Windows 7 Installation

The boot sector will not be wiped if you wipe only the partition for Win7, and wiping the boot sector of possible corruption is the only known benefit of a Secure Erase wipe for install failures.

If you have three HD's why are you trying to manage a Dual Boot with XP on the same HD? For the third time now, plug in one of the other HD's and wipe it Secure Erase to try install: SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Then you will finally have completed the very first step we gave you pages ago.

gregrocker said:

The boot sector will not be wiped if you wipe only the partition for Win7, and wiping the boot sector of possible corruption is the only known benefit of a Secure Erase wipe.

If you have three HD's why are you trying to manage a Dual Boot with XP on the same HD? For the third time now, plug in one of the other HD's and wipe it Secure Erase to try install: SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Then you will finally have completed the very first step we gave you pages ago.

Last question first: I have documentation on those two HDs that I do not want to relocate and do not want on the same HD as the operating system (s). This HD will be restricted to OS (s) and possibly some applications.

I do not understand your comments on the boot sector. Please remember, I am not a power user. I am an old dog learning new tricks.

Are you telling me that I should redo the wipe and select the "Power Erase" option to finish the job?

Another Question (Indication of Ignorance): I now have entries in the Master Boot Manager that are more confusing than before. It reads as follows:

Master Boot Manager
Earlier Version of Windows (I have been selecting to enter XP)
Windows 7
Windows 7
Windows 7
Windows Setup Rollback

Someone please explain.

I am very sorry that this has been such a chore for you guys. Please realize that I am most appreciative of all your times and efforts. I am much more knowledgeable than before. Obviously not a GURU and probably never will be. Hopefully, one day soon, I will at least be a Windows 7 User.

I don't know exactly how it happened but I think I know what happened.

I no longer have XP on the HD that I have been using. I fact, I no longer have two partitions.

I guess this is suppose to make it easier; we'll see. Later.

I am going to take a short break from this routine before I stomp on something else that I cannot afford to loose.

Thank you everyone who has contributed to my getting here. I have learned an awful lot; even if the current status doesn't leave that impression.

Be sure to keep us posted here when you decide to pick it up again.

It looks like you are ready to go now Dusty.

In layman's terms, the boot sector is a small file on the hard disk that keeps track of the important operating system boot information for all of the operating systems installed on your computer. Yours seemed to have been seriously messed up.

It sounds like you wiped the entire hard disk, not just the one W7 partition. That is OK, provided you don't mind losing the XP installation. But you will have nothing to worry about in terms of conflicting boot sector files.

During the Windows 7 installation, if you choose a custom install, you will be given the opportunity to create a new partition for W7, should you feel the need for a second partition for XP.

Just remember to install W7 with just one hard disk and one optical (DVD) drive connected.
Don't miss the "Press any key" message.
And re-read the tutorial for installation again before you start. I actually like to print it out beforehand.

Good Luck!