it is because I have XP on one drive and Win7 on the other. So, better disconnect it

 

[Jordus]

Heven't you ever installed and got "Previous Versions of Windows" as a boot option? I have it and it is because I have XP on one drive and Win7 on the other. So, better disconnect it

Yes, and that is on purpose since they assume you are creating a dual boot scenario.

Even if that happens, its not like you can't edit the entry out of the boot store later.

 

[Kari]

I really dont understand how you guys are getting such weird boot configurations, especially if an existing copy of windows was already on the drive.

You have made your point towards other users and members quite clear in about every thread you have posted.

Could you please change your attitude towards us others if we admit you have the biggest? You are the Man, you have forgotten more than we others together can ever learn.

Yours, very sincerely,

Kari

 

[Jordus]

I really dont understand how you guys are getting such weird boot configurations, especially if an existing copy of windows was already on the drive.

You have made your point towards other users and members quite clear in about every thread you have posted.

Could you please change your attitude towards us others if we admit you have the biggest? You are the Man, you have forgotten more than we others together can ever learn.

Yours, very sincerely,

Kari

I wouldnt consider Windows 7 creating a "previous versions of windows" boot entry to be some sort of obscene weird out-of-the-ordinary action like you guys are making it out to be.

I apologize if i'm trying to understand why some people give advice that, TO ME, seems like it will waste time or effort.

I'm not trying to step on anyones toes, I'm giving advice as I see fit. Isnt that what this forum is for?

 

[gordonware]

Oh am I getting confused. I will embellish this with more noob questions, please be patient.....

I have 2 machines, one had Windows Vista Business, and the other Windows Vista Ultimate. Both are running Windows 7 RC now, and work very well. I have pre-ordered two Windows 7 Pros, and intended to do clean install on both machines using the double install method. Are you saying here that I cannot do that or that the old Vista double install methdology is in doubt for Windows 7? If it is recommended, I will try and cancel my two pre-orders I have with Microsoft (if that is even possible) and go with full versions.

 

[myzr7]

Welcome to SevenForums. gordonware
No need to do a double install. Win 7 will qualify and you can do a clean install with your upgrade disc. Make sure to back up anything you want to save if you intend to delete and format your clean install. Stay with us here on SF and you will be able to read how it goes the first few days after release and you will have no problems. No need to buy the full retail package unless you just think you need to have the support from MS that comes with it.

 

[Kari]

I wouldnt consider Windows 7 creating a "previous versions of windows" boot entry to be some sort of obscene weird out-of-the-ordinary action like you guys are making it out to be.

I apologize if i'm trying to understand why some people give advice that, TO ME, seems like it will waste time or effort.

I'm not trying to step on anyones toes, I'm giving advice as I see fit. Isnt that what this forum is for?

My post was a result of reading your posts on several threads. Posting it was an impulse, I might have overreacted. I apologize my strong and impulsive post.

You are clearly a pro, you know what you are talking but IMHO you have a bit nasty undertone in some of your posts. It is my subjective opinion, I'm fully aware I might be the only one thinking so.

This forum is for everybody, not only pros, and these small pieces of information we normal users get from other users are helping a lot of people. Quite a lot of problems have been solved here before you and me joined; quite a lot of problems would be solved even if we both were no longer members here.

With professional respect,

Kari

 

[Jordus]

No problem, Kari.

I'm not trying to ruffle feathers. I understand some people might take it that way when I post an alternate method for a solution than the one they posted. I'm not doing this to say that anyone else is wrong or less correct, but to provide alternate avenues to accomplish a common goal.

In one thread, someone attacked me personally, and I didnt appreciate that. Hopefully thats an isolated incident.

 

[Tews]

In one thread, someone attacked me personally, and I didnt appreciate that. Hopefully thats an isolated incident.

Hi Jordus! Please, dont judge us too harshly when one member steps over the line... It is the goal of SevenForums to provide the most accurate, up to date information and assistance available anywhere, without getting personal... If you feel that you have been attacked personally, then report the post to the administration...

Thanks and Welcome to SevenForums...