How to install win7 on two separate hard disks?

kirakun2

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Hello everyone, i want to attempt something but im unsure, hope u could help me out :)

So basically, i have a win7 hm basic original cd.

1. Win7 is already installed on one of my hard disks and the os is used by pretty much everyone in the family.

2. I want to install it on a second hard disk which i intend to buy soon. Because i need a clean completely separated os from the other hard disk for personal works and storage.

3. Basically i don't want to partition my drive for dual boot, but rather get a choice on which hard disk to load windows at start up. I want them to be separated.

So is that possible? Could u guide me through the setup, because i hear something about master and slave drive, but i'm lost at these, not that i'm a noob, but i'm no techguy either. I would really appreciate help, thank you for sparing your time. Have a nice day!

Edit: i would like to know if there are risks of losing the os on my original hard disk in doing so?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Home Basic OEMIntel E5300 dual core 2.6ghz4 gb Dual channel Corsair :) Finally! (but 32...AMD Radeon HD 6570
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Compaq dx1000 microtower (aka outdated pc)
OS
Windows 7 Home Basic OEM
CPU
Intel E5300 dual core 2.6ghz
Motherboard
MSI 2A78h
Memory
4 gb Dual channel Corsair :) Finally! (but 32bit meh...)
Graphics Card(s)
AMD Radeon HD 6570
Monitor(s) Displays
Zenware
Screen Resolution
1680x1050
Hard Drives
Samsung 300Gb
PSU
350w
Case
Ordinary HP case
Cooling
2 airfans for Cpu and 1 for Gpu
Keyboard
Dragon war
Mouse
Hp compaq
Internet Speed
1mbps download, even less upload (just don't pay attention:)
Other Info
Next plan is to get a Core2Duo for it XD
Hello everyone, i want to attempt something but im unsure, hope u could help me out :)

So basically, i have a win7 hm basic original cd.

1. Win7 is already installed on one of my hard disks and the os is used by pretty much everyone in the family.

2. I want to install it on a second hard disk which i intend to buy soon. Because i need a clean completely separated os from the other hard disk for personal works and storage.

3. Basically i don't want to partition my drive for dual boot, but rather get a choice on which hard disk to load windows at start up. I want them to be separated.

So is that possible? Could u guide me through the setup, because i hear something about master and slave drive, but i'm lost at these, not that i'm a noob, but i'm no techguy either. I would really appreciate help, thank you for sparing your time. Have a nice day!

First a question, do you have the family pack which provides for 3 installations? If not, that will be your starting point; i.e. purchase another copy of Windows.

Then go to the following link for instructions;

http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/245538-dual-boot-two-seperate-internal-hdds.html

HTH
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Professional x64Intel i5 quad processor16 GBRadeon HD 5770
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom Built
OS
Windows 7 Professional x64
CPU
Intel i5 quad processor
Motherboard
DP67BG
Memory
16 GB
Graphics Card(s)
Radeon HD 5770
Sound Card
Realtek High Definition Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung SyncMaster
Screen Resolution
1920X1080
Hard Drives
WD 2TB (SATA Internal)
WD 1TB (USB External)
PSU
Corsair GS800
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Tower (Generic)
Cooling
3 Internal Fans
Keyboard
MS Wireless
Mouse
MS Optical Wired
Internet Speed
54 mbps
Antivirus
Emsisoft
Browser
IE-Version 9, Palemoon-Version 24.2.0
Hello everyone, i want to attempt something but im unsure, hope u could help me out :)

So basically, i have a win7 hm basic original cd.

1. Win7 is already installed on one of my hard disks and the os is used by pretty much everyone in the family.

2. I want to install it on a second hard disk which i intend to buy soon. Because i need a clean completely separated os from the other hard disk for personal works and storage.

3. Basically i don't want to partition my drive for dual boot, but rather get a choice on which hard disk to load windows at start up. I want them to be separated.

So is that possible? Could u guide me through the setup, because i hear something about master and slave drive, but i'm lost at these, not that i'm a noob, but i'm no techguy either. I would really appreciate help, thank you for sparing your time. Have a nice day!

First a question, do you have the family pack which provides for 3 installations? If not, that will be your starting point; i.e. purchase another copy of Windows.

Then go to the following link for instructions;

http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/245538-dual-boot-two-seperate-internal-hdds.html

HTH

Okay, ill remove the part i said i was probably a noob, i am a noob. I got fooled by my technician (won't trust them ever) =.= well literally when i bought win7 i asked him abt it and he sold me the OEM version which i did not know about, (he could have informed me of the OEM and retail versions - though i should have done my homework too..... i feel betrayed.)
So basically from what i understand the technician outsmarted me and trapped me, so that i'm dependent on him for OS support?

Is OEM affected by change in hard disk? Can't i install it on the other hdisk (cause ill be using the same mobo, and every hardware is the same) or is that considered another "pc" i.e does the licensing involve only one hdisk at a time?

From the link u gave me, i see that u have to disconnect the first hard disk, but is there any risk of losing my installed os and their apps (cause i have some programs whose license are working) when reconnecting after the 2nd os is installed on the other disk?

Thnx for replying :)
 
Last edited:

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Home Basic OEMIntel E5300 dual core 2.6ghz4 gb Dual channel Corsair :) Finally! (but 32...AMD Radeon HD 6570
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Compaq dx1000 microtower (aka outdated pc)
OS
Windows 7 Home Basic OEM
CPU
Intel E5300 dual core 2.6ghz
Motherboard
MSI 2A78h
Memory
4 gb Dual channel Corsair :) Finally! (but 32bit meh...)
Graphics Card(s)
AMD Radeon HD 6570
Monitor(s) Displays
Zenware
Screen Resolution
1680x1050
Hard Drives
Samsung 300Gb
PSU
350w
Case
Ordinary HP case
Cooling
2 airfans for Cpu and 1 for Gpu
Keyboard
Dragon war
Mouse
Hp compaq
Internet Speed
1mbps download, even less upload (just don't pay attention:)
Other Info
Next plan is to get a Core2Duo for it XD
You can probably install on the other HDD, but you may run into an activation problem.

When you install on the new HDD, make sure the current HDD is disconnected. Then (when you are done and the current HDD is reconnected) you can switch between the 2 HDDs via the BIOS boot order.
 

My Computer My Computer

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Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8from 1.6GHz Duo to i7
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP, Dell, Gateway, Toshiba - 4 laptops and 2 desktops
OS
Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
CPU
from 1.6GHz Duo to i7
Monitor(s) Displays
2x HP w2207
Hard Drives
5x HDD, 7x SSD, 12x Externals
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with trackball - no mices
Mouse
Trackball mice
Internet Speed
DSL 6000
Thanks, it seems the way to go..., are there risks of losing my old os though, cause i don't want to installed programs and lose files. About the os, ill purchase a new or use ubuntu.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Home Basic OEMIntel E5300 dual core 2.6ghz4 gb Dual channel Corsair :) Finally! (but 32...AMD Radeon HD 6570
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Compaq dx1000 microtower (aka outdated pc)
OS
Windows 7 Home Basic OEM
CPU
Intel E5300 dual core 2.6ghz
Motherboard
MSI 2A78h
Memory
4 gb Dual channel Corsair :) Finally! (but 32bit meh...)
Graphics Card(s)
AMD Radeon HD 6570
Monitor(s) Displays
Zenware
Screen Resolution
1680x1050
Hard Drives
Samsung 300Gb
PSU
350w
Case
Ordinary HP case
Cooling
2 airfans for Cpu and 1 for Gpu
Keyboard
Dragon war
Mouse
Hp compaq
Internet Speed
1mbps download, even less upload (just don't pay attention:)
Other Info
Next plan is to get a Core2Duo for it XD
Hello everyone, i want to attempt something but im unsure, hope u could help me out :)

So basically, i have a win7 hm basic original cd.

1. Win7 is already installed on one of my hard disks and the os is used by pretty much everyone in the family.

2. I want to install it on a second hard disk which i intend to buy soon. Because i need a clean completely separated os from the other hard disk for personal works and storage.

3. Basically i don't want to partition my drive for dual boot, but rather get a choice on which hard disk to load windows at start up. I want them to be separated.

So is that possible? Could u guide me through the setup, because i hear something about master and slave drive, but i'm lost at these, not that i'm a noob, but i'm no techguy either. I would really appreciate help, thank you for sparing your time. Have a nice day!

First a question, do you have the family pack which provides for 3 installations? If not, that will be your starting point; i.e. purchase another copy of Windows.

Then go to the following link for instructions;

http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/245538-dual-boot-two-seperate-internal-hdds.html

HTH

Okay, ill remove the part i said i was probably a noob, i am a noob. I got fooled by my technician (won't trust them ever) =.= well literally when i bought win7 i asked him abt it and he sold me the OEM version which i did not know about, (he could have informed me of the OEM and retail versions - though i should have done my homework too..... i feel betrayed.)
So basically from what i understand the technician outsmarted me and trapped me, so that i'm dependent on him for OS support?

Is OEM affected by change in hard disk? Can't i install it on the other hdisk (cause ill be using the same mobo, and every hardware is the same) or is that considered another "pc" i.e does the licensing involve only one hdisk at a time?

From the link u gave me, i see that u have to disconnect the first hard disk, but is there any risk of losing my installed os and their apps (cause i have some programs whose license are working) when reconnecting after the 2nd os is installed on the other disk?

Thnx for replying :)

In the strictest sense, the OS is only to used on one computer at a time. So, does having the OS on two separate disks in one computer violate the license? I wouldn't know!

When you disconnect the drive with all your data, it will stay intact during the install process on the new drive. However, if you have strict licensing agreements on some of the currently installed software, you may not be able to copy it to the new drive. Different vendors have different restrictions as well as safeguards to prevent more than one installation.

HTH
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Professional x64Intel i5 quad processor16 GBRadeon HD 5770
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom Built
OS
Windows 7 Professional x64
CPU
Intel i5 quad processor
Motherboard
DP67BG
Memory
16 GB
Graphics Card(s)
Radeon HD 5770
Sound Card
Realtek High Definition Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung SyncMaster
Screen Resolution
1920X1080
Hard Drives
WD 2TB (SATA Internal)
WD 1TB (USB External)
PSU
Corsair GS800
Case
Tower (Generic)
Cooling
3 Internal Fans
Keyboard
MS Wireless
Mouse
MS Optical Wired
Internet Speed
54 mbps
Antivirus
Emsisoft
Browser
IE-Version 9, Palemoon-Version 24.2.0
@ Sir George: And about the programs, i'm not going to shift them either, just making sure they don't get erased. And yes about the licensing issues, i kind of understand the paradox lol, i'll just ask microsoft representatives directly, though i already kind of know their replies...

Thnx both of u, i'm glad to see forums where we get professional advice, that was really helpful, thnx again :)
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Home Basic OEMIntel E5300 dual core 2.6ghz4 gb Dual channel Corsair :) Finally! (but 32...AMD Radeon HD 6570
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Compaq dx1000 microtower (aka outdated pc)
OS
Windows 7 Home Basic OEM
CPU
Intel E5300 dual core 2.6ghz
Motherboard
MSI 2A78h
Memory
4 gb Dual channel Corsair :) Finally! (but 32bit meh...)
Graphics Card(s)
AMD Radeon HD 6570
Monitor(s) Displays
Zenware
Screen Resolution
1680x1050
Hard Drives
Samsung 300Gb
PSU
350w
Case
Ordinary HP case
Cooling
2 airfans for Cpu and 1 for Gpu
Keyboard
Dragon war
Mouse
Hp compaq
Internet Speed
1mbps download, even less upload (just don't pay attention:)
Other Info
Next plan is to get a Core2Duo for it XD
Just make sure you unplug your current drive BEFORE you install the OS on your second. This is very important!
 

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Windows 7 Ultimate x64AMD Phenom 9850 x4 2.50GHz4GB DDR2nVidia GeFore 210
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Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
AMD Phenom 9850 x4 2.50GHz
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ASUS M4A785-M
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4GB DDR2
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nVidia GeFore 210
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Onboard
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Samsung SyncMaster BX2031 20" LED
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450 Watt
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Raygo R12-40835 ATX Mid-Tower Case
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Air
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials
Browser
Google Chrome
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Laptop:
Intel Core Duo T2450 @ 2.00GHz
2GB RAM
Windows 7 Ultimate x86
Let us know how it went. We are always curious.
 

My Computer My Computer

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Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8from 1.6GHz Duo to i7
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP, Dell, Gateway, Toshiba - 4 laptops and 2 desktops
OS
Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
CPU
from 1.6GHz Duo to i7
Monitor(s) Displays
2x HP w2207
Hard Drives
5x HDD, 7x SSD, 12x Externals
Keyboard
with trackball - no mices
Mouse
Trackball mice
Internet Speed
DSL 6000
You'll also need to reinstall any programs that you want to run from the new install, although you can easily link your files by browsing from the new desktop to each User folder, right clicking to add to the related Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums.

Later if you have files pile up in your new installation's User folders you can link them the same way from the old Win7.

As suggested earlier you can reinstall OEM version to the same mobo no matter what change of HD or other hardware, as long as the mobo doesn't change.
 
@HarltRon: yes of course XD it seems to be a critical part :)

@whs: Sure, but it'll take some time, till the hdisk drops by :P

@Gregrocker: I'l keep that in mind :)

Thnx everyone! Have a nice day!
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Home Basic OEMIntel E5300 dual core 2.6ghz4 gb Dual channel Corsair :) Finally! (but 32...AMD Radeon HD 6570
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Compaq dx1000 microtower (aka outdated pc)
OS
Windows 7 Home Basic OEM
CPU
Intel E5300 dual core 2.6ghz
Motherboard
MSI 2A78h
Memory
4 gb Dual channel Corsair :) Finally! (but 32bit meh...)
Graphics Card(s)
AMD Radeon HD 6570
Monitor(s) Displays
Zenware
Screen Resolution
1680x1050
Hard Drives
Samsung 300Gb
PSU
350w
Case
Ordinary HP case
Cooling
2 airfans for Cpu and 1 for Gpu
Keyboard
Dragon war
Mouse
Hp compaq
Internet Speed
1mbps download, even less upload (just don't pay attention:)
Other Info
Next plan is to get a Core2Duo for it XD
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