Couple questions about this process:

Couple questions about this process:
I have the XP on drive c:, data files on drive d: and I'm looking to install Win7 on a new 1.5 TB drive. Would it be better to ghost the existing c: XP partition to the new drive, then install win7 and dual boot off the one drive or is it better to just go with the 2 separate drive setup? (actually 3 drives as I need the data drive to re-install programs stored on it). I like the ghost idea cause that ensures the safety of the XP data as it would be removed from the equation. But is removing the XP partition from the one dual boot drive later on going to pose any problems?

I'm no expert on dual booting, but yes, some people have complications in removing dual boot when both OS are on the same drive. They usually get it solved, but it can cause issues.

And I have always heard that if you dual boot, putting an OS on separate drives is preferable if possible.

I'll certainly defer to those with more expertise on that topic.

Agree with Jonathan that you can avoid complications later when you decide to abandon XP, by unplugging XP HD when installing Win7 to the separate drive, then afterwards replug both and choose which to boot by

1) setting the default HD (win7?) to boot first in the BIOS after DVD drive,

or 2) using the BIOS Boot Menu shortcut F-key given on the first bootup screen to boot into the other non-default HD (XP).

You will still have full access to your files via Explorer, but the HD's can come and go as you please, whereas if you do a regular Dual Boot they are interdependent and face complications to extricate.

However, if you decide you want the customary Dual Boot menu, then keep both drives plugged in during install and Windows 7 will correctly configure the Boot Menu. We'll be here to help when you want out.