Installing the Retail Version to Replace XP

jsquareg · 27 Oct 2009

I have the RC installed on my desktop dual booting with XP.

Sometime this afternoon I plan to do a full install of the retail 64 bit version onto the partition on which XP resides. My plan is to either delete the XP partition using Partition Wizard or some such thing and the install Win 7 into the empty space.

If things go right, I will then have the retail version and the RC bootable. That way I can continue to use the RC until I get the Retail set up completely. I will create a system image imediately after installing the retail version. All my data is out on another partition along with some Acronis True Image backups. Both are those are backed up to an external HD.

My concern is the MBR. If I delete or reformat the XP partition will the new installation give me an MBR that will dual boot the two systems. I recognize I might have to use a Repair Disk to make the RC boot.

Does my plan seem doable? Is there a better one?

Thank you.

Zidane24 · 27 Oct 2009

Very doable...I would take the Windows 7 Retail Disc->Boot it up at Boot->Format the XP Partition with the 7 Partitioner->Install the RETAIL 7 to that now empty Partition

When 7 installs...it will replace the MBR and should detect the RC and add it as an entry. It might get a little confusing with two "Windows 7"s on the MBR though

The only issue I can think of that you might encounter is the eventual removal of the RC partition and its realocation to the main RETAIL Partition...you might have to run startup repair after you delete it but no biggie!

Glad to be of Assistance
Chris

jsquareg · 27 Oct 2009

Thank you Chris. I had thought that would be the case so I am about to go for it. The installation CD is chucked up ready to go.

Thanks again.