How "clean" must a clean install be?

[ajglass]

I've divided my primary physical drive into two partitions.

The first partition (C:\Windows XP) is 75 GB.

The second partition (D:\Programs) is 205GB. It houses most of my applications, raw installation files and license keys.

Query: In installing Windows 7 Ultimate upgrade am I allowed to retain the second partition whilst the new OS is directed to and occupies a clean first partition?

Thanks.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Yes, assuming you direct the install to the C partition.

 

[gregrocker]

According to the EULA, you need to stop using the qualifying OS when it is upgraded. Many are running a dual boot to start, but bailing out of the XP much sooner than any of us did in beta. It is not always easy to get out of.

You can install Win7 upgrade to any partition you want by selecting it during install.

If you boot from the Upgrade disk, you can do the cleanest possible install by choosing Custom and using Advanced Tools to Delete the XP partition, Create a New one in that space, then Format and install. The Win7 installer will have already read the XP during boot-up and allow you to insert your product key and later activate.

Afterward use the excellent new Win7 backup imaging to store externally an image of your HDD so that reinstalls will never again be needed, just reimage the HDD (or a replacement) using your installer repair console in about 15 minutes.

 

[ajglass]

Why I'm concerned

Thanks. I've got no problem in bailing out of XP nor do I have any interest in a dual boot setup with Windows 7.

My OS is on C:\ while my programs, for the most part, are on D:\. While I understand they'll need to be reinstalled, it's a lot easier, I would think, to do so when you have the template in place.

However, along with other folks in this discussion I am anxious about 64-bit driver availability and compatibility. For example, I run my printer on LPT1 and I'd like to continue to do that. For some exotic needs, I turn to XyWrite, a legacy DOS-based word processor. While I recognize XyWrite won't run on a 64-bit platform, I'm hoping it will respond under virtual XP.

 

[zigzag3143]

I've divided my primary physical drive into two partitions.

The first partition (C:\Windows XP) is 75 GB.

The second partition (D:\Programs) is 205GB. It houses most of my applications, raw installation files and license keys.

Query: In installing Windows 7 Ultimate upgrade am I allowed to retain the second partition whilst the new OS is directed to and occupies a clean first partition?

Thanks.

Assuming you want to eliminate the XP OS win 7 will install and be happy in 75 gigs. It will not touch D:\

let us know if you need antyhing else


Ken

 

[ajglass]

I've divided my primary physical drive into two partitions.

The first partition (C:\Windows XP) is 75 GB.

The second partition (D:\Programs) is 205GB. It houses most of my applications, raw installation files and license keys.

Query: In installing Windows 7 Ultimate upgrade am I allowed to retain the second partition whilst the new OS is directed to and occupies a clean first partition?

Thanks.

Assuming you want to eliminate the XP OS win 7 will install and be happy in 75 gigs. It will not touch D:\

let us know if you need antyhing else


Ken

Thanks, Ken. I'll give it a try.

 

[Dave76]

I've divided my primary physical drive into two partitions.

The first partition (C:\Windows XP) is 75 GB.

The second partition (D:\Programs) is 205GB. It houses most of my applications, raw installation files and license keys.

Query: In installing Windows 7 Ultimate upgrade am I allowed to retain the second partition whilst the new OS is directed to and occupies a clean first partition?

Thanks.

Good plan, your D partition won't be touched if you select the C partition for the installation.
To be safe, always backup your HD before any installation.

 

[ajglass]

Thanks Dave. I'm ready to take plunge.