Installing Win7 OEM on second HD

I don't think OPK tools even include the installer. They are used to automate mass installation.

Windows 7 OPK

You need a Win7 installer for the licensed version on your COA sticker.

The oddest thing now... The codes starting with X15 on the OPK DVD and on the label over the computer case are different! I believe that code is the COA, right?

I was pretty much at home with the fact that I've been gamed by the store, but if they've given me an OEM DVD which is different from the COA label, things can be a bit more complicated. Something sounds fishy. Not to mention they're selling OEM software without providing appropriate support (the store, not Microsoft).

But I'll give the Installer and the TS tips a try.

What version does it say on the COA sticker, exactly?

OK, just to update and share what's been going on, for people that might have the same problem.

It turns out I should have the Windows 7 Install DVD, but apparently the store clerks forgot to put it on the package. As I got home with the OPK DVD, I thought that was all I was supposed to have. I know it might sound stupid, but that was the first time I ever bought an OS, and I tried to have some good faith on the "professionals" who were selling me their product.

As I managed to get the 160GB HD working on Windows 7 installed on the 80 GB HD, I settled for a while since I was so tired of all the long and tiresome installations, verification and repairs. It still bugged me that I had to set the BIOS to not recognize the 160GB HD so Win7 could.

My plan to settle down until I could buy a new more modern SATA HD didn't work, though. As I cleaned up the computer physically, to close down the case and keep using it, I had another bad surprise. My computer wouldn't turn on again. As it was obvious this was a hardware failure of some kind (after testing different power outlets and no-breaks), I took the computer to the store and it was diagnosed with a failing power source. Odd, since it's a high-performance 500W power source with 3 months of use. They've changed the power source for a new one, and that was also when I found out they were supposed to have given me the Windows 7 Install DVD.

While still on the store, I got the technician to test different boot settings, to see if I could start Windows 7 with the BIOS recognizing the second HD. Nothing worked, and the technicians apparently had some problems with the original ASUS MOBO IDE flatcable too. Now I have on my computer one they had for maintenance purposes at the store.

So now the power source had been changed and I was back to where I'd stopped. If only I could use the computer properly, I would have put it to rest. But it's not. Boot times are still absurdly long, and few things operating on the 160HD are free of incidents.

So here's a renewed list of what's wrong, for people interested on providing advice. All below are things I believe a customer should not experience while giving his money to a company for one of their products. I'm not blaming Microsoft, ASUS, Mymax, Seagate, the store or any other company specifically for those obvious violations of customer-seller good practices - I'm blaming all of them together and their respective poor support channels.

• For Windows 7 to boot properly (installed on 80GB HD - cable and jumper on master), the 160HD (slave) must be set to "Not Installed" on BIOS.
• When booting on the only possible configuration, computer behaves erratically. Frequent hangs while:
  
  • copying files from one HD to another
  • copying files from either of the HDs to another computer on the network
  • accessing the internet (specially when some video plugins are running) on Firefox
  • anti-virus running - however I first disabled it, then uninstalled it, then disabled Windows Defender, but the problems still occur
  • running games on the 160HD
  • checking system settings and devices through Windows multiple repair and monitoring applications
  • coming back from sleep mode (once it lead to an unexpected shutdown of the computer, to the point that not even the LCD screen would report receiving signal)
• Tried to install Win7 on the 160HD, although it seems to be successful, no HD combination and boot settings would allow me to boot from that HD. Windows Repair tools can't solve problems. My guess is that if I disconnect the 80GB HD and set it to Master or CS it might eventually be bootable or repairable. But it's gonna be just another waste of time.
• Just let me remind you ALL equipment is at most 4 months old, at least for what I am concerned, the exceptions being the two IDE HDs. One is about 5-6 years, the 160HD is about 2-3 years. Memory test and other hardware verifications encountered no problems.

And if you excuse my little rant, it's just disappointing. You work so you can have a little bit money, then you want to buy something really expensive and with a clear purpose... At spot that purpose isn't met, and you're left with a big mess to fix with people wanting to charge you extra from all sides to fix something that should already be working. If Windows 7 can't operate well with modern motherboards with two legacy PATA drivers, why don't you put a big stick up the DVD case so I would know never to waste my money on it?

If installing two IDE hard drives on the supposed top-notch motherboard, GPU, CPU and OS is something this difficult, why would you even advertise that your products have backwards compatibility? They do not! While one can get the most amazing things to work on a computer, if enough time and money is devoted to it, installing HDs should be straightforward.

I don't know... My advice for Mr. Gates would be to stop rushing to ship the next OS versions to the stores every year, and work on a product that can do the basic, and do it good. And stop misjudging what's "basic", as if no person would ever try to install HDs themselves.

Anyways, I'm starting to make no sense. I'm just disappointed, with several bills to pay and no money to enjoy life because I bought an inferior product.

Tomorrow I'll be pouring down another hundred for a SATA HD, which will be the only one installed on this computer, and I hope that solves all problems. Now I ask you, fellow forum members, who here has the guts to come with a straight face and defend that I should try installing my Windows 7 on this new HD, instead of going for the safe choice of installing a "public domain" Windows XP SP3?

And a serious question: either I choose XP or Win7, do you recommend 32 or 64-bit?

Use 64 bit, otherwise you'll be stuck with 3.25 gig memory.