How to install Windows 7 on second partition?

[QuentinX5]

So here is my issue:

I have a OEM CD from my manufacturer. I have two separate partitions in which I am going to be installing Windows on, one that is going to be connected to my Domain at my work, and then the other section of Windows that would be for my own personal use. Using the OEM disc would be the easiest to install it and then use my Windows Anytime Upgrade on to get it running on Ultimate and connect to my domain at my work. Thing is, when I go to run the OEM CD, it gives me three options for installing the OS and all on my hard drive:

Recover Windows to first partition only
Recover Windows to entire HD
Recover Windows to entire HD with two partitions


I'm trying to find a way to install it without erasing all of my data. The first option seems like it would work perfectly, but how would I know which partition on my computer would be the technical "first partition"? I searched around a bit to see if I could find a step-by-step guide or possibly even a picture or maybe what even happens after you tell the process to start, but I couldn't find anything.

Anyone have some experience with using a OEM CD and could tell me what would happen or what I could possibly do?



Trying to do this on a ASUS-G72GX

 

[AddRAM]

Get your data off the drives first. If you do the installs it`s gonna wipe them. Your last install will always be the default boot operating system. After you have both installed you can use EasyBCD to edit one of the names of the os`s to W72 or whatever you like and you can choose which os you want to boot to 1st and set the timer. Read up b4 you start.

Your 1st sentence sounded like you had no data, just 2 partitions ready to go for your install. Ask questions now b4 you start.

 

[QuentinX5]

It loads up in the boot menu as:

Work-OS (Partition I want to install OEM CD on)
- This has a copy of Windows 7 I set up on it to see if I could just find the product key from the cd and all.
Home-OS (Partition I want to keep all my data from)

So speaking as such, then the first one that I do want to be formatted and have Windows installed on will do so?

 

[AddRAM]

Don`t think you want to use that disc to do your 2nd install. Plus your gonna need another license key to activate windows#2. Is your employer allowing you to do this ? Or is it your personnal pc ?

Does the work OS function ok ?

 

[QuentinX5]

It's the OEM disc, so installing it would activate the license key on it and everything. This is my personal PC, and I already talked to the IT and he said setting it up like that would work perfectly for using it as a dual boot between personal and work.

The work OS works just fine, it's just not activated at all, which is why I said using that disc and using the first option on the OEM disc should just format the Work-OS partition and override it with the OEM software and leave the Home-OS partition and all other partitions alone, right?

 

[AddRAM]

Sounds like it should. Why isn`t it activated ?
I would still backup anything you want to keep. On DVD, flashdrive etc.

If it`s working fine then why mess with it.

 

[QuentinX5]

I downloaded a Windows 7 Ultimate ISO that I got from Digitalriver.|
Doing the backup now, and after that I plan to try installing it.

 

[gregrocker]

Follow these steps to get the superior Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

Back up your data first, then boot the installer, choose Custom install, use Drive options to delete all partitions and create your two OS partitions and a data partition.

If you can save your existing data partition and still work in the two OS partitions, then do that. But it is always risky to install, repair or even run without a backup.

 

[AddRAM]

Well have you made any progress ?

 

[QuentinX5]

Left for a week on vacation :X
Went through the installation process on it and it ended up wiping my main partition of Windows and left the other one clean, and destroyed the boot record as well. So from that I had to fix the hard drive using another computer and work with it. But so far, no luck. Still trying to work around and see if I can make the other partition of Windows the active unit.