Want to install MS 7 on xp pro desktop

A few questions
My xp pro, sp3,32 bit,desktop has lost files 3 times (one being boot ini ),I'm guessing the h/d is going.So I might as well upgrade to MS7 on new H/D.I would like to use MS7 pro. What is the difference between an OEM and a MS box version.From my understanding the OEM download (about $100 or less.teacher discount) can not be moved to another computer even if it fails ,as a full new box can(in theory). I am planning to reinstall xp pro image to new h/d and then install MS7(not sure if both will be on same disk or just get 2 new h/d). Is using MS multi boot better than Easy bcd boot or another third party boot.

What Microsoft won't tell you about Windows 7 licensing | Page 4 | ZDNet



Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP

Your best bet is to say goodbye to dead unsupported XP, whlie at the same time using it as a qualifier to use Win7 Upgrade version which offers a considerable price break and doesn't even require the qualifying OS to be installed.

Be sure to Compare Windows 7 Editions to see if you actually need the few extra expensive features in Pro as the vast majority of users don't and only need Home Premium. For example you can use TeamViewer in place of Remote Connection and get much better, reliable free remoting.

So you'd unplug the old HD, plug in the new one, boot Win7 installer to to a Custom Clean Install Windows 7. Since the disk will be blank it will reject use of Upgrade version key up front, so just skip it and after install do the quick Option 3 registry workaround in Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version to activate Upgrade version on a blank HD. This is provided as a courtesy to avoid having to install both OS's.

There are other tips here to look over to assure you get and keep a perfect install, based on what's worked best in helping here with tens of thousands of them: Clean Reinstall.