Installing OS on two Internal Hard Drives

By the way, I was just wondering if Windows 7 Professional 32-bit comes preinstalled with the drivers? Can I install all the drivers that came with the dell desktop when I bought it?

Win7 is mostly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly after install via optional Windows Updates - so put your wireless driver on a stick or CD to get online quickly to update them.

Any drivers then missing in Device Manager can be imported from the Dell Support Downloads webpage for your tag number.

gregrocker said:

Win7 is mostly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly after install via optional Windows Updates - so put your wireless driver on a stick or CD to get online quickly to update them.

Any drivers then missing in Device Manager can be imported from the Dell Support Downloads webpage for your tag number.

Ok Thanks. I have all the drivers on the CD that came with the desktop about 5 years ago. I guess that should suffice.

Again I would import any drivers missing in Device Manager after install and updating from the Dell SUpport webpage for your tag number, not the disk which can be older.

So I took one of the drives out and installed XP SP3 on the 250gb hard drive. And something pops up when windows starts. If I click F1, everythings fine. I was just wondering if this was something to be worried about.

Did you set the remaining HD as first to boot in BIOS setup?

If so post back a screenshot of your full Disk Mgmt drive map with listings, using SNipping TOol in Start Menu.

So far, I have only installed XP SP3 on the 250 gb drive. My other drive 500gb one still has the XP on it. I havent installed windows 7 on it yet. Right now, this is inside and I'm still getting the message. I have taken the 250gb out physically.

Plug the 250gb into first SATA port, enter BIOS setup to make sure it is set as first HD to boot (after CD/DVD drive) then boot the XP CD to delete all partitions, create new as you wish, full format, install.

I would do the same for the Win7 installation, then after install plug back in the XP HD and boot it when needed using one-time BIOS Boot Menu key. This method keeps the HD's independent to come and go as you please, whereas letting Windows configure a Dual Boot interlocks them requiring surgery to remove one.

Edit: Sorry I see now I was repeating myself, but worth repeating.

pragnesh89 said:

So I took one of the drives out and installed XP SP3 on the 250gb hard drive. And something pops up when windows starts. If I click F1, everythings fine. I was just wondering if this was something to be worried about.

Check the all the cables, press F2 make sure the HD Drive show in BIOS, save & exit.

gregrocker said:

Plug the 250gb into first SATA port, enter BIOS setup to make sure it is set as first HD to boot (after CD/DVD drive) then boot the XP CD to delete all partitions, create new as you wish, full format, install.

I would do the same for the Win7 installation, then after install plug back in the XP HD and boot it when needed using one-time BIOS Boot Menu key. This method keeps the HD's independent to come and go as you please, whereas letting Windows configure a Dual Boot interlocks them requiring surgery to remove one.

Edit: Sorry I see now I was repeating myself, but worth repeating.

I've already installed XP SP3 into the 250gb deleting all partitions without entering the BIOS. Do I have to reinstall it? or can I go into BIOS and do it?