Loading Win7 on two separate HDD drives, same computer.

[Glidercj]

Greeting all!,

I have a question regarding the install of Windows 7 Professional 64 bit. I've done this on one HDD successfully and due to conflicts with additional software I wish to reinstall Win7 on a completely new HDD (on the same machine). This way I can keep both programs separate also leaving me with an additional OS in case the other fails. I plan to use the BIOS to switch to the other drive (boot order) when I wish to use the other software on occassion.
I plan on backing up my files onto an external drive.
So my question is as such, can I load Win7 onto a separate drive and switch the drive of which to boot from to achieve my goal?

Glidercj

 

[Mitaek]

I have a dual boot system with Win 764bit Home Edition on 2 HDs like you're describing. Works flawlessly. I use EasyBCD to manage my bootloader, it's a free download and very easy to use. I've created a partition on one of my drives for data storage and pointed both operating systems to store data in that partition. Also synced these data files to an external HD along with a backup of both operating systems.

 

[gregrocker]

It is always better with separate HD's to boot the OS's via the BIOS Boot order or one-time Boot menu key.

Set the preferred OS as first HD to boot, or boot the other using the key for Boot menu to choose it's HD:

• Asus - F8
• HP/Compaq - Esc
• Sony - F2
• Acer - F2
• Gateway - F10
• eMachnes - F10
• Toshiba - F12
• Dell - F12
• IBM/Lenovo - the blue Thinkvantage button

This keeps the HD's independent to come and go as you please.

 

[Kari]

I'm not getting any popularity prices with this, but I still feel it is an important thing to tell:

Please keep in mind that what you are planning to do is not allowed by Microsoft, it is very clearly against Windows 7 EULA.

​

2. INSTALLATION AND USE RIGHTS.
a. One Copy per Computer. [FONT=Tahoma,Tahoma][FONT=Tahoma,Tahoma]You may install one copy of the software on one computer. That computer is the "licensed computer."
[/FONT][/FONT]

Please do not PM me telling I'm a PITA. I know it already

Kari

 

[Glidercj]

Thanx for your replies!
Now I ponder the course and how to of this endeavor. Do I just insert the CD and boot up as a clean install and choose the appropriate drive of which to install the OS. Should I unplug the existing HDD and then reconnect it when I'm finished installing? I've haven't had time to do thorough research on the EasyBCD so until I do let's just concentrate on the install and selection of the drive.
If it's not too much trouble list the sequence of this process.
Kari, if you view this post again I just want you to know how I appreciate your concern.

Glidercj

 

[gregrocker]

Yes, unplug the other OS HD when you are installing. This keeps them independent booted via BIOS as explained.

You do not need to use EasyBCD which interlocks the HD's when you have OS's on separate HD's.

If you don't have separate Product Keys for each OS, you will have 120 days to decide which OS you want to keep: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/875-activation-trial-period-extend-up-120-days.html

 

[Glidercj]

Thanx Gregrocker!,
While on the subject of OS. I have a new copy of XP Home SP3 of which I was going to use until I saw Win 7 was about to be released. So I ordered the Win 7 only to find out it was an upgrade. I wanted the full version so I waited until Win 7 was out. So now I have XP SP3 with an unused version of Win7 upgrade. If I wish to install it this way I would have the License key for the upgrade version and wouldn't fall into the issue of expiration. Can I manually transfer the data I wish to keep/archieve onto my additional (storage) HDD's - internal and external while using different OS's?
Each OS will see all the components installed on the machine but through the functioning OS of choice? Correct?

Glidercj

 

[gregrocker]

If you had XP you never needed to buy Win7 full version. You dont' even need the XP installed to qualify for Upgrade version - just have it on hand and not use it again while its the qualifying XP or Vista.

You can of course use a Data HD or partition to store your OS User files, sharing these files between the two OS's. Here's how to link to those User folders from each OS: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18629-user-folders-change-default-location.html

A more practical usage of two Win7's is on separate machines. May I ask why you want to put two Win7's on one machine? Perhaps we can suggest alternatives.

 

[Glidercj]

Here's the wrinkle!
I'm using two different video editting programs of which have conflicts (slight but bothersome) between them when installed on the same machine. It is a real nuisance when capturing video. I've contacted the manufacturer and they said the two programs do conflict in certain situations (not always) of which they have no answer for or fix. They recommended using one or the other (of course theirs) to resolve the issue. If there is any interruption (even for a picosecond) while capturing the video stops and the sound continues. Then I have to delete the recording and start all over from the beginning. Why would I want two programs - simple - both have features I like and wish to use when compiling the finished program/video. One program has a better editting format and the other has better cature features. Once I have the video in digital format it matters not where or how it's on my machine. Also after installing both programs weird things were happening to my computer. The floppy drive would activate trying read a disc that wasn't installed, IE would stop responding and windows explorer would freeze from time to time. I've since re-installed the OS and all of the software except the one video capture program. So far all is good and well regarding the system, working as advertised!
So I figured if I could run each program separately and store the video I could access it when I need it.

Glidercj

 

[gregrocker]

Try turning off all programs in the msconfig>Startup list which absolutely do not have to start up with Windows - AV and gadgets is all I use. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1401-startup-programs-change.html

All others are freeloaders on your startup time, RAM and CPU, and can spy on you.

It also gives them the ability to conflict more with other programs if they are running all the time in the background.

If they need to update themselves, they'll let you know when you use them. They don't need to hold a phone line open to home.

 

[Tepid]

Thanx Gregrocker!,
While on the subject of OS. I have a new copy of XP Home SP3 of which I was going to use until I saw Win 7 was about to be released. So I ordered the Win 7 only to find out it was an upgrade. I wanted the full version so I waited until Win 7 was out. So now I have XP SP3 with an unused version of Win7 upgrade. If I wish to install it this way I would have the License key for the upgrade version and wouldn't fall into the issue of expiration. Can I manually transfer the data I wish to keep/archieve onto my additional (storage) HDD's - internal and external while using different OS's?
Each OS will see all the components installed on the machine but through the functioning OS of choice? Correct?

Glidercj

First I agree with Greg about startup garbage, and those apps.
The only way that I could forsee them conflicting is because some portion of both are running in the background. If you stop this activity, it is possible you will remedy the problem.

And,, the quote above is an extreme gray area.

Because, even though MS allows a full install using the Upgrade media, this is not entirely legal, however, they also don't seem to care (yet).

With that said, Because you have Upgrade media, if you are ok with running XP under one side and Windows 7 on the other, it would be possible to use your Win 7 Upgrade to install a full version of Windows 7 as well.

But, legally, if you install Win 7 Upgrade, you are technically not allowed to use Win XP any longer.

Again, that is an extremely gray area, which does not appear that MS actually care about.

Reason? XP is out and 7 is in. Eventually, XP will be the dinosaur (that some will continue to use like 98SE is still used, but should not be).

Anyway. Just some thoughts.

 

[Glidercj]

Okay I'll try this, I just hope it works. I'd hate to have to load all this stuff again.
Since you sound well versed in this OS let me ask one more question.
After I formated my "C" drive with the installation disc upon re-installation of 7 the software would not allow me to install the OS on that drive. I wanted to make sure the HD was clean and free of any corruption. I had to select another drive in order to complete the install.
I was reading a thread in a different area (of which I can longer locate)and it spoke of a similar situation where a gentleman could not do likewise. The article meantioned that there might be a loss of the sata drivers, and or other components missing from the HD? Does this sound correct. I thought this stuff was contained on the MoBo.

Glidercj

 

[Glidercj]

Greg - Tepid,

Thanx for the input regarding the start up! So I can remove/uncheck everything in start up except my AV and I do like the gadgets so I'll leave that alone. I do use a firewall (Zonealarm free) so I won't touch that either but everything else can go?

Glidercj

 

[Tepid]

Well, I will not air my own reservations of any 3rd party Firewall, other than they are mostly a waste of space.

But yes, Then you can go into Services and check the box at the bottom to Hide all Microsoft Services
Then if you want, post what is listed, if those apps are listed there that you are trying to use,, uncheck them there also,, they should not need services running either.

As for the drivers,, yes, you may need to have the drivers located on a usb drive or something to be able to have access to them during the install. Windows will not have all Sata drivers, so, if they are needed, you will need to provide them.

 

[gregrocker]

I would also not use ZoneAlarm when the Win7 firewall works perfectly with a lightweight, free and nearly invisible AV like MS Security Essentials or Avast 5.

Startup Programs - Change

I do not understand your question about the install failing to install upon the partition you created. If you used the installer to create your partitioning, then it issued a 100mb System Reserved partition which it will not allow you to install upon because it is too small and used for booting only. Is this what happened? What is the drive letter for your Win7 install? Post back a screenshot of your Disk Mgmt drive map if you are concerned - use Snipping Tool in Start Menu.

If you were concerned about corrupt or infected code, formatting doesn't do anything to overwrite ANY code, just the partition table. You need to wipe the HD to overwrite possibly infected or corrupt code: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

 

[Glidercj]

Yes I use Free Avast (latest not sure if it's "5"). So I'll unistall the ZA firewall. The ZA win 7 version (free is a real pain anyway it keeps asking to upgrade) and enable the Win 7 firewall.
If I get a chance Friday I'll copy the contents and post the services list. I think you meant to "uncheck not check hide all MS Services? "(Then you can go into Services and check the box at the bottom to Hide all Microsoft Services. Then if you want, post what is listed, if those apps are listed there that you are trying to use,, uncheck them there also,, they should not need services running either.)"
The HD in question is a Seagate 500GB Barracuda, so I would have to go to the Seagte site and download the drives - drivers?

 

[gregrocker]

There are no drivers on Seagate site, just firmware which rarely applies except in older drives. The driver in question is the chipset's SATA controller driver, which are almost all provided by the Win7 installer. If your HD is not shown during install, only then will you need to insert the SATA driver.

The steps are in the Change Startup Programs tutorial I've posted twice now.

 

[Glidercj]

Greg,
I did remove some files from the start up but I was running out of time. Yesterday I was coming off night shift and had to return today on day shift, not much time off yesterday.
I'm going to enter through "msconfig and view the start up list from there. I'm more familiar with format.

As for the drive issue, I can see and access the drive, seems to work just fine. This issue took place only during the re-install period. Since I don't remember exactly what it said during the install I can't tell you anymore than I have. I believe it is in Disc mgr (where one can partiton the drive) it states the drive is healthy. Also I don't have any data on the drive that I can't relocate or delete. What else can I do besides running scan disk to re-affirm the integraty of the drive and or look and fix any issue with it, if any?

This question isn't important so if you don't know off the top of your head please disregard. After uninstalling ZA Windows firewall took over immediately - that all fine and well. There will be a learning curve working with it as I have viewed the program. During which time I looked for an option to "stop all internet activity" like the option ZA had. Does Windows FW have this option? I used this on ZA when I was working on the computer but not online just as an added measure of security. This feature was to create an effect as being disconnected from the internet.

This one here I'm going to contact Epson regarding an issue with faxing from the computer through my new printer, Epson 835 Artisian. When I attempt to fax using the printer mode and selecting the Epson printer (fax) I get a message "can't find open port" when hitting the send button, yet I can print a word doc just fine. The unit's trouble shooting software checks and says all is connected and is in working order.
I tried to fax using the manual mode (bypassing the computer) and that works great. At one time it instructed me to reload the driver and I did but same issue pops up.
Once I have this straightened out I will proceed to loading my remaining video software and see if the is any issues with that.

Once again Greg, thanx for your time!

Glidercj

 

[gregrocker]

There is no need to disconnect from internet manually or using firewall that I am aware of.

I would check the Epson website to make sure you have installed the latest Win7 software for your all-in-one, as this is needed (more than just the driver supplied by Win7) for the auxilliary functions - although some will work from the rightclick context menu when you click on the unit in Devices and Printers.

I would run the HD maker's diag/repair full CD scan on your HD, followed by http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html
Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.

 

[Glidercj]

Thanx Greg I will look into this tonight.

Glidercj