Help to install with multiple HDD

[Logetik]

Hey Guys,

So I currently have the RC version of Windows 7 installed and I purchased Win 7 ultimate and wish to do a clean install.

I have 3 HDDs, my main one which Win 7 is installed on now, another one that has nothing on it and another one which stores my media, and will have all my stuff backed up on from my main drive.

When I install windows 7 on my main HDD I will be formating it so everything is gone, once installed again will Windows 7 be able to see my other HDDs with all my files on them. Or will the other HDDs need to be formated for them to been seen.

That is my only problem, I am hoping that they will just be the same they are now, but I am confused because the windows 7 now knows the other HDDs as drive F and E, when it is reformatted I am not sure what will happen.

Help would be great.

Cheers.

 

[GEWB]

When I install windows 7 on my main HDD I will be formating it so everything is gone, once installed again will Windows 7 be able to see my other HDDs with all my files on them.

Yes.

Or will the other HDDs need to be formated for them to been seen.

No.

But just to be safe, unplug your second and third drives before installing Windows to your first drive. After Windows is installed and you verify it is OK, then plug in the other drives - Windows should recognize them. If not, go into the admin and assign the drives.

Regards, GEWB

 

[reghakr]

You can leave the drives in,you'll just have to set the boot order corectly

If you need more help just ask.

 

[gregrocker]

If you leave the other drives plugged in during Win7 install, make sure none of them are marked Active in Disk Management, as this will confuse the installer and may end up with another drive being assigned the MBR.

Then boot from the DVD, install Win7 using Custom install with Advanced drive tools to format the target drive first.

 

[GEWB]

reghakr and gregrocker are correct but I still recommend unplugging the second and third drive. You set the initial boot order to DVD in order to install - and are you SURE which drive is the target?

Really sure?

No? Then unplug the other two drives before installing Windows.

After installing Windows and reconnecting the other drives then set the drive boot order to the first drive.

Better safe than sorry.

Regards, GEWB

 

[Logetik]

Ok, thanks for your replies.