Need advice on installing 2nd 320GB HDD


  1. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Professional x32
       #1

    Need advice on installing 2nd 320GB HDD


    I received a replacement Hard Drive for my Dell Studio due to a problem with my original. They sent me 2, one of which I installed and then upgraded to Windows 7. They acknowledged the mistake and allowed me to keep the second for my troubles (hard to beleive, but true) I now have a brand new hard drive that I'd like to use as a secondary data drive on my notebook. The only problem is that it is imaged with Windows Vista Home Premiuim at its factory settings as if it was installed in a new Dell notebook.

    Before I plug it into the 2nd slot and boot up, I'd like to know if it is as simple as doing just that and then reformatting to erase the image through Win 7. If I plug the drive in and boot up, will it just boot into Windows 7 or will it try to install Vista from the second Hard Drive? Any advice or guidance is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 3,371
    W10 Pro desktop, W11 laptop, W11 Pro tablet (all 64-bit)
       #2

    Yup, you should be able to just plug it in and reformat it. It won't try to boot as long as you don't have it set in the BIOS as the boot drive.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2,177
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
       #3

    When you have both drives installed:

    If it boots to windows 7 just try to format it as strollin has said but if it has issues booting or you cant stop it from booting into vista then you could try...

    **This is probably more of a cowboy way around but it works**
    Booting to the windows 7 CD >> Select Language >> Install Now >>
    *read* and Accept License Terms then Next >> Click Custom

    Now click on drive options (advanced) >> Select the disk you wish format and then click delete (just make sure you select the correct drive :))

    >> Restart *Don't install Win 7*

    Now when you boot into windows 7 as normal and select that 2nd drive it will say it needs formatting, just hit format and all should be well.

    Hope this helps towards your solution opportunity.

    Regards,
    JDobbsy1987
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 22,814
    W 7 64-bit Ultimate
       #4

    Hello djm260, welcome to Seven Forums!







    The easiest way once you have the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) installed is to use the method listed in step #7 in the tutorial at the link below, it over-writes all the old Windows code with zeroes; it's even 'safe' as it won't allow you do the "System" HDD.
    Have a look to see what you think and be sure to post back to keep us informed.


    Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Professional x32
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thanks for all of your advice. I think I may just try plugging it in and booting up. It's my hope that it will just assign a drive letter to the new drive and not start the process of installing Vista. It seems that I'll be able to do that.

    I'm just a little worried that I will blow up another hard drive.

    The reason I had to replace the HDD is that Dell sent me the wrong windows 7 install disk (64 bit instead of 32 bit), which I didn't realize until after I started the process. I called Dell and asked them to send me the correct disk and to walk me through replacing my deleted drivers. the tech that I got on the phone must have been a trainee. (she didn't understand the differece between a system restore and a PC factory restore). It ended up destroying my HDD. After some "nudging" on the phone, they agreed to replace the HDD and threw in the Windows 7 upgrade and the anytime upgrade. I just don't want to destroy what I've replaced!

    I'll probably wait a few more days. Any other input is appreciated! Thanks again.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Professional x32
    Thread Starter
       #6

    The plug and play option worked like a charm! I just had to make the drive active and there it was....

    All I need to do now is partitian the drive to get rid of the "OS" and "Recovery". Thanks again for the help!
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 11,840
    64-bit Windows 8.1 Pro
       #7

    Glad you got it sorted...
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 22,814
    W 7 64-bit Ultimate
       #8

    Bare Foot Kid said:
    Hello djm260, welcome to Seven Forums!







    The easiest way once you have the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) installed is to use the method listed in step #7 in the tutorial at the link below, it over-writes all the old Windows code with zeroes; it's even 'safe' as it won't allow you do the "System" HDD.
    Have a look to see what you think and be sure to post back to keep us informed.


    Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command


    Hello again, glad to see you got it going and thanks for the update.

    This method is a very safe, effective one to use to over-write (remove) data.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 2,177
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
       #9

    djm260 said:
    The plug and play option worked like a charm! I just had to make the drive active and there it was....

    All I need to do now is partitian the drive to get rid of the "OS" and "Recovery". Thanks again for the help!
    Tews said:
    Glad you got it sorted...
    Ditto on the thumbs up

    Glad its sorted.

    Regards,
    JDobbsy1987
      My Computer


 

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