Installing Win7 to 2 partition HDD (previously XP)

[narby]

My current Windows XP system has the HDD split into 2 partitions. I plan to move all my important data off of the C: drive to an external one temporarily and then blow away the C partition (leaving the D: partition with my other data). From there I will install Windows 7 to the blank first partition.

I know this would work with Windows XP and previous versions but will this work with Windows 7? Will Windows 7 play nicely with the previously existing D: partition? Are there any risks or issues associated with doing this? Appreciate your support. Thank you.

 

[DocBrown]

My current Windows XP system has the HDD split into 2 partitions. I plan to move all my important data off of the C: drive to an external one temporarily and then blow away the C partition (leaving the D: partition with my other data). From there I will install Windows 7 to the blank first partition.

I know this would work with Windows XP and previous versions but will this work with Windows 7? Will Windows 7 play nicely with the previously existing D: partition? Are there any risks or issues associated with doing this? Appreciate your support. Thank you.

Do you have a full version Win7 or upgrade ? 32 bit or 64 bit ?


" Doc "

 

[Dave76]

Welcome to Seven Forums.

Seven Forums have very good tutorials, you can see the procedure your asking about in Step #7. So, Yes it will work.
Clean Installation with Windows 7

For more tutorials that will help with Win7 installation.
Tutorial quick reference list for Installing Windows 7

Reply here if you have any questions

 

[myzr7]

Welcome to SevenForums narby
Do you have a system recovery partition? Maybe you should look at your disk managment picture. If so what is you plan for it? Good luck with your install.

 

[narby]

Thanks guys. My concern was with regards to how Windows 7 would treat my existing D: partition.

 

[SIW2]

As long as you don't format it on the way in, or point the installer at it - it will not be damaged.

 

[Dave76]

Seven Forums have very good tutorials, you can see the procedure your asking about in Step #7. So, Yes it will work.
Clean Installation with Windows 7

Thanks guys. My concern was with regards to how Windows 7 would treat my existing D: partition.

If you have the Upgrade Win7 version, you may have some difficulties if you format C partition first. It still can be done. Which was why Doc asked that question.

If you have the Full version, then no problem. Just direct the install to the C partition.

The tutorial listed will help you to make sure you don't bypass that important step, it's happened even to some experienced people.

Let us know how everything goes.

To be safe, backup your HD before starting the installation.